Haircut History at Joe’s Barbershop

As Marco Island has grown over the years and businesses come and go, in a cozy strip off of North Collier Boulevard sits Joe’s Barbershop, nestled between other local establishments.

A longstanding staple within the community for over three decades, there have been a few improvements, and when you talk with Joe, meet his family, and staff, it is clear they are only just getting started!

Newly appointed manager, Tony Thongchai, has been working on the Island for about six years. He went to the same barber school as one of Joe’s daughters, knows the family well, and has an ever-abounding respect for Joe. “His business is so successful, I want to keep his legacy going on.” He took great pride in showing the renovations and upgrades that have been completed.

Joe couldn’t help but laugh at the word ‘retirement.’ One of his daughters, Adrian, and his granddaughter Emersyn, who were in the shop at the time, also laughed. Everyone who knows Joe knows that he always has his hands on something within the shop. There is no stopping him.

Looking around the shop, there is an appealing blend of a nostalgic barbershop with an upscale and modern twist. The patriotic red, white, and blue colors are checkered throughout, relaxing music accompanies a cut, and new barber stations that mimic a garage tool bench align the wall. Each is filled with every razor, scissor, and tool a skilled barber needs. “We just finished remodeling, and people love it!” Thongchai smiled widely.

Adrian joked, “Have the kids come over, you know, we take over and we change things up a little bit.”

“I love to see old-fashioned barbering.” Thongchai shared, “We still use the scissor cut,” a now rare art in the barber world. “There's a lot to learn. That’s why I like this job because I am still learning.” Thongchai has enjoyed expanding his own abilities by learning from Joe.

An exciting new addition is a Joe’s Barbershop product line with various waxes, powders, and even beard oil. One can see the attention to detail as Thongchai picked up a bottle and pointed at the logo, where it reads ‘EST. ‘78’, a touching homage to the fact that Joe’s Barbershop first began in Goodland in 1978, before Joe moved his business to the current location 34 years ago.

Thongchai looks to Joe, “I’m glad you picked me, Joe, to run the business.” He continued, “A lot of people thought there was a new owner, but Joe still runs it. I'm glad that he trusts me. I'm glad he saw that I work hard. I love this place so much.” When asked to become the new manager, Thongchai knew he could make positive and lasting changes, “It's like, you know what? I can help him. And everyone else.”

The skilled team of barbers on staff has decades of experience, some having worked alongside Joe over the years, and some having run their own shops before relocating to Marco Island.

“We are all one big family shop.” Adrian beamed.

Betsy Freshmen and her husband Dennis, moved to Florida from Connecticut in 2020. She started working at the shop earlier this year. “It's the best fit in the world. I'm so happy to be here.”

If 18-year-old Joe, who just started cutting hair in New York, could look into the future, he would be quite proud. Finding Marco Island while on his honeymoon, he never left. Creating his own legacy and etching his name into the history of the Island as one of the longest-running businesses, Joe’s Barbershop stands the test of time.

Looking over the mark he has made not only on the Island but on those around him, he spoke with humility about his life: “I’ve been cutting hair for 60 years.” He jumped right into talking about his family, as his granddaughter sat next to him, “I have three daughters.” He also has four grandchildren, all of whom are on the Island and frequent the shop on a regular basis.

“Oh, we are in the shop all the time!” Adrian laughed.

New management, new and improved look, but still the same classic bones. A touching story of perseverance and the power of heart in our ever-changing, fast-paced world.

Joe’s Barbershop offers men’s and women’s cuts, waxing, and beard grooming. Call to schedule a cut or walk-in! You will be greeted by smiling faces, years of experience, and a classic barbershop vibe.