Meet Bret Smith | Owner Diesel Barbershop McDowell Mountain Village
We had the good fortune of connecting with Bret Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bret, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business wasn’t a sudden decision—it was something that had been building in the background for years. Even while I was working in a successful corporate career in procurement and infrastructure, there was always this persistent entrepreneurial drive telling me I wanted to build something of my own. Eventually, in November 2018, I reached a moment where I asked myself a simple question: *If not now, when?* I didn’t want to look back someday and regret never taking the leap.
Once I committed to the idea, I began exploring a wide range of opportunities with a franchise broker. I reviewed countless concepts, but I knew I was looking for something that felt unique and would resonate with the community I’d been part of for nearly two decades. When I discovered Diesel Barbershop, it immediately clicked. It wasn’t just another barbershop—it was a bold, modern “man cave” experience where guys could relax, connect, and enjoy the atmosphere as much as the haircut.
Having lived in McDowell Mountain Ranch for 20+ years, I also recognized a real gap in the area for that kind of barbershop experience. Diesel filled that need perfectly. That combination of personal passion, community fit, and the opportunity to build something distinctive ultimately gave me the confidence to take the leap into business ownership.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as a business owner is that I truly care about the people around me—not just as employees, but as individuals with lives, families, and goals outside of work. I’ve always believed that a business should help people grow, both professionally and personally. If someone works with me, I want them to feel supported and know that someone genuinely has their back.
Running a business definitely hasn’t been easy. Like many small businesses, we faced real uncertainty during the pandemic and there were moments early on where I honestly didn’t know if we would make it. But challenges have a way of sharpening your perspective. I leaned into perseverance, focused on the long-term vision, and stayed connected to the community and team that believed in what we were building.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating an environment where people can thrive. Recently, I had an employee who was going through a difficult financial stretch when she hurt her back and could not work and her boyfriend was in school. They were doing everything they could but were struggling to make it through that period. I made the decision to support them financially for five months so they could she could focus on recovery and getting back on their feet. Not many employers would do that, but I’ve always been sensitive to those kinds of struggles. Sometimes people just need someone to believe in them and help them get through a tough chapter.
That’s the kind of culture I want to build—not just a place where people come to work, but a place where people grow, develop confidence, and improve their lives.
Professionally, my path started in corporate America working in procurement and building the centralized infrastructure. That experience gave me a strong foundation in business, operations, and leadership. But the entrepreneurial drive was always there, and eventually I made the decision to take the leap and build something of my own with Diesel Barbershop.
What I want people to know about me and the brand is simple: this isn’t just about haircuts. It’s about community, connection, and creating a space where people feel welcome. Whether it’s the clients who walk through our doors or the team members who work beside me every day, I want Diesel Barbershop to be a place where people feel valued and leave better than when they walked in.
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?
One of the things I always tell people when they visit Arizona is that the perfect weekend here is a mix of sunshine, baseball, great food, and the kind of atmosphere that makes Scottsdale such a special place. If someone were coming into town on a Friday morning and leaving Sunday night, I’d start them right in Scottsdale.
Friday would begin with breakfast and a walk around Old Town Scottsdale. It’s one of those places that perfectly captures the personality of Arizona — western charm mixed with modern restaurants, art galleries, and great coffee spots. After exploring the area and checking into a hotel, the afternoon is perfect for relaxing by the pool or just enjoying the desert sunshine. Scottsdale is built for that kind of laid-back pace. In the evening, I’d recommend dinner at one of the great restaurants in Old Town followed by some live music or a night out. The energy in Scottsdale on a Friday night is hard to beat.
**Great breakfast spots to start the day:**
* Butters Pancakes & Cafe — Scottsdale
* Hash Kitchen — Scottsdale
* Press Coffee Roasters — Old Town Scottsdale
**Great hotel options nearby:**
* Hotel Valley Ho — Old Town Scottsdale
* The Scott Resort & Spa — Scottsdale
* The Phoenician — Scottsdale
Saturday would be all about one of the best traditions we have in Arizona: spring training. I’d start the morning with a quick hike or coffee, because the desert scenery here is incredible, especially this time of year. Then it’s off to Mesa to catch a Chicago Cubs spring training game at Sloan Park. The Cubs have an incredible fan base, and the atmosphere there during spring training feels like a celebration of baseball. Sunshine, palm trees, and a cold drink while watching baseball — it’s a pretty great way to spend an afternoon.
After the game, I’d head back toward Scottsdale for dinner at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants. Scottsdale has become a real dining destination, and it’s a great place to wrap up a day with good food and conversation.
**Great dinner spots in Scottsdale:**
* Maple & Ash — Scottsdale
* Fat Ox — Scottsdale
* The Mission — Old Town Scottsdale
* Dominick’s Steakhouse — Scottsdale
Sunday would start with brunch and a little bit of the Arizona outdoors. One of the best ways to experience the area is with a hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or even a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. The desert landscape here is unique and beautiful, and it’s something every visitor should see before heading home.
**Great Sunday brunch spots:**
* Arcadia Farms Cafe — Old Town Scottsdale
* Farm & Craft — Scottsdale
**Outdoor experiences:**
* McDowell Sonoran Preserve — Scottsdale
* Desert Botanical Garden — Phoenix
For me, that combination really captures what Arizona is about — community, great weather, amazing scenery, and experiences you can’t quite find anywhere else. A weekend like that gives people a little bit of everything that makes this place special.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, the biggest shoutout belongs to my team. We have 7 barbers and stylists in the shop, and a member who keeps the operation spotless…they are truly some of the best in the Valley. Their talent, work ethic, and commitment to creating a great experience for every client are what make Diesel Barbershop what it is today.
A barbershop is more than just haircuts—it’s conversation, community, and connection. My team brings that to life every single day. They build real relationships with clients, remember the little things, talk sports, share laughs, and make people feel at home the moment they walk through the door. That culture can’t be manufactured—it comes from great people who genuinely care about what they do.
Because of their dedication, we were recently recognized as **Top Barbershop in Scottsdale by BusinessRate**, and our clients continue to show their support through incredible reviews—**4.8 stars on Google and 4.9 on ClassPass**. Those numbers reflect the consistency, professionalism, and pride my team brings to the shop every day.
I’m incredibly proud of the environment we’ve built together. Their skill behind the chair and the way they represent the brand are the reason clients keep coming back. At the end of the day, I may own the business, but the team is the heartbeat of the shop, and they deserve a tremendous amount of credit for where we are today.
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/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DieselBarbershopMcDowellMountainVillage#
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