Tommy’s Original Barbershop
Brian didn’t set out to build a reputation — he built it one cut at a time. Long before he stepped into a professional shop, before the polished chairs and steady clientele, he was just a guy with clippers, a barstool, and a willingness to learn. What started in a backyard shed and later moved into his parents’ basement has grown into an eight-year journey defined by precision, consistency, and a genuine commitment to people.
Those early days weren’t glamorous. Cutting hair on a barstool isn’t exactly the blueprint for success, but it speaks to something more important: initiative. Brian wasn’t waiting for the perfect setup; he was focused on getting better. When his fiancée bought him his first real barber chair, it wasn’t just an upgrade in equipment — it was a sign that what he was doing mattered, that this “for fun” hobby had the potential to become something bigger.
And it did.
Brian’s path into the professional world came through an unexpected connection — meeting Joe while parking cars, which eventually opened the door to Tommy’s shop. That opportunity turned into a turning point. Under Tommy’s guidance, Brian sharpened his craft, especially when it came to men’s cuts. He’ll tell you plainly, “Tommy helped train me,” but what stands out is how he took that training and made it his own.
Today, after more than six years in a shop environment and eight years overall behind the chair, Brian has developed a style that’s rooted in tradition but elevated by his attention to detail. His cuts aren’t rushed or routine — they’re deliberate. Every client gets a thorough consultation, because Brian understands that a haircut isn’t just maintenance; it’s personal. It’s about how someone presents themselves to the world. That attention doesn’t go unnoticed by the people who sit in his chair.
Brian Kelly (pictured above) is known for his precise, detail-oriented men’s haircuts, defined by quality, consistency, and a personal approach to each client.
One longtime client put it simply:
“Brian Kelly has been cutting my hair since high school, he’s been my go-to guy. He always nails it. Wherever I go afterward, people are asking me where I got my haircut, and I’m always telling them Tommy’s Original. The owner, Tommy, is the absolute man — he makes anyone who walks through the door feel like a longtime customer. The place has that old-school barbershop mentality where everyone’s talking and it’s social. It’s not like most soulless places where they sit you down, cut you up, and send you out — they take their time and make sure you look sharp.”
That kind of loyalty speaks volumes. Whether it’s a clean fade, a classic taper, or a timeless scissor cut, Brian approaches each style with the same level of care. There’s no cutting corners — literally or figuratively. The end result isn’t just a good haircut; it’s one that reflects the client’s preferences while staying true to the integrity of traditional barbering.
And then there’s the finishing touch: the hot towel. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s emblematic of Brian’s approach. He’s not just providing a service; he’s creating an experience. That extra step turns a haircut into something more refined, more intentional, and more memorable.
But skill alone doesn’t explain why clients keep coming back. Brian’s reputation is equally built on customer service. He’s the kind of barber who listens, who remembers, and who genuinely values the people in his chair. In fact, around the shop, they jokingly call him “HR”— the guy who keeps things grounded, approachable, and connected. It’s a nickname, but it reflects something real: Brian understands that relationships are just as important as results.
He also hasn’t forgotten where he came from. His time cutting at Rizzeri played a key role in his growth, and he’s quick to express appreciation for the friends and early supporters who trusted him from the start. Those early clients weren’t just practice — they were the foundation of everything he’s built since. At its core, Brian’s story is about evolution. What began as a casual interest turned into a craft, then a career, and now a reputation defined by consistency and care. He represents a version of success that isn’t loud or flashy, but steady and earned.
In a world where speed often takes priority over quality, Brian stands out by slowing things down — by focusing on the details, the consultation, and the final result. Full satisfaction isn’t just a goal for him; it’s the standard.
And it all started with a pair of clippers in a backyard shed.
