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88 The PCB Magazine • June 2017 everything is done at the stylist's station while you enjoy the cable program of your choice (Figure 3). The haircut itself is unhurried and thor- ough, the opposite end of the spectrum from the low-cost salons that process you through with assembly line efficiency and a perfuncto- ry regard for quality. Every minute detail is ad- dressed, with the standard service including a beard/mustache, eyebrow, ear and neck trim. After your haircut is complete, the styl- ist next washes your hair while you relax with a steaming hot towel over your face (keeping your eyes clear of course for uninterrupted TV viewing). This is followed with your choice of a blow dry and/or hair product style, and for good measure your stylist will wipe you down with a lint brush to avoid those embarrassing little hairs that always seem to pop up all over your clothes during your afternoon meetings. The final touch of guy heaven comes when your stylist straps on an industrial size vibrating mas- sager and gives you a good old-fashioned barber neck and shoulder massage! And just like when you get your oil changed, the service includes follow-up neck and ear touch-ups between cuts. Now for the very best part: All these servic- es will cost you a grand total of $10 (2007 dol- lars)! Every time I use my wife's hair stylist, I can expect to pay conservatively triple that and the bargain speed-cut shops can't touch that price either, even after factoring in a sizable tip for your favorite The Barbershop stylist. The Concept I had the opportunity to speak with the own- er of one of The Barbershop franchises about the origin of the concept. He told me the idea IS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE WORTH A 40% COST INCREASE? Figure 2: Big-screen TV in the waiting room. Figure 3: Stylist's station at The Barbershop.