While the 20-plus haircut and styling services that Bazooka Charlie’s Barber Co. offers are well known, the dynamic history behind the brand’s name might be a surprise to many. By Nancy E. Williams
While the 20-plus haircut and styling services that Bazooka Charlie’s Barber Co. offers are well known, the dynamic history behind the brand’s name might be a surprise to many.
When founding the company, Justin Goehring wanted to pay tribute to The Greatest Generation. In particular, Lt. Col. Charles Carpenter, nicknamed “Bazooka Charlie,” served in the U.S. Army as an officer and Army observation pilot during World War II and was a prime example of the generation. The tagline for the franchise is “Unapologetically American,” which references Carpenter’s service to the country and how the franchise serves its clientele with the highest standards.
Bazooka Charlie’s Barber Co. began franchising in 2023 and has seen an enthusiastic response from entrepreneurs since.
“I’m happy to share that we have awarded six franchises and opened our newest location in Lantana, Texas, just north of Fort Worth. This franchisee also has three more units pending with the existing franchisee due to their desire to grow,” shared Ronn Cordova, senior director of franchise recruitment. “We also have several other areas under consideration, such as remaining Texas cities as well as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. By the end of 2024, our goal is to have five new locations open and 15 to 20 more awarded.”
Driven entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can excel with this franchise. While experience in the hair industry is a plus, it is not required.
“We look for candidates with strong business acumen, the required capital to invest and the desire to own their own business,” explained Cordova. “While we do offer passive ownership, it’s not absentee. We want owners engaged in the business.”
The brand offers multi-unit opportunities and supports the ability to scale and grow, leveraging operational systems, proprietary software and cameras in locations for security purposes and remote management. As an emerging brand, Bazooka Charlie’s Barber Co. has a smart growth strategy, focusing on outward growth from the epicenter where it started in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Nancy E. Williams