𝗠𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗡𝗢: 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗥, 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗧, 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥~𝗔 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗬𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥

 by Rene Torres

Mike Pizano today

Mike Pizano is an old school barber that started his trade in 1984 at the tender age of twenty-five, introduced to the business of barbering by his father, Rodolfo "Rudy" Pizano. 

Tutoring his son was a good proposition that led Mike to become a role model in his profession as Rudy established his barbershop at 437 West Jefferson in 1979.

The shop remains in the same location where Mike faithfully attends to his customers today.

The building is not adorned with luxurious comfort, fancy lighting or modern furniture, but instead you are greeted by an inviting and highly skilled barber.  

Mike is saturated with positive energy and works fast but with precision, always considering your likes and dislikes. Others should be inspired to emulate his approach.

And for that moment that you are in the chair—you can also escape from your daily woes. 

How does he do that, you might ask?

By the fact that he knows his customers personally and at an instant  can start a friendly conversation about your family and/or friends that will lift your spirits.

Mike is endowed with the ability to make you feel and look good, using the most amazing machine in the world, the human hand, manipulating the tools of the trade like a well-tuned conductor.

In 2012, he was recognized as one of the most outstanding barbers in the region, receiving the “Top Choice Award” by the Brownsville Herald. 

Mike's Barber Shop, 437 West Jefferson

Mike was also featured in 2007, in the book titled “Barberia, Barbershops of the Borderlands."

He is one of a kind—but no different than most barbers that provide “Barber Shop Talk Therapy.” if you know what I mean!

Allow me to close with a quote from Grover Cleveland: 

"A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil."