Craig's Cuts

As a little kid, I remember getting my hair cut about once a month. Actually, I grew up in the 70's so it was probably not quite that frequent. My dad used to take me to places that had the traditional red, white, and blue, rotating barber pole. Those establishments were manly places where guys could hang out on a Saturday morning and shoot the breeze while they were getting their haircut. Over time, it became less common to see these "guy's barbershop" so I started getting more haircuts at some of the more popular chains or salons.

Several years ago I noticed signs around town for a $7 haircut at Craig's Cuts. I decided to give them a shot and I was surprised at how quick and affordable it was. The first couple locations I went to seemed kind of bare bones and were not very fancy, but the haircuts were affordable, and the girls who cut my hair did a great job.

I've watched this company grow over the years where they now have at least 6 locations in Utah County that I am aware of and the most recent one I went to was next to the Cinemark Theaters near Costco in Orem and is a really nice facility. Several of the stylists who have cut my hair have indicated that they like working there because they make more than they did at bigger chains where they had previously worked. I'm a little baffled how a business that charges so little for their service can pay their employees better, yet be growing like they are. It's either a ponzi scheme or a good business model.

Craig's Cuts also offers a water bottle, warm towel, and a short neck and shoulder massage with each haircut. I kind of think the massages that some hair cutting places give after they cut your hair are almost amount to teasing since they are so short, but I figure I'm paying for a haircut not a massage, so I can't really complain.

I understand that some people are very particular when it comes to their hair so I am a little hesitant to recommend any hair cutting establishment since every experience will vary depending on your stylist. A good haircut eventually boils down to the attitude and skill of your stylist. That being said, if you are looking for an affordable haircut, then I suggest you give Craig's Cuts a shot. You can visit their site at Craig'scuts.com.

Macey's

I am not a fan of going to the store, but Macey's makes grocery shopping easier and it's definitely on my list of preferred grocery stores. They are an Associated Foods store and have 11 locations along the Wasatch Front. They have deli, pharmacy, produce, meat, and bakery departments. I shop at their store because their prices are competitive and their staff is always friendly and helpful.

I feel I know their store layout pretty well, but the few times I have asked an employee where I could find a particular item, rather than simply tell me an isle number, they have stopped what they are doing and walk me over to where that item is sold. In contrast, it is often hard to find anyone to even ask a question to at some big box stores and when you do find someone, they are frequently annoyed that you are interrupting their work. I like the service attitude that Macey's employees consistently exhibit. 

Macey's also regularly gives back to the community. They are a big supporter of BYU athletics, Primary Childrens, and are consistently contribute to Community Action Food Services. They have a great selection of canning, food storage, and emergency preparedness products. I also like their case lot sales since I have a big family and we go through food fast, so buying it in bulk at a discount is always nice.

This might show my maturity level, but my favorite things about Macey's is their famous Kong Cone. It is a huge soft serve ice cream cone that is filled to capacity, they then they serve it in a large cup that is also full of ice cream. It's the best deal in town.

Superior Customer Service

I've noticed that many business owners are willing to stay late, bend over backwards, and go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. One of the challenges a business owner has is trying to instill the same level of service and commitment they have for their customers onto their hourly employees.

I have been to many stores where employees have locked doors or put up closed signs a few minutes early in an effort to get out of work and close up shop quickly. Part of me can see where they are coming from, but it sends a bad message to their customers.

I once ate a resort in Vegas with some friends and when we asked the server if we could have separate checks, he said "sure, but it's a real pain in the ass." I found it ironic that they had little tent cards on the table boasting of their friendly service.

I was recently at a food establishment with my wife and we got there about 15 minutes before closing. While we were eating, I noticed several employees cleaning up and packing food away quickly so they could close the store for the evening. They were not rude about it or anything, but I'm sure if the owner was cleaning up the store, they would have been more subtle about it and would not want to send the unspoken message of "get out of here, we want to go home."

I work with insurance companies regularly and some companies consistently have helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly service. Progressive is one of these companies. Other companies have developed reputations of poor service and I dread it when I have to call them. I believe customer service is a "trickle down" concept and you can tell which business owners put a high priority on helping their employees provide better service for their customers.

One of my favorite things to do is to tell management when they have great customer service or if their employees are doing a good job. I frequently ask to speak with managers at a businesses. Many times the employees get nervous since when most people make this request they just want to gripe and complain, but I enjoy seeing the relief when I give them a sincere compliment.

I challenge you to do the same and the next time you get great service, ask to speak to the manager and let them know when an employee is doing a good job.

Put It Up Crossfit

Put It Up Crossfit is one of Orem's newest and most exciting gyms. The owner and head trainer is Seth Berbert. I first met Seth several years ago when we were both working as personal trainers at a local gym. He told me he wanted to start his own gym and with hard work, he has made that a reality. He started his facility with humble beginnings, but over time it has grown and he now has many loyal clients who are excited about the results they are getting.

