For 40 years, King’s Barber Shop has survived long-haired hippies, large corporate hairstyling chains and economic recession.Steven King, owner of the shop, moved to Glenwood in the early ’70s. King started cutting hair while serving in the Navy. When he left the Navy, he got a license to cut hair and took over for the man who originally owned the shop.During the 1970s, there were six barbershops in the area. The only one that survived was King’s.”None of the others would cut long hair,” said King. “It was a rough time to go through and it caused barbers to go extinct. When it was over, no new guys came into the business so I got all of the business.”Despite corporate haircutting chains such as Great Clips, King’s is hanging on.

“The biggest thing is you gotta like people,” King said. “After about two to six months, 75 percent of the guys get out of the business because they don’t communicate well with people.”Business Name: King’s Barber ShopOwner: Steven KingAddress: 714 Grand Ave.Hours: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F, 9 a.m. -? Sat.Phone: 945-6820Years in business: 40

Number of employees: FourIs this a franchise? NoWhat do you do? Make people feel and look good by cutting their hair.Who are your customers? Local Glenwood Springs residents and the world. King’s Barber Shop caters to men. Occasionally they cut women’s hair.What’s unique about your business? It’s the only barbershop in Glenwood and it survived five other shops.What’s good about doing business here? We’re real barbers. This has been a great town to work in and raise kids in. Everyone’s been really supportive.

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What has been your most successful offering? Happiness and satisfaction.What’s next for your business? Hopefully to pass the business on to another barber. Contact Ivy Vogel: 945-8515, ext. 534ivogel@postindependent.com