When you walk into Real Deal Memorabilia in Heathrow, some of the most famous faces in sports and entertainment greet you from every inch of wall space, and a friendly face greets you from behind the counter. Like clockwork, Tuesday through Saturday you’ll find Randy Gerstenberger serving customers at his memorabilia shop in Colonial Town Park, (Monday’s he’s in the backroom catching up on his orders for the week). This small business owner does it all, from getting memorabilia signed, to helping customers with the perfect order, to custom framing – Gerstenberger is the heart and soul of his shop, and as I got to know him it was clear to see that’s just the way he likes it.

My Dad has always collected sports memorabilia. From the Orlando Magic and the Florida Gators, to some really neat pieces like an old Wayne Gretzky hockey stick, I learned to appreciate sports and its accompanying memorabilia from a young age (I remember “collecting” Magic stuff in the late ‘80s when it all started…). But even with my appreciation, I really had no idea what went into getting a piece of signed memorabilia – Gerstenberger’s specialty.

Gerstenberger has been in the memorabilia business for more than 18 years, first online and then with a shop on the West coast of Florida before opening his store in Heathrow two years ago. Like many small business owners, Gerstenberger’s passion for the business started out more of a hobby and slowly grew into the business he has today.

I always wondered where all those pieces of signed memorabilia come from — it turns out it’s a very strategic process. In the sports world, memorabilia dealers from across the country arrange signing sessions with athletes through their agents. At a signing session, an athlete might sign around 500 different items for about an hour to an hour and a half. Then the dealer supplies those items to memorabilia shops across the country. We didn’t get into the exact fees athlete’s charge for their autographs, but Gerstenberger did tell me it varies from person to person. Not just a retail shop, Real Deal Memorabilia is also a dealer so Gerstenberger himself arranges and attends some of these signings – though he doesn’t get to go to as many now that he runs his full-time retail store.

Autographs in the entertainment world are a completely different game. In the entertainment world, stars are asked to sign items by dealers on the spot just like fans. As I began to envision paparazzi types chasing stars down for their autographs, Gerstenberger was quick to add that the people who track down the autographs are some of the best “kiss ups” around, because they know if they annoy the star they won’t get the autograph that day or any other day. A lot more work and thought goes into these things than I realized.

I asked Gerstenberger about his most expensive and most popular autographs, and, as a Gator fan myself, I was glad to hear that the Gators’ stuff is always in popular demand.

“It’s hard to say what the most popular is because it varies so much due to personal taste, but as far as the most expensive in the sports I would say Mohammad Ali and Tiger Woods are definitely among the top. In the entertainment world, Sean Connery and Paul McCartney. Barack Obama ranks right up there too,” Gerstenberger said.

When I think about autographed memorabilia, I automatically think about sports stuff. So, I was surprised when Gerstenberger told me that in some ways the entertainment stuff is even more popular from a sales standpoint. In fact, the large movie posters, mounted with autographs, photos and other insets, are his best sellers. Gerstenberger told me that people love to buy multiples for movie rooms. He used to have a movie room himself, he told me a bit wistfully, until it was taken over by his kids and is now a play room full of toys.

That brought me to my next question, which received a some what surprising answer: how much memorabilia fills his house?

“None – I get to come here,” he joked. “I used to have a lot in my house when I worked from home, but now it’s all here.”

As I looked around, at the 800 some autographed pieces that surrounded me, I was struck by how attractively each piece was framed – truly art. When I told Gerstenberger as much, I received the kind of awe-shucks response I expected, but that is when I learned that Gerstenberger does all of the custom framing work himself in the backroom.

“I used to have a guy, but he moved away and I just kind of took it over. And I do all types of custom work – not just my own autographed pieces. That’s the real fun stuff (other people’s items) because I get to lay it out and be creative. Then, when they pick it up and they are really pleased – it’s great,” Gerstenberger explained.

