The objective of the Precise Barber College is to prepare its students to pass the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination, which qualifies them to practice anywhere in the state as licensed barbers.
HISTORY
Precise Barber College was founded by Gabe Torres, in collaboration with Covenant House California. Students enrolled in the barber college will have the option of joining our street outreach team and offer free haircuts to youth who are still on the streets. This takes the charitable model of service in the community and turns it on its head - we’re accustomed to the ‘givers’ in society being those who are blessed with resources but we know from experience that our youth who have the least are eager to give. We couldn’t be more excited to help nourish a whole new population of givers who are creating positive change in LA. We are eager to witness the effect that hundreds of service-oriented graduates with earning power and a unique perspective on social engagement will have on our social and fiscal economies. We are building a replicable model that serves people, inspires service, and facilitates connection between Angelenos.
Click here to learn more about Covenant House California.
Our instructors will teach you in a step-by-step method that is based on time in the, reading the curriculum materials, and engaging in one-on-one conversations with the instructors.
founder/Chief academic officer, LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Gabe Torres, graduate of John Wesley International Barber and Beauty College in 2002, has been the owner and operator of Precise Barbershop, in Long Beach, CA, since 2003. Gabe became a barber, after a successful real estate career was derailed by market fluctuations and some risky investments. Always a fighter, and a first-generation Puerto Rican-American, he went to Barber College and launched his career as barber with passion and incredible work ethic. On Friday, May 22nd, 2015 at 2:02 p.m. Gabe had a vein suddenly explode in his brain while cutting hair at the shop. He had so much blood in his brain that it completely paralyzed the entire right side of his body. As the blood was absorbed by his brain, he began regaining feeling on his right side. As he thought he was getting better, the neurosurgeon walks into the I.C.U. and says, “Mr. Torres, we are going to have to do major brain surgery.” His heart dropped, as he considered whether he was ever going to be able to hug his daughters, walk, or cut hair again. The surgeon told him, “Mr. Torres, you will most likely never cut hair again, and if you regain feeling on your right side, it will take at least 1 year of rehab to get you back on your feet”. Devastated, he fell into a deep depression. However, a doctor encouraged him, saying “Gabe why are you so depressed you just had successful brain surgery?” Gabe told him, “I want to walk again!” to which the doctor replied, “Gabe, you will get better as soon as you want to get better!” That encouragement gave him incredible hope, and the drive he needed. And four days after major neurosurgery, Gabe walked out of the hospital on his own two feet.
Rehabbing, fervently, Gabe was cutting hair full time 4 months later. To this day, doctors can’t explain the full recovery, let alone how rapidly it occurred.
Since then Gabe has committed his life, not only to living life full of gratitude, but to continue to use talents and passion for barbering by starting his own nonprofit- The Humble Project Long Beach and was lead instructor at Victory Career College in Torrance, CA for a couple courses. He has also been able to more forward with his dreams and vision and has opened his second barbershop- Precise Barbershop Hollywood and is now opening Precise Barber College!
Gabe’s vision for Precise Barber College is to equip underprivileged young men and women with skills that will provide them with careers, income that will enable them to be independent, and the possibility of being business owner, like him. As Chief Academic Officer, Barbering Instructor and curriculum developer, Mr. Torres is responsible for developing and implementing both near-term and long-term academic plans for the Precise Barber College.
"Barbering is not my job, it's my passion! I love cutting all types of hair and any hairstyle you can think of, I pride myself on quality not quantity.”
-Gabe Torres
Instructor
Benjamin Hernandez started barbering at a young age in his parents garage practicing on friends. After graduating high school Benjamin went on to Gower Studios to study special effects makeup. Finishing Gower Studios Benjamin started freelancing in makeup. While freelancing this allowed him to attend Cosmetology school . Know a licensed Cosmetologist Benjamin took an assisting position in Amadeis salon where he learned how to take his craft to the next level. Working in salons Benjamin started to teach makeup on the side. He found a love for teaching and started teaching full time and working in salons part time.With over 10 years in the beauty industry Benjamin has become a licensed Cosmetologist/Barber, has written 4 books to help students pass their state board exams in Cosmetology, Barbering, esthetics, and manicuring. He now has over 10 years of teaching Cosmetology , Barbering, and Special FX makeup in private and public schools.
Instructor
Bianca Cifuentes
SCHOOL/ADMISSIONS MANAGER
Stacey Christenson Born and raised in Long Beach California, Stacey has more than 15 years experience in program and buildign management. When not working, she enjoys serving on the board of a local non profit which calls upon licensed barbers and other talents to share their skills to provide the homeless and others in need with services that they other wise would go without. This is where she found her appreciation and admiration for barbering.
As the schools/admissions manager, she will be responsible for all associated new student recruitment, enrollment and daily operational activities. While working closely with campus leadership to manage new student enrollment, they will ensure that the admissions function performs at an optimal level.