HJ Business

HJ VOICENOTES

BOBBY GORDON

For me, team has always been the foundation. Without that, it just doesn’t work. I was very sporty growing up, and played football at a high level, so I’ve seen what happens when people pull together. You can’t operate as individuals forever; you have to understand you’re working for the good of everyone. That’s something I’ve tried to carry into every Fella shop. It’s not about pretending it’s always a happy family but about recognising that when you work together, everything improves.

We’ve invested time and energy into things beyond the salon floor. We’ve had trips away, like a team visit to Amsterdam. More recently, we’ve hosted comedy nights in the salons and brought in guest speakers. One that really stood out was a talk from a friend who was a professional footballer, sharing how team values transfer directly into business.

It’s not always easy. We’ve got different locations, different age groups and different personalities. What’s changed is moving away from the default “down the pub” culture and trying to find things that feel inclusive. That matters, because when teams don’t connect, small issues can quickly become big ones, and that affects atmosphere, morale and ultimately the client experience.

From a business point of view, strong team culture drives everything: performance, retention and pride. We run small incentives, competitions and simple rewards, nothing flashy, but it reinforces that if the shop does well, everyone does well.

For me, a strong team culture isn’t just about what happens behind the scenes - clients feel it the moment they walk through the door. When people enjoy working together, it changes the whole energy of a shop. The conversation is better, the atmosphere is relaxed and the service naturally becomes stronger. I’m always quick to say that Fella’s success isn’t down to me alone - it’s the team. They’re incredibly skilled barbers, but they also buy into the same philosophy of looking out for each other and taking pride in what we do. When that’s in place, the client experience takes care of itself. If someone walks out with a great haircut and a bit more swagger in their step, that’s when we know we’ve got it right.

Team building doesn’t have to cost money. It’s non-negotiable, but it can be simple. Sometimes it’s just half an hour after work, a coffee or a beer, and a proper check-in. We run a regular after-hours session we call “Lockheads” a relaxed space where the team can talk trends, techniques and what’s going on in the industry, but also how they’re feeling professionally. It sits somewhere between work and social, which is important. People might admit they’re stuck on a cut, unsure about a style, or just need a bit of reassurance. There’s no pressure just a chance to connect, share advice and keep everyone moving forward together.

As the business grows and models shift, that mindset won’t change. Employed or self-employed, a team is still a team - and if everyone feels included, the business grows stronger with them.