Maryland barber Robert Cradle has been named the winner of Wahl’s latest Benevolent Beards Contest, walking away with a grand prize of $5,000 for himself and $20,000 for his charity, Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation (RBCF).
Cradle, who has worked behind the chair in Odenton for 40 years, has transformed his passion for barbering into a mission of community service, with his charity focused on bringing grooming services, hygiene products and barber training to underserved communities.
“After opening my own barbershop, I would hear from individuals at a nearby homeless shelter who couldn’t afford my services, so I started raising money and paying my barbers to cut their hair,” said Robert.
“The impact was immediate as the people we served got to experience the dignity and confidence that comes from a neat and clean appearance. This translated into job interviews, better school attendance and more.
“Today, my foundation has expanded to offer barber training and mentorship as well as an online database to help connect volunteer barbers with organizations and individuals who need support.”
These good deeds have not only earned Robert Wahl’s grand prize, but he will also be celebrated at a free beard grooming event when Wahl parks its Mobile Barbershop on RavensWalk before the Baltimore Ravens football game on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST.
Now in its fifth year, the Benevolent Beards Contest is part of Wahl’s mission to recognize and reward those who embody its philosophy of making the world a better – or ‘bearder’ – place to live.
Bearded men from across America submitted videos of themselves explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity, with five finalists chosen, and America’s votes helping to decide the winner.
According to Robert, it was his family, friends and acquaintances who have embraced his cause that helped him earn this much deserved recognition by voting for him. Among this year’s runners-up, each of whom has spread bearded benevolence in their own unique way were:
- Damon Friedman from Tampa, FL, is the President and Founder of SOF Missions, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the veteran suicide epidemic and supporting veterans struggling after combat. A retired Special Warfare Officer, Damon served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force, completing four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After experiencing PTSD and a traumatic brain injury from repeated bomb blasts, and losing many close friends to suicide, he turned his personal struggles into a mission to help others. Today, SOF Missions provides veterans with a free five-day, four-night healing program, followed by a full year of care and access to physicians to address both physical and mental trauma.
- Mo Wells from Dallas, TX, is a former standout LSU track and field athlete who now trains college and professional athletes through his sports performance career. During his senior year at LSU, he began experiencing pre-stroke symptoms and was diagnosed with a golf ball-sized brain tumor. After undergoing a craniotomy, he credits charitable support and the American Cancer Society with helping him access the care and resources he needed during his recovery. Today, he’s passionate about giving back and using his platform to inspire others through resilience, health, and mentorship.
- BJ Ganem from Reedsburg, WI, is a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Sierra Delta, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans rediscover purpose and connection through dogs. While serving in Iraq, his vehicle was struck by an IED, resulting in the amputation of his left leg, a traumatic brain injury, and multiple shrapnel wounds. After facing the challenges of recovery and transition himself, BJ founded Sierra Delta to support fellow veterans. Through dog training grants, educational resources, service opportunities, and a nationwide community, the organization helps veterans heal, build meaningful relationships, and successfully navigate life after military service – all with a support dog by their side.
- Brian Schwartz from Wayne, NJ, is the founder of I Want to Mow Your Lawn, Inc., which began as a simple act of service six years ago. As a new father who had lost his job while caring for a sick parent, Brian found purpose in helping veterans and older neighbors who were struggling to maintain their homes. What started as a single yard project has grown into a nonprofit with more than 1,800 volunteers across all 50 states. The organization connects volunteers with older adults, veterans, and neighbors in need, providing free lawn care relief and restoring dignity through community support.