Eric’s Bio

Eric D. Garrett, Sr.

BIOGRAPHY

Eric D. Garrett, Sr., is a minority business owner who has several Akron based
businesses, including Kids Academy 2 Childcare; Eric Garrett Construction; Beyond
Expectations Barber College (BEBC) Akron & Youngstown locations; and Akron
Legends Barbershop & Lounge East and West locations.

In 2010, Mr. Eric opened Kids Academy 2 Childcare. There are 6 employees at the
center, which cares for more than 30 children from all over the Akron area (infants to
twelve years old), operates 24 hours each day, seven days a week. The center is a Step
Up to Quality 3-star rated facility and welcomes children with disabilities as well.

Mr. Eric’s Beyond Expectations Barber College (BEBC) not only trains young men and
women to become licensed barbers, but also how to maintain success in the industry
after graduation. The College opened in January 2013, proudly integrates into the
curriculum, lessons on how to live “the American Dream” –the business basics of
owning a barbershop, while also creating a family legacy. BEBC also stresses the
importance of financial literacy and community involvement. Every year, BEBC hosts an
annual “Back 2 School” free haircut event where children are given haircuts at no cost
and school supplies are also provided for the kids at no charge. Over 200 students have
graduated from the college since its inception!! The college boast a 100% graduation
rate, 92% licensure rate and a 100% job placement rate. In addition, the Barber College
provides hundreds of discounted services each week to people throughout the
community.

Akron Legends Barbershop & Lounge was established to provide employment to
students graduating from Beyond Expectations Barber College. There are currently 17
full-time barbers between the two shops. The 20-chair operation is fully renovated and
located right in the heart of the East & West Akron community. In 2013, Eric Garrett
Construction was established. Eric Garrett construction was awarded the Firestone /
Litchfield Project located in Akron. Mr. Eric also partners with Jobs for Ohio’s
Graduates through the Barber College and the Construction company to provide

employment opportunities to our youth. This is not just your typical job, he teaches
these young men and women professionalism, accountability, and financial literacy.

Eric’s Legacy

Mr. Eric is a proud member of the House of the Lord church (THOTL). He is also a
proud member of the Crispus Attucks Lodge #24 (F. & A. M.). Mr. Eric was recognized
with many awards including the “Selfless Ohio Award” presented to him by former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, along with many other awards for his involvement in the community.

Eric’s Life

Mr. Eric was born and raised in Akron, where he still resides with his wife and two
children. He attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from Kenmore High School
in 1989. He grew up in a single parent home with his mother and 4 brothers until her
incarceration. Mr. Eric experienced homelessness at a young age. Being dealt an
unfortunate hand in life, Mr. Eric decided to make the best of his experiences. His first
job was at the Akron Beacon Journal, where under the mentorship of Mr. Tony Rodgers
he learned discipline, accountability, professionalism, and ambition by delivering
newspapers. The expectation was to get up early and be on time, he learned the
importance of being reliable. In 1989, he joined The United States Army where he
served with the 10 th Special Forces Group Airborne Unit based out of Fort Devens,
Massachusetts, providing humanitarian aid to the Kurdish people during the Persian
Gulf War. Mr. Eric was honorably discharged in 1993. His exemplary career in the
Armed Services is marked by more than 10 “Decorations”, medals, badges, citations,
campaign ribbons, and awards.

Mr. Eric studied Computer Information Systems (CIS) at the National American
University in Independence, Missouri, Criminal Justice at the University of
Massachusetts Loyal, and Early Childhood Education at The University of Akron. He worked for the Social Security Administration for over twenty years as a Claims
Representative (CR) in the Retirement, Disability department, and during his tenure he
received more than 20 awards. While at Social Security, he also served as the union
steward for (AFGE) America Federation of Government Employees. During his time as
a union steward, his service included enforcing fair treatment with employers, and being a voice for the rights of employees.

Serving the community has always been a big part of Mr. Eric’s life. He found passion in
finding ways to help the city he loves succeed. For several years, Mr. Eric has helped
create jobs for the City of Akron. He opened Kid’s Academy 2 childcare to help single
parents with their children. By providing a safe, loving, and educational environment
the center has successfully maintained over 10 years incident free with both children
and staff. Beyond Expectations Barber College was created to impact the community by
providing discounted haircare services. The school has graduated over 200 students and
helped them become self- sufficient in the barbering industry. The curriculum teaches
the student how to open and successfully operate their own business. With the help of
Mr. Eric, over 30 barbershops and 3 barber schools have been created.

Eric Garrett Construction launched in 2013 as a summer program for the youth. The
company partners with Firestone High School to teach the students a trade and earn
credits.