Meet Greg Young | Barber, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur & Community Builder

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

Hi greg, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success, the success of my shop and the success of my foundation is without a doubt my sobriety. Without my sobriety, I have nothing and I know that from experience. I have been at the bottom of the bottom and the longer I remain sober and continue doing the right thing, my life gets better and better.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In 2016, I opened my barbershop with my business partner Kevin Grande. Thanks to our amazing community who supports us, we have been and continue to be very successful. By owning my own shop, it gave me the time and opportunity I needed to give back to those who had nothing to give in return. This is when The Backpack Barber Foundation was created and it really took off from the start. My brand centers around “doing the right thing” and that is the motto I live by every single day. I truly believe if you wake up and consciously choose to do the right thing every day, you will succeed in life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, the first stop will obviously be one of our stunning South Florida beaches. I absolutely love Lauderdale by the Sea. For dinner, we would probably head to Las Olas and have dinner at one of my personal favorites, Cafe Europa. We would have to spend a couple hours hanging out in fat village in Fort Lauderdale, maybe a haircut from Noblemans Cut and Shave. I would definitely take them down to Wynwood in Miami to check out some amazing art and murals. Possibly a concert at the Hard Rock Hotel. Last but not least, we would have to get a hoagie from Laspadas and an Ice cream cone from Jacksons Ice Cream.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife, who I have been with for 9 years. She actually introduced me to AA and took me to my first meeting. We have seen each other at our worst and now we are living a life we never imagined possible. She has many years of sobriety as well and she pushes me daily to be the best husband, father and man I can be. She is someone who shares the same passion I have for giving to others. She is the most amazing mother to our two children and I don’t know where I would be without her.

Website: www.thebackpackbarberfoundation.com
Instagram: @gregthebarber954 and @thebackpackbarberfoundation
Linkedin: Greg Young
Facebook: Greg Young also. The Backpack Barber Foundation
Yelp: Noblemens cut and shave

Image Credits
I have included photos of myself recieving a proclamation from the Broward County Commissioner. I have also included pictures of myself and my wife, Alexandra Young, along with our children Olivia age 4 and Preston age 9. There is also a photo of myself cutting underprivileged kids hair at the Jack and Jill Childrens Family Center in Fort Lauderdale.