Meet Ryan Dietiker | Visionary Barbering Brand Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Dietiker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most pivotal factor behind the success of Forefathers Grooming and our associated brands is an unwavering commitment to authenticity. From day one, we’ve anchored ourselves in the belief that genuine connections, both with our team and our clientele, drive real growth. Our ethos is about more than just offering top-tier grooming services; it’s about creating an environment where clients feel valued, understood, and part of a community. This dedication to authenticity, coupled with our innovative approaches, such as The Forefathers Grooming appointment-only model, has allowed us to revolutionize the grooming experience and consistently stand out in the marketplace.

What should our readers know about your business?
Forefathers Grooming isn’t just a business; it’s a passion project that’s grown out of love for the craft and the desire to create an unparalleled grooming experience. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to legacy, craftsmanship, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that each client feels unique and valued. Every appointment isn’t just a service; it’s a curated experience.

Launching Motor City Hair Co. wasn’t merely about introducing a line of products into the market. It was about reimagining grooming, embedding the spirit of Detroit – its authenticity, its heritage – into each product. We aimed to give our clientele something more than just grooming essentials. We provided them with a slice of Motor City legacy, refined over the years, distilled into products that epitomize craftsmanship and passion.

Simultaneously, understanding the shifts in the grooming industry and acknowledging the gaps led to the inception of “The Haircentric.” It’s a platform, a movement, championing the ‘appointment-only’ model, which ensures our professionals not only deliver their best every single time but also build deeper connections with clients. The Haircentric is our vision for the future of grooming – where every service is elevated, and both barbers and clients mutually thrive.

Reaching this point in the business wasn’t a cakewalk. Like any entrepreneurial journey, there were challenges, moments of doubt, and learning curves. But it’s through these trials that some of the most significant lessons emerged. Consistency, resilience, and staying true to one’s ethos can transform challenges into stepping stones. The love and trust of our clients and the dedication of our team have been the driving force behind our achievements.

Looking back, while I feel immense pride in our accomplishments, I can’t help but acknowledge the bedrock of my success: the unwavering support from my parents, who instilled in me the values of hard work and persistence, and the incredible team at Forefathers Grooming. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and belief in the brand vision have been pivotal.

So, what do I want the world to know about our brand and story? It’s simple. At the heart of our brand lies an undying commitment to excellence, a deep-seated respect for our craft, and an insatiable desire to innovate. We’re not just shaping styles; we’re crafting stories, building legacies, and setting benchmarks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Interviewer: Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?

Ryan Dietiker: Ah, Detroit is such a gem! I’d kick off the week by treating them to some pastries at Greektown’s Astoria. You haven’t had breakfast till you’ve been there! Then, we’d head to the Detroit Institute of Arts to soak in some culture. Evening would see us at Wright & Co for dinner and maybe a tasty drink at Whiskey Parlor.

Day two? Total music immersion. We’d have brunch at Selden Standard, then lose ourselves in the stories at the Motown Museum. Evening jazz at Cliff Bell’s is a must.

On the third day, I’d bring them to Forefathers Grooming – whether it’s for a cut or just to feel the vibe. Later, we’d grab coffee at Great Lakes Coffee, followed by some iconic Detroit pizza at Buddy’s.

Day four is all about nature. We’d head to Belle Isle Park after a hearty meal at Rose’s Fine Foods. The day would end at Monarch Club, catching Detroit’s skyline. Sunsets there are unbelieveable.

For the fifth day, I’d introduce them to the Detroit spirit, starting with Hudson Cafe. A Detroit Tigers game in the afternoon would be epic. Then, we’d wind down at the Detroit Beer Company.

On the sixth day, I’d want them to experience the history. So, after roaming Eastern Market, we’d dive into the past at the Detroit Historical Museum. And for dinner? Lady of the House. No questions asked.

Our final day would be relaxed. We’d chill at Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy, walk the Detroit Riverwalk, and wrap up our week with a lavish meal at Prime + Proper.

You know, throughout the week, I’d share local insights, street art, hidden gems… Detroit isn’t just a place; it’s an emotion, a story of transformation, and I’d want my best friend to feel every bit of that energy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s a saying that goes, “It takes a village,” and in my journey, this couldn’t be more true. At the very heart of my story, driving my passion and sparking my interest in the industry, is my incredible wife, Heather. Her inspiration and belief in me have been the catalysts for my pursuit in the grooming world, and I owe so much of where I am today to her unwavering support and love.

My parents, too, have been foundational pillars in my life. Their teachings, values, and relentless support laid the groundwork for my aspirations. They instilled in me a fierce work ethic, resilience, and a continuous drive for excellence.

A massive shoutout is also deserved by the phenomenal team at Forefathers Grooming. Their unparalleled dedication, craftsmanship, and spirit have not only elevated the brand but have also fostered an environment that feels less like a business and more like a family. This familial atmosphere is palpable to every client who steps through our doors.

I’m deeply grateful to every individual who’s been a part of this journey — from industry mentors to the enthusiastic professionals I have the privilege to work alongside every day. This shoutout is a tribute to you. Together, we’re not just creating styles; we’re crafting legacies that will endure.

Website: www.forefathersgrooming.com; www.motorcityhairco.com; www.thehaircentric.com

Instagram: @dapper.deeds; @forefathersgrooming; @officialmotorcityhairco; @thehaircentric

Linkedin: @ryandietiker