Edward Granaghan Cream Ridge NJ-based investor, is involved in start up companies that have unique and disrupting business models. One of those investments was in Squire, a uniquely positioned start up company that is currently disrupting the way a very old service industry, barbershops, conduct their operations.
Squire is a booking and payment platform that connects people with great barbers worldwide. Squire makes it easy to discover and book the best barbers wherever you are, in just a few taps. Squire is also the premier management platform for barbershops. Using Squire, barbers are able to engage their customers, process bookings and payments and better market their business through Squire’s “barbershop discovery” capabilities. Fully integrated with a point of sale, inventory management and payroll systems, Squire is a one-stop solution for barbershop owners to efficiently operate their business.
With headquarters in New York and a presence in major cities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, Squire has quickly become a market leader in technology solutions for the barbershop industry worldwide. For more information, please visit getsquire.com or download the Squire iOS app from the App Store.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Always make sure you are taking care of people who need help, and companies that do the same are great investments.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
There are charities and grants at the local level that might be able to provide some of the help and assistance to people in startup businesses.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read the news to stay informed on these types of topics, but don’t believe everything you read. It takes time to really vet some of these things.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and try to reconnect with the reason I’m doing the work in the first place—helping people. Whether it’s through supporting a community-based business or contributing to a cause, remembering the “why” behind my efforts gives me clarity. I also find that having a simple conversation with someone in the community, like a local barber, can ground me and bring me back to center.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Word of mouth. Conversations with others. That is really what it’s about. Great experience with the application will sell itself through word of mouth. Also, this company gives back to the local communities by providing free haircuts to people in need, such as unhoused or poverty-stricken individuals.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There might have been other companies that had a concept or idea that is great, but you can’t always find them at the right time. You really need to evaluate the investment choices that are available as opposed to waiting on the perfect situation.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Nonprofits and business contests for up-and-coming companies can be a good conduit to help people get support for their business. These contests can help stress-test the concept and provide feedback to the company about their business, and winning one of these contests can also introduce you to new investors that can help the business grow.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The Squire app assists me in identifying barbershops in my area that are open and have available openings. It helps me avoid wait times at the barbershop, making it a much more efficient experience.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A Family Caregiver Speaks Up by Suzanne Geffen Mintz. It’s a great book that explores how families can support loved ones who are ill or disabled. It provided me great insight on how I could help others in need.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series Somebody Feed Phil. It’s about food, culture, and connection, but what really struck me is the way it celebrates people and communities around the world. That sense of joy, humility, and curiosity aligns with how I view investing and community building—it’s all about people first.
Key learnings
- Invest in companies that help solve a problem
- Word of mouth is key, and the best word of mouth comes from a product with great user experiences
- Contribute to charities that help those who need and invest in companies that do the same