To put him to the test, I picked out an autographed photo of Tim Tebow for my husband for our anniversary. It wasn’t framed, just a plain photo with his silver signature in a protective sleeve, but I knew Gerstenberger could make it pretty enough for my husband’s “sports room” (aka our living room). Sure enough, when I picked it up it was perfect. From just a photo – to a piece of art fit for display, (and my husband loved it too!).

In addition to selling pieces to the individual collector and other memorabilia shops around the county, Gerstenberger has a very successful corporate gift program.

“We have had a lot of businessmen who purchase our unique products for their co-workers, clients, and those they hope to do business with. We also have some employers who use our unique products to help motivate employees by offering them as incentives. This is a very affordable way to brand yourself, or your company, by getting a Yankees or a Gators fan a collectible that they will hang on their wall and always think of you when they look at it. You can buy somebody the nicest meal in the world, but a day later, they have nothing to show for your generosity” Gerstenberger said.

Another interesting program Gerstenberger told me about is his auction program that allows him to give back to charitable organizations.

“It’s a great thing for charities; I provide them with several “big” pieces on consignment at a very discounted price. If it sells, great we both win – if it doesn’t, they just return it to me. People are always surprised I will do this for them, but it doesn’t matter if it’s a big charity or a church or school program. If it’s for a good cause, I am happy to participate. It’s my way of giving back. The charity gets really good stuff they can display, and hopefully they bring in a lot more money than they could with just stuff other companies are willing to give away,” Gerstenberger said.

Randy Gerstenberger is the Real Deal, and whether you are looking for sports or entertainment memorabilia, or even custom framing, he is happy to help you find the perfect fit.

Gerstenberger lives in Lake Mary with his wife, Mona, and their two children, Rachel and Ryan.

For more information about Real Deal Memorabilia – stop by the store at 1012 Townpark Ave., Lake Mary, FL 32746. Store hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 6 pm or call 407-322-9400 for an appointment. You can also visit his online store at www.shoprealdeal.com.

Kennedy’s welcomes a fresh new face in Heathrow. Kristen Gutierrez was finishing up her first day as the new general manager at the Kennedy’s Club in Heathrow when I caught up with her.

“They tell me Mondays are usually crazy, but luckily today has been quieter so I can take it all in,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez recently graduated from Ohio University where she earned a degree in finance and marketing with a concentration in sales. But it is her years of experience working in a salon that make her the ideal candidate as the new GM. While she admits Kennedy’s is quite different than the salon she used to work for — where there were more than 30 stylists and both men and women at the salon in Ohio, there are only four barbers and all men at Kennedy’s — she told me that she is “up to the challenge.”

Having just moved to the area from Cleveland, Ohio over the weekend, Gutierrez hasn’t even had a chance to unpack her boxes. An internship program at Mercantile Capital Corporation in the summer of 2008 first brought Gutierrez to Florida, and it was fellow Ohio University Alum Adam Wonus, franchise owner of Kennedy’s in Winter Park, who initially hired Gutierrez for the internship program.

While Gutierrez was not necessarily planning to return to Florida after graduation, she stayed in touch with the team at MCC, including Wonus and CEO Chris Hurn, who is also the owner of the Kennedy’s Club in Heathrow. When the position became available, it was that connection that eventually led to Gutierrez returning to Central Florida.

“Adam (Wonus) really encouraged me to take on the role and has been very supportive,” Gutierrez said. “It’s really great to have a fellow alum in my corner.”

Kennedy’s goal is to become a third place (much like Starbucks) where its Members can come to relax, get a shave and a haircut, enjoy a cold beverage and network with other Members. There are big plans underway to increase membership at the Heathrow Kennedy’s location, and Hurn is confident Gutierrez will propel the club’s goals.

“I see Kennedy’s as a big team and a family-oriented barber club. I want it to be a place people are excited to tell their friends about and encourage them to enjoy the experience as well, and I think Kristen is just the person to bring those feelings to life,” Hurn said.

Having just made a huge move, Gutierrez has some settling in to do, but she seems eager to get to know the area and the Club Members. She told me that one skill she is certain will be an asset is her ability to get to know people and their needs.

