Roman the Barber Connects with his Customers

When Robert Kaliban of Garden City visits Exclusive Barber Shop at 669 Franklin Avenue he's not just there for a haircut. "I feel like I am visiting a friend," he said, referring to Roman Fayzakov, the shop's owner.

Kaliban's sentiments are shared by scores of other Garden City residents. "I come here because Roman is the best," says Ray George, whose dad, brother-in-law, son and nephews are among family members who get their hair cut at Roman's.

George has been coming to Exclusive Barber Shop since the first week it opened in 2004. He said he met Fayzakov's daughter handing out flyers on Seventh Street announcing the opening of the barber shop. "I needed a haircut," he said. He's been coming back ever since.

Fayzakov, who hails from Russia, has an uncanny sense for remembering names and details. "He'll ask about my daughter's three sons and he'll know their names and what they've been up to," Kaliban said. "The great thing about Roman is he has an incredible memory for names."

Fayzakov opened the business on April 15, 2004, a few weeks after getting his U.S. citizenship at the U.S. immigration office on Stewart Avenue. He said afterward he drove around the area and liked what he saw on Franklin Avenue. There was a vacancy at 669 Franklin Avenue and Fayzakov took it.

In the early days, Fayzakov questioned the move. "Business was dead," he said. "I wondered if it was a good idea."

The challenge of owning a barber shop is not knowing what kind of traffic you'll get day to day. The advantage? If you do your job well, you'll get repeat customers. Repeat customers have fueled this business, thanks to Fayzakov's ability to connect with them.

About two years ago he renovated the 500-square foot shop, adding new furnishings and flat-screen TVs. It helps too that Fayzakov gives a great haircut. Many customers insist he cut their hair, even if it means waiting 20 or 30 minutes.

"Business is good, thank God," Fayzakov said. "I have very good and loyal customers. I am really proud when people are happy with what I am doing."

Exclusive Barber Shop is open seven days a week (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), except for major holidays. Fayzakov added Sunday hours early on when business was slow and has maintained them even though business has improved over the years.

"It's such a wonderful thing to have the rapport he has with so many people in town," Kaliban said. "He's done such an incredible job with this place."