GUEST EDITOR -JIMMY O’BRIEN

When I first picked up a pair of clippers back in 1998, I never imagined where this journey would take me. What started as a passion for cutting hair and connecting with people has grown into a community that stretches across more than 30 Jimmy Rods barber shops. For me, barbering has never just been about hair it’s about people, stories, culture, and creating spaces where men feel at home.

This magazine is an extension of that vision. It’s not just about showcasing sharp fades, classic pompadours, or the latest grooming products. It’s about celebrating the craft, the culture, and the community that makes barbering what it is today. Whether you’re a young apprentice learning your first scissor-over-comb, a seasoned barber who remembers when banter was as important as the cut, or a client who treasures the ritual of sitting in the chair, this magazine is for you.

Barbering has changed a lot since I started. Trends come and go, but the heartbeat of this industry remains the same: respect for the craft and respect for people. At Jimmy Rods, we believe in keeping tradition alive while also pushing forward training the next generation, creating opportunities, and making sure every client leaves the chair not just looking better, but feeling better.

I was also thrilled to receive the Special Recognition Award at this year’s AMBA Awards. For me, that honour isn’t just about my journey it’s a reflection of every barber, client, and supporter who has been part of this community along the way. It reminds me that the work we do every day in the chair truly matters.

As you flick through these pages, I hope you find inspiration whether it’s in the stories of barbers chasing their dreams, the products that keep raising the bar, or the culture that continues to evolve. This is your community, and your magazine.

Here’s to the past, the present, and the future of barbering.

See you in the chair,

Jimmy O’Brien.

Founder, Jimmy Rods @jimmyrods