Barber Spotlight
The Clipper Guy: Ivan Zoot
Whether you know him as Ivan Zoot or simply “Clipper Guy” if you have
been involved in the hair industry for any length of time, you know him or
know of him. He has made a name for himself in the industry, outside of
Andis, the company he has long represented, by captivating an audience on
stage at trade shows across the nation, posting how-to videos almost daily
on You Tube, and writing his own books and developing his own product
line. Ivan is also the record holder of three impressive Guinness World
Records: single fastest haircut (55 seconds), the most professional haircuts
in one hour (34), and most haircuts in 24 hours (340). This is one qualified
educator who knows just as much about the business end as he does about
cutting hair…barber style.
Q: How did you get started in barbering?
I went to cosmetology school and caught the short hair bug when working in
a salon. I got interested in clipper cutting and men’s hair cutting and decided
to go to barber school as well.
Q: From a strictly barber standpoint, what makes you unique?
The combination of both cosmetology and barber backgrounds. My understanding of balancing service/quality and efficiency, my development of the
revolution cutting system which allowed me to break the Guinness World
haircutting records.
Q: How did you get your nickname “Clipper Guy”? How did it evolve?
While I was in restaurants, airports, and other public places before during
and after hair shows, I would hear people say, “Hey! It is Clipper Guy!” It
stuck. Maybe they did not know my real name.
Q: How did you learn your knowledge on barbering and the business of it?
How do you keep it updated?
I learned from other barbers after barber school. I cut 45 to 50 heads every
day for years. There is no substitute for experience. I have continued to at-
“
[Barbers] want to put in a
line and work hard to take it out.
I demonstrate the idea that you
don’t have to do it like that.
“
tend hair shows and take classes. I also hang out in barber shops and I watch
YouTube videos.
Q: How do you stay involved in the barbering community?
By visiting shops, presenting at shows, and stay actively involved in webbased social media.
Q: What is your favorite cut to do?
I love to share and demonstrate classic taper cuts, but flat tops and fades are
faves of mine. Flat tops for the discipline - right or wrong - and fades because
my cutting system is easier and provokes controversy with barbers; it makes
fading fast and easy and many will not accept that it is this easy to do. They
want to put in a line and work hard to take it out. I demonstrate the idea that
you do not have to do it like that.
Q: In what different capacities have you worked at Andis?
Initially I was a contract educator, working in my shop and doing shows
on the weekends. I was brought on full time as director of education six
years ago.
Q: What is the best thing about the barber industry today?
Limitless opportunity to serve people and earn a good living and provide
security for yourself and your family.
Q: What would help to improve the barber industry?
Higher levels of professionalism and regulation; licensure and sanitation
compliance; raise the impression of the industry in the eyes of the public;
raise haircut prices.
Q: Why did you go after the World’s Fastest Haircutter title? What’s it like
to own it year after year?
I broke the records as a publicity stunt for my shop. I reclaimed them 10
years later by raising the bar and the records by a lot. It is now time for a
new haircutter in the business to learn my system and break my records.
Everyone has a shot. Whose turn is it next?
Q: Why have you decided to manufacture your own line of products?
Book series?
I promote and sell the Andis brand. The ClipperGuy brand is my own and has
value in the eyes of the barber and stylist community as well.
Q: Why have you gone digital with your information, providing so much
free content online?
The books and the books on CD are available for purchase. I also have documents online for sale. The free information is there to support the business.
People see and enjoy the free information and come back to buy the rest.
Smooth Cuts in Kenosha, WI near the Andis factory. “These guys do a lot of prototype testing for Andis and me.” From left to right: Kenneth Smits, “Fatty”, “Bubba”
Hamilton,Claude Jr. III, and Ivan Zoot (front, middle).
14 | barbersonlymagazine.com | Dec./Jan. 2011
Q: What are your words to live by?
“If you do not put the line in, you do not have to take the line out!” BOM