Education, competition and business development came together at the 2026 V’s Summit, where barbers, franchise owners and industry partners gathered in Phoenix for three days of learning, networking and celebration.
Held June 15–17, the biennial event is one of the benefits barbers enjoy in being part of the V’s Barbershop network, designed to help barbers improve their craft and give them resources to support their careers.
With managers, shop owners and the brand’s leadership team all milling among the crowd, the Summit is a chance to make the connections barbers’ need to take their next career leap.
Class is in Session
This year’s “U Groom” homecoming theme brought a sense of school spirit and family-like connection to the three-day event, which once again saw education at the heart of the agenda.
Top educators and grooming brands including Captain Fawcett, Reuzel, Uppercut, StyleCraft, Andis, Wahl and Brosh shared practical knowledge for attendees to take back to their shops and clients, while vendor and retail sessions gave the opportunity to explore new tools, products and revenue opportunities.
For barbers, it meant discovering ways to enhance the guest experience, while franchise owners could take away ideas to strengthen shop performance, and encourage team education.
V’s founder and CEO Jim “Mr. V” Valenzuela joined the brand’s leadership team for an open discussion on the company’s plans, with presentations covering marketing, operations, franchise collaboration and the direction of the brand for franchisees.
The Best of V’s
An event highlight, the Ultimate Haircut competition once again put the V’s network’s talent to task, with Jacob Polangco from V’s Barbershop in Old Town Scottsdale taking first place.
One of the Summit’s most anticipated events, the competition celebrated the creativity, technical ability and professionalism of V’s barbers. It also gave talented individuals a stage to showcase their skills and represent their shops.
The Summit’s homecoming celebration also recognized the people and shops whose performance and leadership set an example across the network.
Honors included:
Shop of the Year: Nick Crouch & MJ Park – Nocatee
V’s Experience: Matt Klein & Teresa Klein – White Bear Lake
Founder’s Award: Ken Frate & Nate Lipton, Tucson Joesler Village, Tucson Williams Center – Old Spanish Trail
Spirit of V’s: Galaviz/Collier Family – Houston River Oaks & Katy Reserve
Franchisee of the Year: Lazaro Martinez & Abril Martinez – Verrado & Avonda
V’s Summit 2026 demonstrated that joining V’s means becoming part of something bigger than a single shop. It means access to continuing education, professional recognition, business resources and a nationwide community invested in helping its members succeed.