A local entrepreneur and former convict is making a significant impact in his community through his successful barbershop and charitable initiatives. After serving 11 months in prison for drug-related offenses in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he turned his life around by pursuing a career in barbering.

In 2009, he graduated from barber school and became a licensed barber the following year. By 2015, he opened Funk's Barber Shop, which recently celebrated its ninth anniversary. The shop has become a hub for community engagement, particularly through its annual back-to-school charity event in collaboration with the Chicago Bears.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the barbershop has partnered with the NFL team to provide free haircuts to children at the Bears' practice facility. The owner, who serves as the team's first in-house barber, mobilizes his team of 11 employees to participate in this initiative, dedicating a day to give back to the youth in the community.

His journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship exemplifies resilience and a commitment to uplifting others, showcasing how individuals can transform their lives and positively influence their surroundings.