We had the good fortune of connecting with Bradley Palermo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bradley, how do you think about risk?
I try to looks at risks like ‘what’s the worst outcome?’ and ‘has anyone less equipped pull this off before me’. Usually the worst outcome isn’t sudden death, and someone with less preparation or experience has made it work in the past. That’s not to say there isn’t still a risk in whatever hypothetical situation we’re talking about, but it is what pushes me to act on it or not.

What should our readers know about your business?
Val Barber isn’t just another cold run of the mill barbershop. I grew up working in salons at the very bottom. I used to clean them in my teenage years. In a visual industry I learned early on what I liked and didn’t like aesthetically. Val Barber look like your favorite indie record store, something that a lot of the corporate places try to project but mostly miss the mark. You’ve got to have the people, then you’ve got to make it a place where people want to visit and hang outa little.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like to go to Universal Studios, and get some Voodoo Doughnuts while I’m up there. At night, go down to Pantages, or The Magic Castle. For comedy I love UCB and The Comedy Store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Marisa Palermo, is also in the hair industry. She’s kept me strong through all the changes in business, the start of the barbershop, and keeping me on track through the ups and downs of running a small business.

Website: ValBarber..com

Instagram: @thevalbarber

Image Credits
Photos by Kasee Shambora

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