Klutch Barber Co has opened a second location. Owner Sean Ralston said he never envisioned the growth his company would have, saying he thinks the “top-of-the-line” experience has played a pivotal role in the community embracing the barbershop.
Ralston opened his first studio in 2016 in a small space at the corner of Frederica Street and East Byers.
“Honestly, I never imagined that I would grow beyond that,” he said. “I opened the first location to give myself a place to be creative and do my own thing. It grew bigger than I ever thought it would.”
Klutch relocated in May of 2021 to the strip center at 3800 Frederica Street in front of the former Texas Gas building. That facility offered better exposure, a larger space, and the ability to further develop a unique vibe.
Business kept booming for Ralston. He recently filled the last open barber position, and he realized that meant there was no more room for growth unless he added another studio.
He looked at a few places along KY 54 before landing on 2928 Heartland Crossing Boulevard Suite E (formerly home to Santa’s Toys).
“I looked at this and kind of said like, ‘if this doesn’t go through then we just won’t do it because it’s not meant to be.’ It ended up working out,” he said.
The new space is identical to their spot on Frederica Street in terms of layout, Ralston said. Once he fills all positions, there will be 25 total barbers between the two spaces.
Ralston places a major focus on continuing to learn new techniques and tools. He said the high level of training sets Klutch apart.
“There’s a lot to the barber industry that Owensboro, Kentucky doesn’t know. A lot of these other shops aren’t venturing out. There are conventions and education you can take, and there’s so much out there,” he said. “That’s not to throw shade at another shop, but we are much more trained and we’re tapped into all this stuff from all around the country and around the world. … This is top-of-the-line techniques and tools and equipment. Everything we do, I think, is to the highest level that exists in the industry.”
Klutch also offers a unique blend of styles upon entering the doors.
“It’s bright, the floor is cool, we’ve got a mural, we’ve got music and TVs. But we will still do a good job and focus on the client relationship and the experience overall,” he said. “That’s always what’s most important.”
Ralston stressed that Barbers take their time and pay close attention to detail with every haircut. Appointments last 45 minutes.
“We do longer appointments than anybody. It is more expensive, but it’s more detailed. The overall experience, I think it’s just the top-of-the-line,” he said.
They do take walk-ins but appointments are preferred to avoid any wait time, Ralston said. Appointments can be made through their app Klutch Barber Co.
Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they are closed on Sundays.
“I always say I can appreciate somebody staying loyal to their barber because that’s what we want. But I will say, I think there’s probably still a lot of Owensboro that haven’t come to check us out,” he said “I think some of those people that have been going somewhere for 10 years, 15 years, I think if they would give it a shot and come check it out, I think they would be pleasantly surprised and probably get the best haircut they’ve ever had.”
