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H.T. Cooperwood

Alumni | F.L. Schlagle High School, Class of 2002

H.T. Cooperwood was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He completed his education in Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, starting at Eugene Ware Elementary before transitioning to West Middle School. After West, he attended F. L. Schlagle High School where he graduated in 2002. While at Schlagle he was a member of the Varsity football team. After high school, he decided he would become a licensed barber. He pursued this goal by enrolling at The Cutting Edge Barber College. While in barber school, he recognized the importance of mentorship, something he would incorporate into his leadership style later as an entrepreneur. H.T. graduated from Cutting Edge in 2007 and began his professional barber career. He spent his beginning time at Clippin 2 Please under the leadership of Eric Williams. In a few short years, he took the risk by opening his shop, H.T.’s Barber and Beauty Shop in 2011. It was no coincidence his first location was right across the street from his former high school, as he had visions of serving as a community leader and mentor for young men with similar backgrounds. 

As an entrepreneur, H.T. created opportunities for other barbers and hair stylists to chase their dreams, allowing them to grow in his shop and provide mentorship. Many of these individuals would branch off to start their business ventures due to his guidance and assistance. After finding success as a barber, he would launch two other successful business endeavors. One was The Brother’s Eatery in KCK, which enjoyed early success but unfortunately didn't survive the global pandemic. The other was The Brother’s Trucking LLC, which continues to enjoy success today.
 

One of the primary reasons for wanting to incorporate his business in KCK was to serve the community that helped raise him. Since 2011, H.T. has kept his promise to do so by hosting many events to provide resources for families and students. The Thanksgiving Turkey Drive has been a staple in the community since opening his shop, where families in need of a turkey for the holiday would come by his shop to get one for free. Due to his efforts, the community would join his cause by donating turkeys. Another popular event is the annual Back to School Drive, where he collects and provides school supplies for families starting the school year. After seeing the success and the appreciation of those receiving the items, he would add a Christmas Toy Drive to his annual list of community acts of kindness. What may not seem like a big deal to many, but he also provides a rose to mothers on Valentine’s Day to show they are appreciated. Due to his efforts, H.T. has been awarded numerous community awards. In 2014, he received a Community Service of the Year award from a local organization. The Friends of Yates recognized him as a Black Man of Distinction Award winner in 2017 for his outstanding commitment and service to the community. He has been nominated multiple times for the top barber in Kansas City by the Kansas City People’s Choice Award, winning the top honor in 2023. He is most proud of his role as a father, as he works hard to provide for them and gives an example of the benefits of serving others.