BLAINE, Minn. – (March 22, 2018) – At the end of last year, it was the end of an era for a popular Blaine business.
“53 years I’ve been cutting hair in Blaine,” said Paul Buccholz, former owner of Paul’s Barber Shop.” The mayor told me I had the oldest solely owned business in Blaine.”
But, it was time for Paul to hang up the scissors, and start enjoying retirement. He recently celebrated all of his long-time customers at a retirement party.
“We’re thanking, officially, all the customers I’ve had for 53 years.”
And the turnout was great.
“It’s overwhelming to me.”
Originally, for Paul becoming a barber was more of a backup plan.
“I thought, ‘oh heck, it’ll be nice to have a barber license if something else should come up.’ Well, I never turned back.”
And after more than five decades in business, what Paul will miss the most is simply the friendships that come with the job.
“The favorite part is the camaraderie. The favorite part is just talking to people and watching their families grow up.”
Even though Paul has left, the shop will carry on. Another barber that has been working with Paul for 31 years bought the shop and the name, and will keep Paul’s Barber Shop open. But, it’s clear that Paul will be missed.
“In 53 years you make a lot of friends,” said Buchholz.
