Bowling Green’s Family Barber

Thirty-five years ago, Tom Mauk opened the doors to Colonial Barbers and the journey of creating a legacy began. “I have always loved cutting hair, it is truly my passion. I wanted to take a chance and open my own business, I have been lucky enough to have success over the years,” Mauk said.

Like most barbers, Mauk’s goal has always been to create a close relationship with every customer that walks through the door. “I am old school. For me there is something special about getting to know your customer on a personal level. There are grown men that come in here and I have been cutting their hair since they were in fourth grade.” Mauk grew up in Bowling Green and has always loved the community.

“It’s a great place to be, nice downtown, tight-knit community, and now that the college has grown this place is buzzing during the school year,” Mauk said. Colonial Barbers, located on North Prospect street next to the courthouse, is a well-established barber in Bowling Green. Mauk keeps things simple and takes care of business.

The shop has two barbers, music and walk-in times and appointments. One unique thing about Colonial is Mauk’s co-worker and son, Kyle.

“It is a special thing to work with your dad,” Kyle said. Honestly, I did not know if I wanted to cut hair for a living. Things changed for me as I got into high school, watching, and learning from my dad (Tom) was awesome.

I was able to come in and help my old man out and when the time comes it will be my pleasure to take over,” The father-son duo has created a unique and diverse crowd of customers. “I have always had my steady group of customers and we have always had a good number of locals throughout the years,” Mauk said.

“Although, when Kyle started working here the college guys really started to pour in.” Kyle cuts the majority of college students hair and he has made quite a name for himself around campus. “Kyle is just an awesome dude. I love talking to him when I am getting my haircut,” student Ryan Lau said. “It is amazing that he cuts hundreds of guys each week and still remembers me.

I can go in talk to him about sports, school, the weekend, just life in general and he genuinely cares about what I am saying. Obviously, they cut good hair, but I just love the fact that my barber enjoys talking to me instead of just rushing me in and out the door like some of the other places.” Lau said he was referred to Colonial by a friend on campus.