Hidden Gems: Meet Kurt Benz of Mr. Scissors Barbershop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kurt Benz.

Hi Kurt, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career has been built across multiple industries, from hospitality and nightlife to real estate, business ownership, and the legal field, shaped by a focus on high-level operations, client development, and creative discipline. As a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Sociology, that foundation continues to influence how I approach business, structure, and long-term growth.

In my early years, I was heavily involved in music, playing guitar and piano while performing in a metal band and appearing on multiple MTV reality shows. That experience built discipline, performance instincts, and adaptability that became the foundation for everything that followed.

In my 20s, I moved to Las Vegas and spent several years in the hospitality and nightlife industry, working at premier venues including XS at the Wynn and Hakkasan at the MGM Grand, among others. I advanced from VIP host to Director of VIP Services, gaining experience in high-level operations and managing elite clientele in one of the most competitive markets in the country.

That experience led me back to Los Angeles, where I transitioned into both nightlife operations and entrepreneurship, managing the Hollywood venue Argyle while also building a career in luxury residential real estate. As a licensed real estate agent in Nevada and California, I focused primarily in the Beverly Hills market, working with high-value properties and clients.

Before becoming a co-owner, I was a longtime client of Mr. Scissors. After building a strong relationship with Edmond, I became a partner and co-owner after nearly eight years, helping grow and operate multiple locations while navigating both expansion and economic challenges.

Alongside building businesses in nightlife, real estate, and personal services, I also began pursuing the legal field, and I am currently in law school preparing to become a criminal defense attorney. That analytical and structural discipline now complements my background in entrepreneurship and client-facing industries.

Today, I continue to co-own and operate our barbershop locations and private event space, bringing together my experience across hospitality, real estate, and business development to continue building and evolving the brand.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, and that is a big part of what shaped both the business and my role within it.

Mr. Scissors was built during the aftermath of the 2010 recession, which meant navigating financial uncertainty from the very beginning. Later, one of the biggest challenges came during COVID, when the entire personal services industry was forced to shut down. That period tested everything. Operations stopped, revenue disappeared overnight, and we had to make critical decisions about how to sustain the business while supporting our team.

That is actually when I stepped into a larger role as a partner. Coming in during that environment meant rebuilding momentum from a standstill, restructuring operations, and thinking strategically about how to not only survive but position the brand for growth coming out of the shutdowns.

Another ongoing challenge has been scaling while maintaining quality. It is one thing to run a single successful shop, but expanding into multiple locations while preserving consistency, culture, and service standards requires constant attention. Recruitment, training, and retention become critical, especially in an industry where talent drives everything.

There is also the challenge of redefining expectations within the barbering space. We are trying to build something that goes beyond the traditional model, which means pushing against industry norms and proving that a barbershop can also function as a long-term business platform for both owners and barbers.

At every stage, the obstacles have forced us to be more strategic, more disciplined, and more intentional about growth. Those challenges did not slow us down. They shaped how we operate today and continue to influence where we are going next.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mr. Scissors is more than a barbershop. It is a platform built around growth, opportunity, and long-term vision within the barbering industry. Founded in 2012 by my partner, Edmond Andonian, the brand was created with an unconventional perspective. Edmond came from a real estate background and had no prior experience as a barber, yet he built a business centered on structure, scalability, and giving barbers the tools to succeed beyond the chair.

I joined Mr. Scissors as a partner during the COVID period after being a longtime client for nearly eight years. What started as a personal relationship with the brand evolved into an operational and ownership role, where I now focus heavily on expansion strategy, financing, recruitment, and developing future projects. Since partnering, we have grown the business across multiple locations and continue to position it for expansion into additional markets.

We specialize in delivering a full-service grooming experience, from precision haircuts to straight razor shaves and detailed grooming services. However, what we are truly known for goes beyond the service itself. We have built a culture that prioritizes both client experience and barber development. Our goal is not just to employ barbers, but to help them grow, build their own clientele, and ultimately create pathways for them to open their own shops if they choose.

What sets us apart is that we approach the barbering industry like a scalable business ecosystem rather than a traditional shop. We focus on mentorship, brand-building, and creating infrastructure that allows talent to grow within and beyond our company. That philosophy has allowed us to attract strong talent and build a brand that is positioned for long-term expansion.

Brand-wise, what I am most proud of is the foundation it was built on. Mr. Scissors was started during one of the most challenging economic periods, the 2010 recession, by someone outside the industry, and it survived not only that period but also the COVID shutdowns. That resilience speaks to the strength of the model and the clarity of the vision behind it.

For readers, I want them to understand that Mr. Scissors is not just about haircuts. It is about creating opportunity. We offer high-level grooming services, accessible promotions through our website and social platforms, and an environment that caters to a wide range of clients. At the same time, we are building something much larger behind the scenes. A brand that continues to grow, evolve, and expand into new cities while staying rooted in quality and community.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Instagram:

@kurtbenz
@mrscissorsbarbershop

Email:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Pricing:

• $40-60

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mrscissorsbarbers.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kurtbenz
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/kurtbenz
• LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/kurtbenz
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/kurtbenz
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-scissors-barbershop-los-angeles-3