Tell us a bit about your business and why you decided to set up shop in Trenton:

I was posted to CFB Trenton in 2008 with the Royal Canadian Air Force. When I arrived, I found a town overflowing with potential, and I knew I wanted to be part of making this town the best it could be. I attended St. Lawrence College for Hairstyling in 2018. After completing my apprenticeship, I knew that Trenton was the perfect spot to set up shop. I always liked the traditional barbershop, not only as a place to get a great cut but also as a bit of a community hub. That’s exactly what I wanted when I opened Fleet Street Barber Company: a place where you could hang your hat (figuratively and literally), have a drink, listen to great music, and spend some time getting to know people in our community.

How has the community been supportive of your entrepreneurial journey?

This community has supported me in a huge way. I opened just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns began. I’ve had so many people wishing me well and coming in for haircuts that my little shop is virtually bursting at the seams with customers. People love the vibe in the shop and really understand what we’re trying to do here. Fleet Street has a great team and a fantastic client base who continue to support us day in and day out.

In your own words, describe what it’s like to be a part of the Downtown Community:

Trenton has been a very welcoming place for me since I opened my shop. I’ve had plenty of shop owners willing to help with anything I need (which is usually information about how to run a business). I am really proud of how my team has embraced all our community members, and I absolutely love how our community members have claimed Fleet Street as their own. I sincerely feel like I opened in the perfect place in Downtown Trenton.

What can we look forward to from your business in the coming months?

Right now, we are in a great place. We are continuing to provide excellent barber services to our wonderful customers. You can certainly look forward to a growing vinyl collection at the shop.

What do you enjoy doing in Quinte West and the surrounding area on your days off?

I love the street I live on. It’s a beautiful little subdivision with old-growth trees, so I enjoy sitting on my front deck with a good book. I spend a lot of time at the library as well as J&B Books. My family and I are big fans of Trenton Thai Sushi and ice cream at the marina.

What are your favorite local businesses to support?

Trenton Thai Sushi

Burrito Boys

J&B Books

Centre Theatre

Arden’s Music

The Cardinal

Final Thoughts: Why should people make Downtown Trenton a destination to explore?

There are many hidden gems in Trenton. We have a breathtaking waterfront, and we have weird and wonderful people from all walks of life helping to make Trenton the great place that it is.