Moe Kutz Barber Academy Is Building Futures, One Barber at a Time
Jul 28, 2026
When Lee Brooks founded Moe Kutz Barber Academy, his vision extended far beyond teaching a trade. He wanted to create pathways to meaningful careers and economic opportunity for people across northeastern North Carolina.
In just over a year, that vision has grown into a thriving workforce development institution. Moe Kutz Barber Academy’s student enrollment has doubled, and annual revenue has increased nearly sixfold, from $15,000 in 2025 to $84,000 in 2026. The academy has also expanded access to barber education through scholarships, flexible payment plans, and community outreach designed to remove barriers for aspiring professionals.
One of the academy’s most significant milestones came through a new partnership with the College of the Albemarle Cosmetology Department. Brooks recognized an opportunity to complement the college’s existing cosmetology program by offering specialized barber education and creating additional career pathways for students.
To secure the partnership, Brooks worked closely with North Carolina SBTDC business counselors Brandy Ballard and Gerena Thomas. Through one-on-one business counseling, strategic planning, and guidance in developing a professional proposal, the SBTDC team helped Brooks clearly communicate the academy’s value and align the partnership with the college’s workforce development goals.
“The SBTDC has been an invaluable partner in the growth of Moe Kutz Barber Academy,” Brooks said. “Their expertise gave us the confidence to present our vision to the College of the Albemarle, resulting in a successful partnership that has expanded opportunities for our students and our business.”
Beyond helping secure the partnership, Ballard and Thomas provided ongoing guidance on long-term business planning, enrollment growth, and financial sustainability. Their support has helped position the academy for continued expansion while keeping its mission at the center of every decision.
Today, Moe Kutz Barber Academy continues to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom. The academy provides scholarships for students with financial need, mentors individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades, hosts back-to-school initiatives, and volunteers its services by providing haircuts for youth at the juvenile detention center in Hertford.
Looking ahead, Brooks plans to continue building the academy into the premier barber training institution in northeastern North Carolina. Future plans include increasing enrollment, expanding scholarship opportunities, developing additional workforce partnerships, and enhancing the curriculum with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, customer service, and advanced barbering techniques.
“Our goal isn’t just to produce highly skilled licensed barbers,” Brooks said. “We want to develop entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders who will make a lasting impact throughout North Carolina.”
With a clear vision, strong community partnerships, and continued support from the SBTDC, Moe Kutz Barber Academy is helping shape the next generation of barbering professionals while strengthening the region’s workforce one student at a time.
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