“I have a knack for faces and for remembering the services people want and their routines. I see my role as being the person who welcomes each Member with a smile and having everything ready for them without them even having to ask,” Gutierrez explained.

In addition to Gutierrez, Kennedy’s is staffed by four barbers Edgar Villanueva, Pare’ Perez-Santos, Russell Shane Mayer and Jonathan Lookretis. The Kennedy’s team in Heathrow is ready and pleased to serve its current Members while welcoming new Members and walk-ins to the Club.

The Heathrow Kennedy’s is located at 1120 Townpark Ave., Lake Mary, FL 32746. Call 407 333-9411 for directions and to make an appointment.

With its traditional red and white awning, the Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club® in Baldwin Park is the quintessential barber shop. For nearly four years, Kennedy’s has been both a landmark on New Broad Street and an important part of the Baldwin Park community.

In addition to being active in the community as business owners, Club owners Paul and Sandra Norris are also residents of Baldwin Park and are actively involved as residents as well.

“We really enjoy being a part of the community and taking part in events with the Baldwin Merchants Association such as the local arts festival and a jazz festival with WLLQ and local events for residents such as holiday parades and open air films. We like being a part of the area, and ultimately we know being active with local families generates business for us and the whole community,” Sandra said.

The Norris’ moved to Florida from the United Kingdom four years ago to open their barber Club after Paul retired from the British Army. In the U.K., Sandra was a Sales and Marketing Manager for a new homes builder. Neither had any experience in the hair industry, but they were ready to start something new.

Two years ago, the couple’s success at the Baldwin Park location lead to an opportunity to take over the Dr. Phillips Club. Today, Sandra runs the day-to-day operations at Baldwin Park, and Paul runs the day-to-day operations at Dr. Phillips.

“I love meeting new people, and the regular customers have become more like friends over the years,” Sandra told me.

Besides being actively involved in the community, another factor Sandra attributes to the success of their Club is the strength of their team, which has pretty much remained the same since they opened.

“You can’t have a business without good staff, and we have been blessed to keep this large team together for years,” Sandra said.

While the Norris’ are always actively looking to welcome new residents to the area and new members to their Club, they value their loyal client base of more than 500 active members and even more regular customers who keep their seven chairs full and busy, particularly on evenings and weekends.

The Baldwin Park Kennedy’s is located at 4800 New Broad St., Orlando, FL 32814. Call 407-895-8012 for directions and to make an appointment.

Near the Intercostal, about a mile off Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, lies the southern-most Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club location… for now. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, Kennedy’s members can relax and enjoy a shave and a haircut. Club owner, David Solomon, opened Kennedy’s there in August 2007 after moving to the U.S. from the UK, and almost two years after opening Kennedy’s he still gets excited when he talks about it.

“It gives me a buzz when people tell me, ‘Wow, that’s the best shave I’ve ever had,’” Solomon explained.

Solomon and his family started traveling to the U.S. for vacations more than 20 years ago, but it wasn’t until 2006 that Solomon and his wife, Gloria, even considered making a permanent move to the U.S. with their four sons. Before moving, Solomon worked in the financial sector within real estate. He also worked in a bank and in insurance, but while he was successful, he referred to his work as merely a “job.”

When he started looking at business ideas, Kennedy’s appealed to him because he didn’t have to have prior knowledge – he liked its simplicity. Also, owning a franchise meant he would have the backing he needed — to support him in knowing what to do. But most importantly, Solomon now likes the satisfaction he gets out of his work.

“Certainly there are people who think, ‘Hair grows – cut it.’ But those aren’t our clients. We offer services that blow people off their feet. When people come in, they get the ‘wow factor.’ I take satisfaction in knowing I am able to give people a little pleasure.”

In addition to members from Delray Beach, Kennedy’s attracts members from the neighboring town of Boca Raton. “What we offer, people are willing to travel for,” Solomon said.

