Greg Young is a man who knows the razor-thin line between failure and success better than most. As the owner and master barber at Nobleman’s Cut and Shave, Young spends his days cutting hair for professional athletes, real estate moguls and everyday folks. But his path to success wasn’t paved with gold—more like eviction notices, street corners and jail cells.
Born in Jacksonville, Young’s childhood was anything but easy. His father was absent for most of his early years, and his mother struggled with addiction. “We were constantly getting evicted, and I had no guidance or support in life as a child,” he recalls. At just 15, things hit rock bottom when his mother left him after yet another eviction. Homeless, scared and alone, Young fell into a cycle of substance abuse to cope with the harsh reality of life on the streets.
“Finding a place to sleep was the hardest,” Young admits. “But trusting anyone—that became impossible.” Without a stable home or support system, his young life spiraled further into chaos. He found himself in and out of jail, arrested more than 15 times, while trying to numb the pain with drugs and alcohol. Yet, amid all the turbulence, a flicker of hope remained. “I always had a hustler mentality,” Young says. “And I believed in God. That faith helped me push through.”
It wasn’t until he hit his mid-20s that Young made a pivotal decision: He needed to find a way to provide for himself. After one too many stints in jail, he enrolled in barber school. With sheer determination, he juggled multiple jobs and his studies, all while trying to stay out of trouble. “I knew I had to change my life, and barbering felt like something I could be great at,” he says.
Young remembers his first client as if it were yesterday. “He was a real estate entrepreneur, and it just clicked for me. I realized that through barbering, I could meet people who were successful, pick their brains and maybe learn how to better myself.” It wasn’t just about the haircuts anymore but soaking in the wisdom and experiences of his clients.
Today, Young cuts hair for a diverse clientele, including some of the biggest names in sports. “I’ve had the honor of cutting Dan Marino, Tua Tagovailoa, Ryan Tannehill, Nick Bosa and many others,” he says. “That’s when I knew I’d made it. I prayed for these moments.”
But Young’s story isn’t just one of personal success; it’s also about giving back. In 2018, he founded the Backpack Barber Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping Broward County’s homeless and underprivileged youth. “As I gained a bit of sobriety, I felt a strong need to give back to my community,” Young says. Through the foundation, he provides free haircuts and hygiene items, and—most importantly—shares his story of hope and recovery. “I’ve been in their shoes, so I love spreading the message of sobriety to whoever will listen.”
At Nobleman’s Cut and Shave, Young and his team are known for putting people over profit. “We always give back to the community,” Young explains. It’s not just about a fresh fade (though Young’s skin fades are legendary); it’s about building relationships and showing appreciation. “I live my life in constant gratitude, and I think it shows in my craft.”
Even after all he’s accomplished, Young isn’t done yet. His next goals? Expanding his men’s grooming line, Noble by Greg Young, and continuing his work with the Backpack Barber Foundation. “I also want to own the real estate my shop is in,” he adds with a grin.
For anyone struggling, Young’s advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t lose faith. Every feeling will pass. Just keep waking up and doing the next right thing, and eventually, everything will fall in line. Bet on yourself, and stay prayed up.”
Young’s story, from the streets to success, is one of perseverance, faith and heart. More than a barber, he’s a man who’s used his struggles to fuel his success and give back to the community that once left him behind.
