Tasos Zacharia hopes grandson Jake remains a cut above the competition.

Mr. Zacharia, who has operated Tasos Hairstyling and Barber Shop for 34 years, is getting ready to turn in his trimmers. He's 68 years old but not quite ready to spend his days tuned into daytime television.

Mr. Zacharia's work ethic is strong...and long-standing. He was a 14-year-old boy living in Greece when he cut his first tresses. Mr. Zacharia's father died during the fight for independence of Cyprus.

With younger siblings to support, the new head of the household needed to find steady employment.

Years later Mr. Zacharia came to Canada and continued cutting hair. He interviewed for the job in Dundas on a Monday morning and started bright and early the following day.

Now, already past the age when most people retire, Mr. Zacharia wasn't quite sure what the future held for his old-fashioned barbershop on King Street East.

That is until grandson Jake expressed an interest in pursuing hair styling as a career.

Jake, 23, didn't know what to do with his life after graduating from St. Mary's Secondary School. He worked for a brick-laying company, then at the suggestion of an uncle attended Bruno's School of Hair Design in downtown Hamilton. Jake has since finished his 1,500 hours of in-school training and a 2,000-hour apprenticeship. He will write the test to earn his provincial licence on March 6.

Jake has been by his grandfather's side for the past two weeks, learning the ropes from a seasoned veteran.

"It's easier for me to switch over day by day," said Mr. Zacharia. "And eventually Jake will have his own business."

For his part, Jake said the most enjoyable part of the job is interacting with people.

And with 95 per cent of Tasos' clients being regular customers, there's plenty of time to get to know everyone who comes through the door.

"I love them and I very much appreciate their support over the years," said Mr. Zacharia. "I am going to teach the kid to be good, even better than I am."

In those early days, when Tasos first moved into the brand new building at 28 King St. E, hair cuts were $2.50 The current rate is $14, including tax, with a $2 discount for seniors and children under the age of 14.