John Venuti, chief of VCU Police, on Monday presented Howard Adams with a cake honoring Adams Barber Shop's 60 years of business on Broad Street. (Photo credit: Brian McNeill)

VCU Police celebrate barber’s 60 years of service on Broad Street

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For six decades, Howard Adams has been cutting hair at Adams Barber Shop, located at 821 W. Broad St., within the footprint of Virginia Commonwealth University.

To mark the 60th anniversary of Adams’ shop, the VCU Police Department — along with officials from the Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire and Emergency Services — delivered a cake and honored the longtime fixture of the Richmond community.

“Mr. Adams cuts the hair of a lot of police officers and firefighters,” said John Venuti, chief of VCU Police and the university’s assistant vice president for public safety. “Everyone knows him. Being in business for 60 years, it's a significant accomplishment. We treat him like family. He's a great partner with us. So we like to make him feel special.”

VCU Police and its recruits from the academy each year celebrate Adams and his shop on its anniversary, recognizing Adams as a great community partner. (Photo credit: Brian McNeill)
VCU Police and its recruits from the academy each year celebrate Adams and his shop on its anniversary, recognizing Adams as a great community partner. (Photo credit: Brian McNeill)

For the past several years, VCU Police and its recruits from the academy have celebrated Adams and his shop on its anniversary. “They all come in, they introduce themselves to Mr. Adams,” Venuti said. “When they're out on their beats, they stop in.”

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney also attended and presented Adams with a proclamation recognizing his legacy.

“For the 60 years of service to our great community, the city of Richmond would like to present you with a proclamation,” Stoney said. Brian Moran, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, presented Adams with a challenge coin. “On behalf of Gov. Northam, we want to thank you for your 60 years tomorrow of service to law enforcement,” he said.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, right, presented Adams with a proclamation recognizing Adams Barber Shop. (Photo credit: Brian McNeill)
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, right, presented Adams with a proclamation recognizing Adams Barber Shop. (Photo credit: Brian McNeill)

Adams said he has had a “great run with great people.”

“I tell ya, these people have been the best,” he said. “Firemen, policemen. Boy, I've waited on a lot of them, and they are great people. Great people, all of them. Been wonderful to meet. And I've made a good living waiting on them, too.”

The secret to staying in business for 60 years, he said, is to remember three things: “Don’t overcharge people, try your best to give the customer what they want, and treat the customer the way you’d like to be treated.

“That’s how you stay in business 60 years,” he said. “Do those three things.”