Episode 43 – Andrew Pye: Calling is not always “big” but it’s always important [PODCAST]

Calling is not always something “big” in the eyes of other people. But it’s what rises up within you as that thing that you MUST do. Today’s conversation is a bit different for David as the host and for you as the listener because David’s guest is Andrew Pye. Andrew and David met the first time when David sat down in Andrew’s barber chair. As David asked about Andrew’s story and learned of his world travels and the calling he has to be a barber, David knew he had to have him on the show. Listen in as David talks with an everyday guy who gave up a lot of what the world might consider “success” to pursue a calling that few would have expected.

The power of connection and community that can happen in a barber shop.

That’s an important part of why Andrew and his partner have created the kind of experience they have in their Gentleman’s Shop. It’s an old fashioned decor. They play vinyl records instead of mp3s. They have checkers and chess and cribbage available for those in the waiting room to enjoy together. And they intentionally have the distinctive smells of an old fashioned barber shop wafting through the air. All this is to create the environment where men can come, relax, and have the perspective about their day changed. It makes a difference in ways that Andrew loves and feels called to. Hear more of his story on this episode of Crank It Up.

Caring about the customers and the profession is much of the calling.

Andrew Pye isn’t interested in rushing more and more customers through an assembly line type hair cutting operation. It destroys the intimacy and community he’s striving to create in his barber shop. Instead, he wants every man who comes into his shop to have the time to unwind, talk, unload, and recuperate. He sees it as his way of adding value to the lives of busy men who bear great responsibilities at work and home. And it’s a hit. Find out how Andrew got the vision for such a successful business and service on this episode.

How do you scale a business that majors on community?

It’s not easy. Andrew can already see that his barber shop is striking a chord in the men who come there. It could easily grow in popularity that he’d have to hire more barbers or even open another shop. But he can’t and won’t do anything to disrupt the atmosphere that has created the popularity of his shop in the first place. That means he won’t hire too many barbers, 3 or maybe 4 total would be all he would want. If he opened another shop, it would be limited in personnel as well. Why? Because he values the community the smaller atmosphere provides… and he believes that his customers to too. Spend some time thinking it through right alongside Andrew in this episode.

What do you do when you feel lost and don’t know what to do with your life?

Andrew Pye was in that situation as his career in the Canadian navy was winding down. He knew he didn’t want to remain in the navy but also didn’t know what else could take its place. He and his new wife decided to travel for a bit to clear their heads and what was supposed to be a short trip turned into a relatively lengthy one. It was while they were “on the road” that Andrew discovered a calling he’d never dreamed would be his. But he didn’t stop with the realization of what it was, he pursued it in practical ways. Andrew’s advice for those who feel lost is to get outside your version of “normal” and see new things. Once you’re able to get outside your own environment, new possibilities emerge. Find out more of Andrew’s story on this episode of Crank It Up.

Outline of this great episode

[0:49] David’s welcome of Andrew Pye and the interesting way they met.

[3:29] Andrew’s calling and why he lives in British Columbia near David.

[6:45] What Andrew means when he says that he “has to be” a barber.

[9:14] The differences between barbers, hair stylists, etc.

[10:43] A true barber experience.