Empowering the Next Generation of Barbers

Pilo empowers emerging barbers, especially those recently certified or returning from incarceration, by creating mobile career opportunities, redefining success, and fostering a community of professional growth and inclusion.

Our ProgramsOur Community
Our Mission

Creating Pathways to Professional Freedom

We believe every aspiring barber deserves the tools, training, and support to build a thriving career regardless of their background. Pilo is the bridge between potential and opportunity.

Train

Train young barbers in mobile entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills to build independent careers.

Earn

Help emerging barbers earn a sustainable living without the burden of heavy overhead costs.

Equip

Provide starter equipment kits so new barbers can hit the ground running from day one.

Educate

Offer financial literacy workshops that build long-term wealth management skills.

Certify

Create certification standards that establish credibility and open doors to new opportunities.

What We Offer

Programs Built for Real Impact

From starter kits to certification, every program is designed to remove barriers and accelerate success for emerging barbers.

Mobile Entrepreneurship Training

We train young barbers in the art of mobile entrepreneurship—teaching them how to build a client base, manage appointments, and deliver exceptional service anywhere. Our curriculum focuses on practical skills that translate directly to earning potential.

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Starter Equipment Kits

We provide professional-grade starter equipment kits to emerging barbers, removing one of the biggest financial barriers to entering the industry. Each kit includes essential tools needed to start serving clients immediately.

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Financial Literacy Workshops

Our workshops cover budgeting, taxes, savings strategies, and building credit—essential knowledge for any independent professional. We ensure barbers aren't just earning, but building lasting wealth.

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Certification Standards

We're establishing certification standards that give emerging barbers credibility and confidence. Our certifications signal quality to clients and open doors to partnerships and advancement opportunities.

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Building Futures,
One Cut at a Time

Hands-on mentorship from certified master barbers, creating pathways to professional independence.

Drew Ervin training a young barber one-on-one at XG Groom Room
Drew Ervin demonstrating barbering techniques to a group of emerging barbers

Founder Drew Ervin mentoring and training the next generation of barbers at XG Groom Room

Community

Deeply Rooted in Community

Pilo is deeply rooted in community support and growth. Drew Ervin, Master Barber, owner of XG Groom Room, and one of the founders of Pilo, used his XG Brand to proudly sponsor a high school girls' soccer team—providing jerseys and meals after games.

We've also partnered with a local charter school to train emerging barbers for free, opening pathways for them to succeed. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to uplifting the next generation of barbers and creating equitable career opportunities.

Youth Sports

Sponsoring jerseys & postgame meals

Free Training

Charter school barber program

Diversity

Celebrating Indianapolis communities

Mentorship

Guiding youth to entrepreneurship

Testimonials

Voices from Our Community

“I want to sincerely thank Drew for not only being elite at his craft, but for his generous support of the 2023-24 Ben Davis Girls Soccer Program. He sponsored our girls with a donation toward our gear and provided postgame meals for the players for multiple games throughout the season. That kind of support goes beyond business — it reflects a genuine commitment to serving and uplifting the community. We appreciate him investing in our kids and believing in what we're building.”

Dominic Washington
Dominic Washington
Head Coach, Ben Davis Girls Soccer Team

“Drew Ervin, Master Barber, generously shared his time and expertise with our student barbers at Phalen Leadership Academy, guiding them on how to keep their entrepreneurial spirit alive in the barbering world. His mentorship gave our youth—many from underserved communities—a vision of possibility and a pathway to success. We are deeply grateful for his impact.”

Mario Brown
Mario Brown
Principal, Phalen Leadership Academy

“As the owner of XG Groom Room, I'm proud to support the Burmese soccer team on the south side of Indianapolis. By sponsoring them, I stay connected with the community, celebrate its diversity, and show how barbers can uplift and empower others. Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and we are committed to bringing positive change through barbering.”

Drew Ervin
Drew Ervin
Pilo Founder & Master Barber
Leadership

Meet the Board

Our board brings together passionate leaders dedicated to transforming the barbering industry and uplifting communities.

Drew Ervin

Drew Ervin

Founder & Master Barber

Okenna Oruche

Okenna Oruche

Founder

Dandrew Merriweather

Dandrew Merriweather

Founder

Get Involved

Help Us Shape the Future of Barbering

Whether you're a barber looking for support, a mentor willing to share expertise, or a donor passionate about creating opportunities—there's a place for you at Pilo.

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