Delray Beach is getting ready for its 47th annual Delray Affair, April 17-19, 2009. It’s one of South Florida’s oldest and largest outdoor arts, crafts and entertainment festival venues. With more than 600 booths up and down Atlantic Avenue and more than 250,000 people expected to attend, Solomon is looking forward to Kennedy’s first participation in the event. He’s hoping to attract a few more gentlemen as new members to his growing South Florida Kennedy’s.

The Delray Beach Kennedy’s is located at 851 SE 6th Ave. #101, Delray Beach, FL 33483, call 561-272-0003 for directions and to make an appointment.

With its busy sidewalks, unique boutiques and tasty restaurants, Park Ave has long been a favorite weekend afternoon destination. Its classic culture makes it the perfect location for a Kennedy’s club. And with the new addition of an old favorite – a shoe shine – the Winter Park Kennedy’s club has even more to offer the Kennedy’s men of Park Ave.

Ohio University graduate Adam Wonus moved to Florida soon after graduating for the opportunities available in real estate. He landed at Mercantile Commercial Capital where his work with small business owners and franchise contacts fueled a new interest in franchises. From his unique perspective of reviewing franchise agreements for borrowers, he was able to analyze a number of opportunities and learn about the concepts that were the most affordable and profitable. “When I came across Kennedy’s, I was blown away,” Wonus recalled.

In July 2008, Wonus purchased the Winter Park club with only 35 active members. In less then a year, membership has grown to more than 200 members. Wonus credits the growth to an excellent staff, which includes: Kevin (barber), Jorge (barber) and Sully (cosmetologist). “They really take care of running things for me when I am not around, they are a big part of the club’s success,” Wonus said.

Wonus is also appreciative of his Winter Park neighbors for their support, “This is a great community that has really welcomed us,” Wonus said.

Committed to offering his members all the luxury of a traditional barber, Wonus is excited about the recent addition of an old favorite to Kennedy’s – a shoe shiner. Winter Park regulars will recognize Kennedy’s shoe shiner, Scott, who up until about two years ago, had a shoe shine business next to the cigar shop for 12 years. And Adam is confident this will not only be a nice addition for current members but also attract more new members.

Also coming soon to the Winter Park Kennedy’s, a licensed masseuse, Neisha, will offer 15-30-minute chair massages to members. A haircut, shave, shoe shine, massage and more all under one roof – all at Kennedy’s in Winter Park.

The Winter Park Kennedy’s is located at 346 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, call 407 628-8445 for directions and to make an appointment.

This is the story of four guys and a barber club. While this might conjure up images of a retro TV show, this is a story about finding a business opportunity where men could be… well, gentleman.

When you walk into Kennedy’s®, it is like taking a step back to a time where gentlemen gathered for a haircut and shave to swap stories, relax and take pleasure in the finer things in life. In a 24-hour, media-crazy world where Blackberries and laptops tether us to our work even after we have “punched out” and the media tells stories of doom and gloom, these four gentlemen founded a company, a place, for men to slow down for a moment and enjoy a routine necessity. While others may see this task as mundane and have created quick, in-and-out, just-get-the-job-done “shops,” Kennedy’s® has created a club where members come to feel pampered, suave, elite and successful.

Welcome to Kennedy’s All American Barber Club®.

The customer experience at a Kennedy’s® is for “discerning gentlemen.” It is upscale. It is the polar opposite of the everyday haircut from the big chain shops. Like many successful men, the Kennedy’s® founders felt out of place at salons frequented by their wives or at local strip-center, walk-in “chop shops.” Kennedy’s® was created as a unique place where the founders would actually like to go, to get the grooming services they needed, de-stress and relax in a comfortable environment – rather than being rushed hastily in and out of a place they dreaded. While most hair-cutters cater to women and children and “mass appeal” everything, Kennedy’s All-American Barber Clubs® cater to gentlemen looking for a fine grooming experience with the old-world charm of your father’s barber shop and the quiet sanctuary of a men’s social club, now seen only in old movies.

