My role as Community Initiatives Associate at Level One Bank has challenged me to develop an innovative way to reach out to entrepreneurs in Detroit. My initial research has involved visiting local businesses in an effort to connect with and learn from those who might benefit from these types of business outreach programs. The goal of this research was to identify opportunities to assist these owners through better understanding their current situations. The unexpected benefits have been meeting some really great Detroiters.
One of the most charming business owners that I came across was 76-year-old barber Paul Bologna. Paul moved to the United States from Sicily in his early twenties after his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player were disenchanted by injury. Paul’s Barber Shop, located next to the Redford theatre, was opened shortly afterwards, over 50 years ago.
And it looks it. The neon-red sign in the window is easily overlooked due to partial coverage by aging (or maybe dead?) plants and flowers. There is a very real possibility that the spotted countertops and wooden-framed landscape paintings on the walls have been there since the inauguration. And the box-set television sits atop a floral fabric that just might be from the mother country.
But Paul, wearing a pineapple print button-down, is light-hearted and has the spirit of someone much younger. He speaks excitedly about the days when he used to have tons of clients pouring in from all over southeastern Michigan for a “hot towel and the best shave of their life.” He shows me with a smile a framed Detroit Free Press article from years ago about his shop, dusty photos of each of his parents, and even his flip-phone (while laughing) after I ask if he uses any social media to try to spark new business.

Fun with business assessment on sticky notes
After an hour of story-telling and laughs, I tell Paul I need to get going. He thanks me repeatedly (I’m not sure what for) and gets on his tiptoes to give me a kiss on the cheek. I melt a little and tell him I’ll be back to visit.
Paul is a real Detroiter. He remembers realities in the city that I can only dream of through the stories of Paul the Barber and other people his age. As the city continues to reimagine itself, I think it is important to honor people like Paul Bologna: the living histories of Detroit.