When Richard Nalder walked into a barber school in Boise nearly two decades ago, he was just looking for an inexpensive $5 haircut. Little did he know that this simple decision would launch a 20-year career in the beauty industry and eventually lead to him becoming one of Eagle, Idaho’s most respected business owners and community leaders.
Today, Richard’s barbershop, Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming, stands as a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose, and when a business owner truly commits to serving their community.
A Name with Meaning
The story behind Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming‘s unique name is as creative as it is personal. “Redlan is actually my last name backwards,” Richard explains with a smile. “Nalder spelled backward becomes Redlan. We kind of borrowed the idea from Pokemon – you know how some Pokemon names are just regular words spelled backwards, like Ekans being ‘snake’ backwards.”
This clever wordplay served a strategic purpose beyond just being memorable. “I didn’t want a barbershop with my direct name on it,” Richard notes. “I knew I was going to have an employee-based company, so I didn’t want to hire someone and have them wonder ‘who’s Richard?’ With Redlan, it’s a made-up name that represents all of us.”
The name has proven to be a conversation starter, especially with the many California transplants who move to the Boise area. “We get a lot of people from Redlands, California who come in because the name looks familiar to their hometown,” Richard says. “It’s been a great ice-breaker.”
Creating a Space for Men
Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming isn’t just another barbershop – it’s a carefully crafted sanctuary designed specifically with men in mind. “The idea was to create a space for men to come in and take off their armor from the atrocities of the world,” Richard explains. “There’s not a lot of places for men to relax and appreciate great service.”
This philosophy drives everything they do at Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming. While haircuts remain their primary service, the full-service barbershop also offers facials, beard trims, and traditional straight-razor shaves. But for Richard and his team of 11 employees, the real service goes deeper than just grooming.
“We really strive for connecting with the customer on a different level,” he says. “A lot of guys have stress – they might be providers for their homes, single dads, or dealing with various challenges. We want to cater to that specific need. The haircut is just the vehicle.”
Their ideal customer? “The working-class man, typically middle-aged, 35 to 40 years old, often a family guy,” Richard describes. This focus has resonated powerfully with the community, helping Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming build a client base of over 12,000 people in Eagle, a town of just 30,000 residents.
From Punk Rock Kid to Business Owner
Richard’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional. Growing up as what he calls “a punk rock kid living on the streets of Twin Falls,” he was raised by a single mother along with four siblings in a small town of 30,000 people. The transition to Boise felt like moving to the big city.
“I fell into the industry almost by accident,” Richard recalls. That fateful day at the barber school, the person checking him in happened to be a financial aid counselor who asked if he’d ever considered the beauty industry. Having just graduated high school without a clear direction, Richard started school two weeks later.
The decision proved transformative. Richard celebrated 20 years behind the chair this past May, and in December 2016, he took the leap into business ownership, opening Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming on December 5th, 2016.
Deep Community Roots
What truly sets Richard and Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming apart is their deep commitment to community involvement. Richard describes barbershops as “the community center of whatever community you’re in,” and he lives this philosophy daily.
His community involvement extends far beyond his business. Richard has held various positions with the local government in Eagle, believing that business owners should be actively engaged in shaping their communities. “I like to say I keep the government in my back pocket,” he jokes. “I think it’s important to know what’s coming, what areas need help, and to help direct tax money that small businesses contribute toward the right community development projects.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard emerged as a leader in the business community. He helped organize small businesses for a coordinated reopening strategy and was instrumental in raising millions of dollars to support local businesses. His efforts were so impactful that only two businesses in Eagle closed during that period – both due to owners choosing to retire, not pandemic-related pressures.
Richard was also part of an eight-person statewide group that helped rewrite Idaho’s reopening structure for salons and barbershops, working directly with state government to ensure safe and effective reopening protocols.
Recognition and Giving Back
In recognition of his community involvement and business excellence, Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming was named Business of the Year by the Eagle Chamber of Commerce. What makes this award particularly meaningful is that it wasn’t based on popularity votes, but on the business’s community involvement and impact as evaluated by city council members and Chamber officials.
“I had no idea I was going to win,” Richard remembers. “I thought I was just attending a ceremony. When they called ‘Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming’ for their involvement in the community, I was shocked.”
The spirit of giving back is woven throughout Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming’s operations. They offer military discounts to honor those who have served, and every year they provide complimentary back-to-school haircuts for teachers and students. “I really value that from growing up in a poor environment,” Richard explains. “I remember when I was a kid and different barbershops would offer complimentary haircuts. It made a difference.”
Family and Future
Richard’s success in business is matched by his commitment to family. Married for 18 years to his wife (they wed when he was just 20), Richard is the proud father of a 14-year-old son who keeps him busy with baseball, football, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu activities.
“I’m a family guy,” Richard says simply. “My son’s really into sports, so I love going to his activities. We go to Boise Hawks games – I’ll attend about 24 of their 40+ games each season.”
When he’s not at the shop or supporting his son’s activities, Richard enjoys solo backpacking adventures, venturing 50-60 miles into Idaho’s wilderness for multi-day camping trips. He’s also an avid mountain biker who appreciates Idaho’s abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming approaches its ninth year in business, Richard’s vision remains focused on excellence and community service. “I would love to have multiple locations,” he shares, “but I want to have my ducks in a row first and see sustained success and growth.”
His passion extends beyond just business expansion. “I’m passionate about the profession and where I can take families, single mothers, and others through this industry,” he explains. “Money gives us options, and I love helping people grow.”
With over 400 Google reviews, dozens of Yelp reviews, and a strong social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming has clearly struck a chord with the community. Their tagline, “A modern style and a classic look,” perfectly captures their approach – honoring traditional barbershop values while embracing contemporary service excellence.
Experience the Difference
Richard Nalder’s journey from small-town kid to successful business owner and community leader exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. At Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming, every haircut is an opportunity to serve, every customer interaction is a chance to connect, and every day is an opportunity to give back to the community that has embraced them.
For men seeking more than just a haircut – those looking for a place to relax, connect, and be truly served – Redlan’s Gentlemen’s Grooming offers exactly what Richard envisioned: a space where armor can be removed and authentic service reigns supreme.