It is a unique “place,” and the concept of “place” is an often neglected or overlooked success factor in business, in marketing and in premium-price success. Probably the best example of this is Starbucks, which has been described by its founder as a “3rd place business” providing the “place” between home and work, work and home. While not as direct an analogy, Disney’s theme parks have always been about something more significant to people than just an amusement park or just a day’s activity; they are, per Walt’s imagination, “The Happiest Place On Earth.”

So, who are the four gentlemen behind this growing franchise?

Pictured on the cover, these four gentlemen represent Kennedy’s® members with a diverse set of backgrounds that have all brought these gentlemen success and a passion for life. One thing they all have in common is the internal drive that keeps each of these “Kennedy’s® men” always on the go. From trips abroad to hobnobbing with superstars, recording music, writing books and speaking engagements, there is always something new and something interesting in their lives. Even this magazine is a testament to the ever-constant drive and creativity that keeps these businessmen successful in business and entertaining in their personal lives. Hopefully, the pages within this magazine will be an avenue for them to share their knowledge, adventures and successes with you. As you get to know these “guys,” they hope you will also use the magazine as an avenue to learn and share your stories with them too.

You might think at least one in the group had life-long aspirations of owning a barber shop, but not so with these Kennedy’s® men. In fact, I doubt the thought ever crossed their minds until one day – there it was.

“It wasn’t about a haircut, when we started. Any ‘chop shop’ can cut hair. It wasn’t even about the shave, although I have grown quite accustomed to them. It was about a place where men could go to unwind and talk ‘guy stuff.’ I wanted a place to go where, ‘everybody knows your name’ but without all of the smoke and alcohol,” chairman and CEO, Chris Hurn, explained.

And one day, that’s just what he stumbled across along with the other Kennedy’s® men: Tony Zara; JW Dicks; and Nick Nanton.

I wondered how a couple of guys in the commercial mortgage industry like Chris and Tony would become involved in a barber club, so I asked Tony. “When I lived over in the Baldwin Park area, one day I passed a barber club and thought it looked interesting. Later, I became a member for about a year, but when I moved to Longwood, I kind of forgot about it. Then one day, Chris mentioned a barber club in Heathrow and that the franchisors were looking to sell. He asked if I might be interested in meeting with them. A little over a year later, and here we are,” president and CFO, Tony Zara, said.

Ok, so that takes care of half of the team. How did a pair of lawyers get involved?

“Nick and I were already working with Chris and Tony through Mercantile Commercial Capital when Chris had the idea of expanding the barber club as a national franchise. It seemed like such a unique opportunity and concept that Nick and I decided to join the team,” corporate counsel, JW Dicks, said.

“The existing barber club already had some great ‘bones,’ but by adding our own personal touches to the existing club – all of the things we realized we had been ‘looking for,’ we created in Kennedy’s®,” chief marketing officer Nick Nanton added.

It almost sounds like the start of a bad joke – what do you get when you combine two bankers and two lawyers? But this crew is more than just bankers and lawyers, and it’s no joke. Among them, they are national speakers, record producers, best-selling authors and above all, successful businessmen. When they put their combined business and marketing talents together with a unique twist on an old idea, Kennedy’s® was born.

And while they are serious about business, they aren’t all business. They also enjoy “the good life.” Travel, sports, fashion, family, gadgets, wine – businessmen who are also connoisseurs of life. Kennedy’s® men.

When he isn’t hard at work, Chris enjoys traveling (including regular trips to Las Vegas, see his article on page 23) and spending time with his wife Shannon and his two children, Julianna and Reilly. And in his “downtime,” you can often find him in his favorite barber chair at Kennedy’s® All American Barber Club in Heathrow, Florida.

“I tend to keep my plate pretty full, so taking a moment to unwind during a relaxing shave and a haircut serves double duty… allowing me to gather my thoughts in a comfortable atmosphere, while taking care of a task that otherwise becomes a chore,” Chris said.