Seth is an intimidating specimen at 6'4" and 230 pounds with single digit body fat, but he is also one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He is a giver and really cares about his clients. He is passionate about fitness and helping people get in shape and improve their conditioning.

CrossFit is a popular trend in fitness these days. It focuses on functional full body exercises as opposed to isolating single muscles on machines or spending hours on a treadmill. It utilizes Olympic style lifts, kettle bells, sleds, ropes, and a variety of other equipment. The workouts are very intense and effective. CrossFit has gained a loyal following of men and women who have made great progress when it comes to improving their fitness levels.

Some might think this type of workout is just for big muscle heads, but women love CrossFit too and get great results from it. It can benefit everyone from elite athletes to beginners who haven't worked out in years who are looking to get in shape. One of the things that impresses me most about Seth's facility is the camaraderie and support that the members have for each other. It's almost like a big family and that is very unique compared to your average gym experience.

It might sound strange that I'd promote the services of another personal trainer who might be considered my competition, but I am really impressed with this gym and when I need help with my own conditioning, I look to Seth. Put It Up CrossFit is located at 1061 N State Street in Orem. They just recently expanded their facility to make room for all their members. Swing by some time and check them out. You can also learn more about the gym at their website here.

Community Action

Community Action Services and Food Bank does not fit into my usual category of businesses I normally review since they are a non profit organization, but I'd like to highlight some of the work they do for the community.

The most noticeable service Community Action provides is operating the food pantry. They act as the food bank for Utah, Summit, and Wasatch Counties. They also assist with heat and utility programs for low income families. I was recently surprised to learn that nearly 10% of Utahns live within poverty levels.

It's admirable to provide food for those in need, but I am even more impressed with their efforts to address the root of the problem of poverty. Some of the other services offered include community gardening, and counseling services for home buying and mortgage counseling as well as many other educational programs to assist people to get out of poverty and achieve self reliance.

Because Community Action is a non profit organization, they rely on donations from the community. You can donate food, do volunteer work at the center, or make financial contributions, but I think the funnest way to promote and help their cause is by participating in their annual 5K race. This year, the race will be held on May 26th. Proceeds go to the center and there will be lots of great prices given away again this year which have been donated by local businesses.

You can register for the race at this website. If you procrastinate, you can still register the morning of the race as long as you do so before the 9:00 start time. Community Action is located at 815 S Freedom Blvd. in Provo and you can visit their company website at communityactionProvo.org.

The Briar Rose String Quartet

Today I'd like to feature a business that can improve the ambiance of any activity. Having a string quartet play background music can add character and and class to any event.

String quartets are typically associated with weddings, corporate events, receptions, dinners, and concerts, but they could probably even class up events like Wrestling, Nascar, and Superbowl parties. Okay, maybe it's not for every event.

The Briar Rose String Quartet was started by Emily Ricks and it's members are all professional musicians with advanced degrees in music performance. Although they are most frequently asked to play classical music and dress in concert black, they are very versatile and can adjust their dress and music style to create the atmosphere you are looking to achieve. These styles might include classical, pop, swing, religious, or even ragtime.

Although classical music is their forte, they have a huge repertoire and styles of classical music that they perform. Since they are all accomplished musicians, you won't be stuck listening to the Pachabel Cannon repeated over and over throughout the evening. Their experience allows them to help their clients plan what music would be most appropriate for their event if they are unsure.

Live music performance can make a huge difference in how one feels. It can add class, refinement, and sophistication to an event, which is something we are typically deficient in as a society. If you'd like to make a social event you are hosting more memorable and classy, then you should contact the Briar Rose String Quartet. 

J. Kirk Richards Art

J. Kirk Richards is a man of many talents. He is best known for his paintings, but he is also a musician, sculptor, writer and illustrator of children's books, and he has even made music videos. As a youth, Kirk was a talented musician, but during his teenage years he decided to change his emphasis and pursue a career in art.

Cherubim and a flaming sword

Kirk's work has a distinctive look to it. His paintings frequently portray religious themes, but he also works in landscapes and portraits. His versatility allows him to paint both traditional classical forms and more abstract images. There is also quite a range of sizes to his art work. His smallest portraits have been just inches and his largest painting is 6 feet tall and 18 feet wide. His paintings are also know for their beautiful custom frames, which are works of art by themselves.

Last Supper

Painting is not jut a hobby for Kirk. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2000 with an art degree and has been supporting his family as a full time artist since then. Kirk lives in Utah County, but also has a studio in Redmond, Utah. His success in not limited to Utah. His work is featured in art shows and personal collections across the country.

Christ and the palsied man

Here is a time lapse video clip of Kirk in action painting one of his famous mother and child portraits.

Kirk's website can be found at jkirkrichards.com. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out. Viewing great art is a good way to improve the quality of your day.