Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club® in Heathrow

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.

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