Meet Bret Smith | Franchise Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bret Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bret, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always carried this deep desire to own my own business. It was just there—this persistent ambition that stayed with me even while I built a successful corporate career in procurement and infrastructure. Eventually, in November 2018, I hit a point where I said to myself, It’s time. I didn’t want to look back someday and regret not taking the leap.

I reached out to a franchise broker and explored more business concepts than I could count. I knew I wanted something unique, something with character that fit the local community. When I discovered Diesel Barbershop as a startup franchise, I immediately knew I’d found it. It was bold, masculine, and unlike anything else in the area. Having lived in McDowell Mountain Ranch for 17 years, I’d always felt a gap when it came to finding a barbershop in my local area, Diesel Barbershop hit the mark.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From the earliest days of my career, I’ve found the produce industry to be a dynamic world where agility, global perspective, and genuine relationships drive lasting success. My professional journey has taken me from managing regional buying operations to developing global sourcing networks for major retail chains and leading high-performing teams at companies committed to innovation and service excellence.

Career Highlights
Driving Global Sourcing: I architected import and offshore sourcing structures for retail chains spanning hundreds to thousands of stores, ensuring a supply of specialty produce that delights customers and differentiates brands.

Leading Teams and Growth: Whether building a centralized procurement team at Safeway or collaborating with world-class colleagues at Melissa’s Produce, I’ve focused on developing talent, sharing knowledge, and celebrating collective wins.

It hasn’t always been easy if fact at times it was down right brutal as the industry is super competitive. The produce business is unpredictable—subject to weather, shifting markets, and ever-evolving consumer tastes. Early on, I faced setbacks, from supply interruptions to learning the nuances of international trade. But I learned to approach obstacles as opportunities: by embracing transparency, nurturing relationships, and staying committed to excellence even under pressure. Each challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of clear communication.

Lessons Learned
Resilience matters. Success requires grit and the humility to learn from setbacks.

Relationships are everything. Trust with partners, develop team members, and our customers is the foundation for growth.

Embrace change. Innovation—whether in sourcing strategies, technologies or product offerings—keeps the work exciting and impactful.

Find purpose in service. Focusing on customer needs and experiences creates lasting value….it is the game.

What I Want the World to Know
Staying anchored in a desire to grow, maintain good character and strong values, while fiercely championing staff growth and delighting our customers—has been my North Star to success in my corporate or small business career. Even now, in my pre‑retirement years, I remain a perpetual student: I’m passionate about lifelong learning, continually exploring growth through cutting‑edge technology and innovative processes. As a seasoned AI lead, I thrive on turning bold ideas into actionable strategies that empower teams and transform organizations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Itinerary: Day 1: Old Town Scottsdale
o Morning: Arcadia Farms Café is excellent. Farm & Craft for a health-conscious start, or Hash Kitchen for an over-the-top, lively brunch experience (reservations highly recommended for Hash Kitchen).
o Late Morning: Emphasize exploring the less touristy side streets of Old Town, which often hold hidden gems like smaller art studios or unique boutiques.
o Afternoon: The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is a great choice. If your friend prefers something more historical, the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is also excellent and provides a deeper dive into the region’s heritage.

• Day 2: Hiking & Wellness
o Morning: Camelback Mountain (Cholla Trail) is iconic but challenging. For a slightly less strenuous, but still rewarding, hike with stunning views, consider Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback (it’s steeper but shorter, often preferred by experienced hikers for its directness) or Gateway Loop Scottsdale which offers similar panoramic views and is where I have been going for 20 plus years!
o Post-Hike Recovery: Joya Spa is divine. For another top-tier spa experience, The Phoenician Spa is also exceptional.
o Evening: Desert Botanical Garden is perfect. If there’s a specific event or “Nights at the Garden,” it’s truly magical.

• Day 3: Sedona and or Grand Canyon
o Sedona: If Pink Jeep Tours or Cathedral Rock hiking seems too structured, simply driving Highway 179 Scenic Byway and stopping at various viewpoints (like Airport Mesa or Bell Rock Pathway for a leisurely walk) can also be incredibly fulfilling.
o Grand Canyon starting early if warm….breathtaking.

• Day 4: Phoenix Urban Day
o Morning Activity: The Heard Museum is a must. If your friend has an interest in music, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is world-class and surprisingly engaging, even for non-musicians.
o Lunch: Pizzeria Bianco is legendary. Be prepared for a wait, even at lunch, but it’s worth it! As an alternative or backup, Federal Pizza offers delicious pies in a cool, mid-century modern setting. Lou Malnati’s deep dish always great.
o Afternoon: Roosevelt Row is vibrant. Also, suggest exploring the nearby Japanese Friendship Garden for a serene escape right in the city.

• Day 5: Adventure + Relax
o Morning: Off-roading is a great adventure. Alternatively, for a unique water experience, consider kayaking or paddleboarding on the Lower Salt River (seasonal, typically spring through early fall). It’s a fantastic way to see wild horses and enjoy the desert riparian landscape.
o Optional Late Night: For a more relaxed but still upscale vibe, consider the rooftop bars at W Scottsdale or Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town.

• Day 6: Golf & Chill
o Morning: Troon North, Grayhawk and We Ko Pai are premier golf choices. I live by McDowell Mountain Golf Course which is a great option and less expensive. For a more accessible but still enjoyable golf experience, consider TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open).
o Afternoon: Emphasize the resort pool day – many Scottsdale resorts offer day passes to their pools, which can be a fantastic way to experience luxury without booking a room.The Princess resort is a great choice.

• Day 7: Unique Southwest Vibes
o Morning: Taliesin West is an architectural marvel and a must-see for anyone interested in design or Frank Lloyd Wright.
o Final Dinner: Ocean Club Kierland is exceptional for a splurge.

Bonus People & Culture Vibes – Expanding the Palette
• Arts & Culture: Beyond Roosevelt Row, mention the Scottsdale Arts District (especially during Thursday night art walks) for a more concentrated gallery experience.
• Outdoor Enthusiast: For mountain biking, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers hundreds of miles of trails for all levels.
• Foodie Focus: Highlight the “Farm-to-Table” movement in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Restaurants like FnB, LON’s, and Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden truly exemplify this. Suggest exploring local farmers’ markets for a taste of regional produce and artisanal goods (check schedules for Old Town Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix, or Gilbert).
• Family-Friendly (if applicable): If there’s a chance your friend might bring family on a future trip, briefly mention places like the Phoenix Zoo, OdySea Aquarium, or LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
• Local Secret: Palo Verde Lounge in Tempe for a true dive bar experience (different vibe than Coach House, often with live punk or indie bands).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We opened our doors in April 2019, and as for many others it’s been a ride. The business was just getting its legs when the pandemic hit. That was a dark time. I’ll be honest—there were moments when I wasn’t sure we’d make it.

Our survival was a testament to the incredible support of our community and the dedication of my skilled staff. Overcoming that hurdle has made me even more appreciative of every client we serve.” That is my shout out.

Website: https://www.dieselbarbershop.com/location/scottsdale-az-mcdowell-mountain-village

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dieselbarbershopmmv/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diesel-barbershop-mcdowell-mountain/

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Yelp: Dated Review Site

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dieselbarbershopmcdowellmo7484

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