Bios

Jim Valenzuela

Founder & CEO
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Jim Valenzuela is a native of Tucson, Arizona and a 1984 graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation Jim worked in the securities and real estate industries, both in Tucson and Phoenix. In 1990 he accepted a position as an Executive Assistant to a Member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Maricopa County is one of the largest Counties in the United States and while in this role he developed an interest in healthcare delivery systems. In 1991 he accepted a position with the Southwest Harvard Group (SHG) and brought both his real estate and political acumen to SHG in their role of providing resolution/brokerage services to the Resolution Trust Company.

In 1992 he was named as Founding Executive Director of Medical Professionals of Arizona (MedPro). MedPro is one of the largest multi-specialty physician organizations in Arizona, consisting of approximately 300 physicians and a support staff of approximately 200. Responsibilities included the implementation of policy and budget issues as directed by the MedPro Board of Directors, coordination of public affairs, development of business/contractual strategies and management of the day to day affairs of the corporation. He was the only non-doctoral degreed shareholder in the company. In his role as Executive Director he brought together his skills in healthcare delivery systems, politics, real estate and business administration to lead the organization to a leading role in Arizona physician affairs. In 1998, he left MedPro to pursue other opportunities that ultimately led to the founding of V’s Barbershops in 1999.

Married and a father of four, Valenzuela is an avid runner and a voracious reader. True to his roots of growing up as a rodeo cowboy, he follows the sport of Rodeo closely and is still known to occasionally team rope. In 2009, he was named as a “Best Dressed Man” in the City of Phoenix by Trends Magazine and he sits on the Boards of several civic and charitable organizations.

Emily Hutcheson-Brown

Director of Operations
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Director of Operations, Emily Hutcheson-Brown has over 10 years of relevant work experience and 25 years of small business experience that she brings to V’s Barbershop. Emily has been with V’s for over 5 years, and initially started as an accounting assistant. Her passion for small business and entrepreneurship fueled her career path and lead her into the Director of Operations role. 

As Director of Operations for V’s Barbershop, Emily is responsible for supporting new and existing franchisees, as well as assisting Founder and CEO Jim Valenzuela. Emily coordinates new store build-outs, as well as training each new franchise owner on retail procedures and business and grand opening ventures. Additionally, Emily manages V’s overall marketing program.

Prior to joining V’s Barbershop, Emily was an accounting and operations manager with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona. She also held accounting and office management positions at United Dominion Realty Trust and Childhelp, USA. 

Emily attended Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado and received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in business management and a minor in human resources. She also earned her degree in accounting at Arizona State University West in 2002. 

Emily is married and is a recent mom. She is an avid reader and enjoys the outdoors including RV camping, the mountains and sport shooting. She is originally from Colorado, but currently resides in Glendale, Arizona.

Chris Mitchell

Vice President, Finance
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Chris Mitchell, vice president of finance for V’s Barbershop, has had an active career in the financial sector and brings more than 18 years of experience to his position. 

As VP of Finance for V’s Barbershop, Chris is in charge of maintaining the company’s overall fiscal viability. Additionally, he is accountable for assisting new franchisees in developing their business plans, obtaining financing, as well as supporting franchisees through the financial and bookkeeping aspects of running their individual retail stores. 

Chris has been part of the V’s team for over six years and has been instrumental in maximizing the financial success of the company and its franchise partners. He is experienced in all aspects of V’s Barbershop including store operations, new store development, franchisor compliance with regulatory requirements and strategic planning.

Prior to joining V’s Barbershop, Chris was Director of Internal Audit and Special Projects for Central Newspapers, Inc. (the former parent company of the Arizona Republic).  There, he played a significant role in the successful sale of Central Newspapers, Inc. to Gannett, Inc. Chris has held other key positions including Audit Manager with Price Waterhouse in Phoenix, AZ and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Originally from Scotland, Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accountancy and Finance from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Chris has been living in the United States since 1992 and currently resides in Scottsdale. He is married with two children. In his spare time he enjoys the game of squash, general fitness and traveling.


Testimonials

Just wanted to let you know that your new facility in Bellingham, WA is outstanding. I moved here from Illinois a couple of years ago, and I have not been able to find a barber capable of the kind of work I was accustomed to. Now I have. My new barber, Peter, at Bakerview Square is very well trained, very conscientious, and very talented. The owner, Evah, is obviously determined to have the best facility in Northwest Washington, and she has done that. Although the TV system wasn’t able to provide the GOLF TV channel, everything else was superb, and I will be a customer from this point forward.

—Bob M.

Normally, I wouldn’t venture into a “barber shop,” the general vibe being overtly mancave and not wanting to invade a space as such. Well,I got there shortly after they opened for the day, all the barber chairs filled and buzzing. Even so, I was greeted promptly, warmly and genuinely by several staff members. Tim,the staffer that handles the shoe shines greeted me and made me most comfortable as he worked on my boots while chatting happliy all the way. It’s more than obvious, he loves what he does and enjoys his working environment. For a place I expected to feel out of my element in, everyone made sure to make me feel most welcome.


As far as my boots and shoes,they look incredible! Got compliments on my boots the rest of the day! Thank you Tim! Thank you V’s!!!!

—Starbellied S.

By far one of the best barbers I have ever had the pleasure to cut my hair. Being a retired military guy, it is hard to find someone who can do a proper marine high and tight. She gets it right every time and makes me feel right at home when I come in. She has a GREAT personality and I have observed her style with other customers and she is SUPERFANTASTIC! Furthermore, she runs a tight ship and her entire crew keeps a clean shop to a high professional standard. She does a great job with my 11 year old son, so much that he enjoys going to get a trim.  I could not ask for a better grade of service!

—Adam C.

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