The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Reed named 'Small Business Leader'
By Edward Freundl, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 24, 2008
Bob Pierce loves surprises.
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At least, he loves surprising local business owners and employees with good news.
When the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce director walked into Gary Reed's barbershop on Main Street at noon on Tuesday, he surprised the longtime tonsorial artist with the news that Reed Barbering had been chosen the chamber's "Small Business Leader" for 2007.
While customers and co-workers cheered and applauded, Reed seemed to be at a loss for words - probably a first for a barber.
"I'm very surprised I was chosen; most of my 'business leadership' has been behind the scenes," Reed said.
"I figure leading by example is the best way to do it. Most of the things I do are not for me, they are for others."
Formal presentation of the award will be Feb. 21 at the chamber's annual meeting.
Reed spoke highly of his father, Keith, as his main role model not only in his career as a barber more than 40 years ago but in his life as a whole.
"Dad always told me, 'It's who you surround yourself with,' and that's why we've been such a success," Reed said. "It makes all the difference."
He also gave credit for his success to his Christian way of life.
"The example I get is from the Bible: We should do all we can as servants of others," he said.
Pierce congratulated Reed on the award, noting that small businesses are the real foundation of Chelsea.
"We're a small-town chamber; 64 percent of our members are small businesses," Pierce said.
That small-town way of life is one reason Reed has expanded to three similar locations over the years.
Reed took over the Chelsea shop from Dave Murphy in 1985, then he and his wife Robin bought the barbershop in Dexter 18 years ago, and two years ago expanded into Grass Lake.
"Most of the businesses here in the downtown area have changed since 1985, but one thing is still the same," Reed said.
"It's that caring from the heart. It's nice to know people think enough of you to ask you, 'How's it going?' and really mean it."
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