As people always say: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Instead of seeing work as a source of income, these people enjoy every minute of working each day. Age is just a number, and you can be successful at any time you want. This 91-year-old barber is the perfect example of it all.
Work keeps Rohloff in good shape
Meet Rohloff, a man with an undying passion for haircuts, who opened Bob’s Old Fashioned Barbershop at the ripe age of 91. “Once people retire, it isn’t that easy. They’re gonna want to keep their hands on something. I like to do it, and I feel good. It’s fun coming over here, working in Hortonville,” Rohloff smiled.
As you step into Bob’s Old Fashioned Barbershop, you’re immediately transported back in time. The vintage charm of the shop is not just a theme; it’s a living legacy. The only thing older than Rohloff in his shop is his 100-year-old customer chair. “There aren’t that many old-fashioned shops left in the country, and we’re gonna try and keep it that way,” Rohloff proudly declares.
Upon entering Bob’s Old Fashioned Barbershop, you’re instantly whisked back in time as well. The shop’s vintage charm is more than just a theme; it’s a legacy. The only entity older than Rohloff within his store is his 100-year-old customer chair. Rohloff proudly declares: “There aren’t that many old-fashioned shops left in the country, and we’re gonna try and keep it that way.”
Rohloff’s odyssey in the barbering world commenced in 1948 when, as a teenager, he initiated an apprenticeship program under his father’s guidance. These years were dedicated to refining his craft, wielding a pair of scissors at the Appleton Vocational School.
“We did barbering at one of the old hotels and cut people’s hair off. They came in off the street, and we’d work in front of a barberboard. That’s where we got our training. After three years, we went to Green Bay for our final test,” Rohloff profoundly reminisced his past.
Following the completion of his training, Rohloff established two barber shops in Wisconsin and subsequently devoted 18 years to the craft in Arizona. Despite his tenure in warmer climates, he always wanted to open a shop in his hometown, and eventually retraced his steps to the Badger State, becoming the focal point of Hortonville.
He doesn’t see retirement any time soon
Rohloff doesn’t work alone. Alongside him is co-owner Mark Karweick, who is jubilant to have such a seasoned partner. “He’s the finest barber I’ve had in quite a while,” Karweick enthusiastically declares.
The duo extends beyond merely cutting hair; it’s an odyssey of mentorship and self-improvement. “I’ve acquired insights on running a barbershop smoothly, creating a laid-back atmosphere, handling customers, and ensuring their comfort. Of course, I’ve learned the art of hair cutting and picked up several nuances, which have proven invaluable,” shared an enthusiastic Karweich.
Rohloff, at 91 years of ag, and having been in the business for 75 years, doesn’t want to hang up his scissors any time soon. He gave this simple yet inspiring piece of advice to all of his fans: “Don’t quit. I don’t think you will enjoy yourselves. Stay active in something, whether it’s a hobby or a job, but you got to stay active.”
As Rohloff continues to weave his magic with scissors and trimmers, he serves as a prime example that you can never be too old to pursue your dream. His inspiring story serves as a poignant reminder that our dreams and passions can withstand the test of time, as long as you have enough willpower to do it. Rohloff Bob’s Old Fashioned Barbershop is here to remain in Hortonville, Wisconsin for a very long time.