Kuala Lumpur: Men’s hairdressing brand Nimroc Holdings Sdn Bhd, which has grown from a small night-market business into a chain of 19 barber shops nationwide, aims to have 100 branches within the next five years. Founder Ardy Damis said that for this purpose, the modern barber shop has introduced a business partnership system by making high-performing employees who have served for more than five years into associate partners for setting up new branches.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ardy explained that the initiative allows employees who demonstrate excellent performance to manage and own part of the business through this model. Nimroc, which began at a Cheras night market in 2009, now employs around 140 individuals, including management staff, and participates in corporate social responsibility by offering free haircuts for the homeless, schools, and mosques. This programme also serves as a training platform for students of Nimroc Academy, established in 2021.
Ardy highlighted that the academy was created to meet the growing demand for hairdressing careers post-COVID-19, thus providing more opportunities for individuals interested in this field. The academy offers a two-month training programme to develop skilled workers in the men’s hairdressing industry, specifically targeting those with a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification.
The academy accepts male students aged 16 to 50 years who are interested in a hairdressing career. Ardy noted that one of their former students, in his 50s, has successfully started his own business. Scholarships are available for eligible students, and job opportunities with Nimroc are offered upon course completion.
Nimroc Academy employs three experienced trainers, with a monthly intake of approximately 10 students, and provides accommodation for trainees. The learning module, consisting of 80 percent practical and 20 percent theory, is designed to be simple and easy to understand, facilitating a swift learning process.
The company collaborates with government agencies such as the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), with plans to partner with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to attract youth from rural areas to join the industry.