Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Bevins.
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It’s been 6 years since I made the change from being a stay-at-home parent to getting back into the workforce. I started out at an entry-level position at a local tech company and was able to work my way up relatively quickly before reaching the ceiling there.
After that, I accepted a marketing manager position at another firm, working alongside local visionary Rob Scott. As a team, we’ve been able to bring on additional brands in the last few years, including Bootlegged Barber.
From getting to know founder Amanda Nevel and learning her vision behind the brand, to opening up our newest location in Herriman this past summer, it’s been an incredible journey so far with Bootlegged Barber and I’m excited to see where we’ll be in the coming years!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I suppose everyone’s interpretation of “smooth road” varies depending on their own experiences, but I would say that my own road has been fairly smooth, in terms of my professional journey.
I definitely consider myself fortunate to have joined the team when I did as it’s given me an immense amount of opportunity for personal and professional growth. The experiences and skills that I’ve gained to this point are invaluable and increase daily. The relationships I’ve built on my professional journey are one’s that I’ll be forever grateful for.
There are certainly days where things don’t feel very smooth, however, I have learned (continually learning) to try and take a step back on those days, evaluate the circumstances may be from a different perspective, and see how I can adjust or learn from it. I happen to be surrounded by people who have different and complimenting strengths, skills, and experiences than what I have to help on these days.
Collectively, we have an incredible team and I’m so grateful for each individual.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bootlegged Barber?
Bootlegged Barber was founded on the core values of tradition, community, and top-shelf quality. With the flagship location in American Fork, Utah and the second location having recently opened in Herriman, our trajectory for growth in the coming months and years is huge.
At Bootlegged, we pride ourselves on providing an authentic barbershop experience to our clients. From the fine details that our barbers consistently pay attention to during the appointment to the old school community feel in the shops, there’s just something about Bootlegged that people love!
I think what really sets us apart is the level of collective expertise on the team. We’re so fortunate to have such great individuals at both the American Fork and Herriman locations. Our Google reviews really attest to that as well – you’ll see the words “knowledgeable” and “professional” come up over and over again. As we look to the future and our growth strategy for franchising, the in-shop experience for our clients isn’t something we’re willing to compromise on.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those starting out on their professional journey is to listen and observe those around you because you can learn so much from them. Pay attention, ask questions, be humble and open to learning and feedback. When you get to the point where people can learn from you, pay it forward and become the teacher and mentor. Don’t bogart your time, skills, or knowledge. Share it and everyone can benefit.
When I was starting out there was so much that I didn’t have a clue about. I was fortunate to have a boss, who I later realized was actually an incredible mentor, that allowed me to fail and figure things out on my own. Being given that type of freedom, really allowed me to grow and learn much faster than I believe I would have if he had given me the answers he already knew and never allowed me to make the wrong choice.
Now that I’m in a position of leadership, I also do my best to lead this way. I empower my team to evaluate and make decisions on their own and not micromanage them. Learning from mistakes is so much more valuable to the individual and the bigger picture than to solve a problem for someone or just give them the right answer.
Of course, they’re held accountable for their choices and actions, but never shamed or disciplined for making an accidental mistake. It’s a learning opportunity and if managed correctly, it’ll be a lesson they’ll grow from.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@bootleggedbarber.com
- Website: http://bootleggedbarber.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootleggedbarber_herriman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bootleggedbarberherriman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeyqN5YL98nGUQJO46DHbOw
Image Credits
Adrianne Hoopes and Blitz Media
