LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Walking into Trim Barber Shop in downtown Lincolnton might seem like a trip down memory lane. The barber shop has been in the same location for decades and not much has changed inside except for a few hunting trophies owner Rex Rhyne has collected over the years.
What You Need To Know
Veteran Rex Rhyne has worked at Trim Barber Shop in Lincolnton for 37 years
He worked for then-owner Ronald Burke until 2003 when he was mobilized to Iraq with The National Guard
When he returned Burke sold the business to him, and he has done his best to keep it the same even through the pandemic
Rhyne takes no appointments, walk-ins only, and the business doesn't have a phone
"I try to keep it the same, I don't really want to change anything, I don't even have a business phone," Rhyne said.
Rhyne has worked at the shop for 37 years. He started when he was 22 years old working for then-owner Ronald Burke
"Then in 2003 I was mobilized to Iraq with the National Guard," Rhyne said.
Rhyne's military history goes back to his great-grandfather.
"My father served with the 25th infantry division, 35th regiment," Rhyne said.
When Rhyne returned from Iraq, Burke sold the barber shop to him.
“He just told me he was going to retire and asked me if I wanted to buy the business, and I said, 'well sure.' It was a no-brainer really. I had worked here for 30 years," Rhyne said.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, and he was forced to close his shop, Rhyne did all he could to keep business going.
He cut hair for few people, who had to keep up professional appearances, at their homes, and he applied for the federal grants and used some of the savings his parents taught him to keep for a rainy day, in this case a pandemic.
But Rhyne realized he was not ready for retirement.
"I about went crazy, because I’m used to working. I didn’t know what to do!" Rhyne said.
One thing is certain he says. The job is never boring.
"Every 15 minutes I get to talk to somebody different about some other subject, and it's never a dull moment," Rhyne said.