A Kennedy’s® man through and through, Tony is known among friends as “Mr. Etiquette” for his always professional manner and demeanor. Look for him to share some of his favorite etiquette tips with you in future issues. When not working, Tony enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife Catherine and their son Zachary.

“To me, Kennedy’s® gives men a place to be gentlemen while indulging in a little luxury,” Tony said.

JW jokes that while his business address is Orlando, his play address is at his beach house in St. Petersburg, Florida where he spends as much time as he can with his wife Linda, two daughters, two son-in-laws, granddaughter and two Yorkies. His major hobby is fishing, although the fish are rumored to be safe.

“I see Kennedy’s® as a recession-proof business, since hair won’t stop growing even if the economy is suffering, and a place to get away from the stress of daily life, if only for a moment, to enjoy a shave and a haircut,” JW said.

Nick is known as a “taste-maker” and as a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (also known as NARAS, home to The GRAMMYs); Nick has the honor of casting a vote on the annual GRAMMY® Awards. Look for Nick to share his trip to the 2009 GRAMMY awards with you in a future issue. On Saturdays in the fall, you can find Nick cheering on the Florida Gators football team with his wife Kristina and their sons Brock and Bowen.

“Kennedy’s® is more than just a ‘shop,’ it really is a ‘club’ where members can network with other like-minded, successful members,” Nick said. “And that’s why I love it. It’s the best of both worlds, business…and pleasure.”

So, what’s next for Kennedy’s®?

The launch of this magazine is just another step in the marketing plan to attract both future franchisees and future members for those franchises across the country. Currently, there are six Kennedy’s® franchises in operation throughout Florida with plans to expand throughout the United States. But throughout the phases of expansion, you can be sure when you enter a Kennedy’s® you will always be greeted with the same sense of arriving somewhere you belong.

Thorton Park recently welcomed the newest Kennedy’s franchise to East Washington Street, and on a sunny Saturday afternoon I stopped by to meet the owners and check out their new establishment.

Stuart and Suzi Fitton were busy taking care of last minute items in preparation for the club’s opening January 19 when we arrived. (Thankfully, I arrived after all of the heavy lifting had been taken care of.) Among the last minute clutter, a barber shop was emerging — bottles of products neatly lined the shelves, carefully folded towels were tucked away in cabinets and shinny new barber chairs awaited their first customers. The Fitton’s hadn’t missed a detail; after all, this wasn’t their first Kennedy’s franchise.

Three years ago, the Fitton’s opened their first Kennedy’s barber club in Heathrow when they immigrated to the U.S. from England.

“We needed a business for our Visa, and we were not interested in a fast-food place like a Subway. We finally found Kennedy’s,” Stuart said.

The Fittons had been taking family vacations to Florida for more than 20 years, and now that their children were all grown up, the Fittons were anxious to move to Florida.

“We were actually on holiday here when we found the franchise,” Suzi told me.

When I asked Stuart if he had experience in a barber shop back in England, he told me that he was the general manager of a moving company and Suzi was a homemaker. But Suzi explained that they didn’t need to be barbers to be passionate about Kennedy’s.

“We are not barbers, but I can talk to anyone about Kennedy’s — its more than just our great services, it is a unique place for guys to be guys. Even if it is just for half an hour, it is a place guys can come and just relax and be pampered while taking care of a necessity,” Suzi said.

After selling their Heathrow franchise last year, to Chris Hurn Chairman/CEO of Kennedy’s International Franchise LLC (the franchisor of Kennedy’s), the Fittons are looking forward to opening their new franchise. Located in the heart of Thorton Park, the couple expects membership at the new club to spread quickly as new members recruit friends to this unique barber club just as it did when they opened their first club in Heathrow.

As I left the Fittons, Stuart was on a ladder hanging the new sign. With just a few minor details to finish, their barber shop is ready for its first clients and the Fittons are looking forward to the growth of their Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club®.

The Thorton Park Kennedy’s is located at 716 East Washington St, Suite C, Orlando, FL 32801, call 407-601-3989 for directions.