CUT-UPS ( above ) City Image Barber Shop founder Jeff Agnello ( left ) with his bother Joe Agnello and friend Izak Orero ; ( inset ) their own line of hair products called MMIX which represents the year their were founded in Roman numerals , 2009 .
for 30-some-odd staffers who elect to take it .
“ We want our employees to be healthy , which allows them tobehappier and to perform attheir best ,” says Joseph Agnello .“ There ’ s no reason why anyone should leave the industry because they feel like it ’ sunstable .”
Orero , 33 , anative of Fair Lawn , said City Image is reversing the stigma that along-term career is not available to those who pursue the barbering trade .
“ Value attracts the valuable ,” he says . “ We hire people who care more and stay longer .”
‘ GREAT RELATIONSHIP ’
Before their family moved tothe township , the Agnello brothers were raised in atwo-bedroom apartment on East 23rd Street in the People ’ s Park section of Paterson — ahistorically Italian American neighborhood .
Living in such close quarters at an early age is how the brothers get along so well asadults , they say .
They share inthe decision-making , said JeffreyAgnello .
“ We ’ re not always on the same page ,” he says .“ But we understand that when someone feels truly about something , it doesn ’ tget overruled .”
His brother agreed , noting that he felt as if they were each other ’ s “ life rafts .”
“ I ’ m the older brother , and I ’ m always looking out for him ,” says Joseph Agnello .“ But as you grow up , he becomes your best friend . That ’ swhere Ithink we have agreat relationship .”
City Image locations offer amenu of services that include beard trims , hot towel shaves and master scissor work . Prices depend on the expertise ofthe barber , the partners say .
Each location also sells City Image hair care products , under the brand name MMIX — the year , inRoman numerals , that the original shop was founded .
The line of merchandise , which includes beard oil , forming cream and sea salt spray , isanother example of the business setting the pace in awildly competitive field where new styles emerge every day .
“ People knocked us for some of our innovations ,” says its founder , Jeffrey Agnello .“ But we ’ re the pioneers .” ■
@ waynemagazine WAYNE MAGAZINE SPRING 2024
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