PORTERDALE, Ga. - Gent's Grooming, a 2-year-old barbershop in Porterdale, was named this month's small business of the month by the Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President Ralph Staffins congratulated Michael Maurice, Gent's Grooming owner, on the honor and explained how he took full advantage of his business's chamber membership. 

"Michael's story is like a poster child of what you can get out of the chamber of commerce," Staffins said. "I'm sure all of you remember Michael joining the chamber before he even had this operation. He networked and he built up a clientele that he brought over here with him when he opened the doors, so it is the perfect example of getting out of the chamber what you put in.

"Even though he is the busiest barber in Newton County, I'm sure, he still makes time to come to as many of our events as possible."

Cuurently, Gent's Grooming employs a barber, apprentice, master cosmetologist and has plans to bring on an additional barber in March. 

The "laid back, elegant" style of Gent's Grooming was part of Maurice's plan to provide a relaxing environment, different than that of most barbershops. 

"More or less like a lounge rather than the hustle and bustle of a traditional barbershop," he said. "We wanted to make it comfortable."

When asked the secret to a good hair cut, Maurice said it is all about being creative and listening to the client.