Franklin "Paco" Whatley Jr | Author & Owner | "Pac From the Barber Shop" | S7 Ep 324

🏈✂️ WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DREAM YOUR FATHER HAS FOR YOU ISN’T THE DREAM YOU’RE MEANT TO LIVE? His father envisioned a college quarterback.

He chose barber school. What looked like a change in direction became a journey rooted in family legacy, purpose, and entrepreneurship.

We sit down with Cleveland native and Portland barbershop owner Franklin “Paco” Whatley for a conversation that goes far beyond sports and haircuts. From growing up in a family of barbers to building his own business in Portland, Paco shares the decision that changed his path and why he believes it was all part of God's plan. 🏈 THE DECISION: FOOTBALL DREAMS OR THE BARBER CHAIR?

Before the clippers, the customers, and the business ownership, there was football. Paco's father had a dream of seeing him continue his quarterback journey at the college level.

What goes into making a decision that doesn't follow the path your family imagined? How do you find the courage to choose your own future while honoring the people who helped shape you?

We get into the real decision, the expectations, and how a different kind of calling led Paco toward a career that was already part of his family history. ✂️ A FAMILY LEGACY: FROM CLEVELAND TO PORTLAND Coming from a family with a deep history in barbering and barbershop ownership, he grew up around the craft and the culture. His journey took him from Cleveland, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon, where he continued building his career, eventually founding Classic Men Barbershop in 2016 with help and connection to former NBA player Terrell Brandon, and shared his knowledge as an instructor at Beau Monde Academy. 🔥 THE BLACK BARBERSHOP: MORE THAN JUST A HAIRCUT This might be the most important conversation of the episode.

The Black barbershop has historically been a gathering place, a community center, a cultural institution, and a space where conversations happen that don't always happen anywhere else. It's where sports gets debated, politics gets discussed, relationships are talked through, business ideas are shared, and generations connect.

It's where the neighborhood gets its news, young men find mentorship, and community bonds are built. But what happens when those spaces begin to disappear?

We discuss: Why the Black barbershop has always been bigger than the barber chair. The role barbershops play in Black culture and community.

How barbers become trusted voices, mentors, and entrepreneurs. The changing landscape of Black-owned barbershops.

Why preserving these community spaces matters for the next generation. 🏀 CLEVELAND, LEBRON, MJ & THE SPORTS DEBATE You can't have a conversation with a Cleveland native without getting into basketball! Paco loves LeBron James, but when it comes to the greatest of all time, he's standing with Michael Jordan.

We get into the GOAT debate and the conversations that bring sports fans together—even when they don't agree. 🎙️ THIS IS BIGGER THAN BARBERING It's also a conversation about Black entrepreneurship, community leadership, sports culture, and the importance of preserving spaces that have helped shape generations. 🎧 Tune in as EJ and MH connect with Franklin “Paco” Whatley for a conversation about football, family, faith, business, sports, and the cultural importance of the Black barbershop. 👇🏾 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! And let's settle the other debate: Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

Who's your GOAT? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👍🏾 Like the episode, subscribe to Black in Sports Podcast, and share this conversation with a sports fan, entrepreneur, barber, or someone who understands that a barbershop is about much more than a haircut.

More with Paco: Personal IG- @Pacfromthebarbershop IG: @classmenpdx Website- LinkedIn- Franklin Whatley Book: The Art Of Clipper Cutting: A Guide To Clipper Cutting 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: | Facebook - | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - | Website - | Thank you & we appreciate you! #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason #ticketsales #season7 #PacoWhatley #FranklinWhatley #BlackBarbershop #BlackBarber #BarbershopCulture #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackOwnedBusiness #BlackBusiness #PortlandOregon #ClevelandOhio #BarberLife