The Spark of Frustration
Barbering is an art form, but for too long, the tools of the trade have let us down. Imagine this: you're in the middle of a cut, your clipper’s motor and blades getting hot, all while the battery is dying. As a barber, you’ve been there—fumbling through a cluttered workstation of cords, charging stations, and tools that seem to work against you instead of with you. That was my reality. I’m Thomas, a licensed barber instructor, and co-founder of DueTT and the all-new Switch 1.0 system.
For years, I juggled textbooks and clippers in my dorm room, cutting hair to make extra money during my time at Mississippi State University. But the frustration I felt wasn’t unique. Overheating clippers, dying batteries, wasted time—these issues plague barbers everywhere. That’s when I realized the clipper companies were profiting off of a flaw. That frustration lit a spark in me, one that turned into a mission: to stop accepting the status quo and create the solution barbers need and deserve.
From Dorm Room Barber to Innovator
I grew up in DeKalb, Mississippi—a small town with just 64 people in my graduating class. Going from that environment to Mississippi State University’s campus of over 22,000 students was definitely a culture shock. I realized I needed a way to make extra money, so I leaned into what I knew best: barbering.
I’ve always been captivated by how a barber can transform someone—not just their appearance, but their confidence. Inspired by my older brother, a barber himself, he helped me honed me skills early, practicing on my younger brother and perfecting my craft. By the time I arrived on campus, I was ready to make a name for myself.
But there was a problem: the clippers I relied on kept overheating. Clients could feel the heat from the blades, and I could feel it in my hands. I wasted valuable time spraying can after can of clipper spray, waiting for my tools to cool down. I had to buy multiple sets just to keep up. Every dollar I earned seemed to go right back into replacing the same tools that were failing me.
I knew I wasn’t the only barber dealing with this. But no one was doing anything about it. Instead of waiting around for the clipper companies to release the same clipper in a new color and fancy box, something had to be done.
The Turning Point: A New Beginning
I would cut my best friend Tyler's (now CEO/President of Duett) hair, voicing my frustration with my tools. He and I met at a summer engineering camp right before freshman year. We became roommates, and the rest was history. We both have engineering backgrounds and a shared passion for building something meaningful.
We would often brainstorm, bouncing ideas off of one another. It wasn’t just about a product—it was about solving a real problem. This led us to take action to form our company, Duett, the start of something we knew had to be better for the barbering community. We saw this as an opportunity to be the change makers. Instead of begging and waiting around for other clipper companies to create the change, we thought why can’t WE be the ones to create it ourselves? Even more than making the clipper, it gave us a deeper purpose. Barbers deserve better. They shouldn't just be an afterthought forced to deal with whatever the clipper companies put out.
The question was simple: Why were barbers settling for subpar tools? What if we could create something better? Something designed for barbers?
That’s when it clicked. We decided to develop our own clipper—a clipper that never overheats, eliminates the need for multiple tools, and empowers barbers to focus on their craft.
Building a Vision: From Idea to Reality
Starting a company from scratch isn’t easy. Tyler and I were broke college students with big dreams. But we believed in our idea. We pitched our concept to investors and applied for grants, initially facing rejection or only receiving partial funding. Most investors didn’t understand the problem—many were older men who went to a salon for a 10 minute shear cut. They didn’t realize that overheating clippers and short battery lives were more than inconveniences; they were barriers to delivering quality work.
So, we proved it. I hit the ground running, visiting barbershops and collecting data. Everywhere I went, I saw the same frustrations: cluttered workstations with five or six clippers per barber, and tools that couldn’t handle the demands of a full workday. The feedback validated to investors what we already knew: this wasn’t a niche problem; it was an industry-wide issue.
Finally, with hard work and persistence, we raised almost a million dollars. We secured an office space—a renovated old barbershop, fittingly—and began building our dream product, the Switch 1.0. What we like to credit as a little intervention stepped in, because our office was located right next door to a barbershop. We were able to beta test with barbers by simply walking 25 feet to the building next door!
The Switch 1.0: Revolutionizing Barbering
The Switch 1.0 is more than a clipper; it’s a game-changer. This product was truly built from the ground up. Over the course of 7 years, we worked with a team of engineers, and mechanical and electrical design firms, to perfect every detail. We got direct feedback from barbers, implementing their feedback into our design. From its sleek design to its modular attachments, every aspect of the Switch 1.0 was designed with barbers in mind.
How the Switch 1.0 Solves Common Problems:
- Overheating Clippers? Not anymore. The Switch 1.0 uses patent-pending computer-controlled cooling technology to keep the device from overheating. It’s designed to be used all day long.
- Short Battery Life? Forget about multiple charging docks. Our advanced battery system is built to last an entire workday without compromising performance.
- Too Many Tools? Simplify your station. The Switch 1.0’s modular attachments allow you to seamlessly switch between clipper and trimmer, with even more attachments releasing soon! The Switch unlock the ultimate versatilite for barbers, eliminating the need for multiple devices.
We didn’t just want to build another clipper—we wanted to create a tool that works with barbers, not against them. After years of testing and refining, we’re proud to say we’ve done just that.
The Deeper Purpose: Empowering Barbers
Our mission goes beyond technology. The Switch 1.0 represents a movement to empower barbers, especially in underserved communities. For too long, clipper companies have taken a one-size-fits-all approach, ignoring the unique needs of barbers who rely on their tools every day.
With the Switch 1.0, we’re rewriting the narrative. Barbers deserve better tools—tools that reflect the skill, precision, and passion they bring to their craft. Together, we’re not just cutting hair; we’re creating a legacy.
Be Part of the Movement
The Switch 1.0 isn’t just a product; it’s the future of barbering. This is your chance to join the revolution and elevate your craft. Be among the first to experience the game-changing innovation of the Switch 1.0.
Pre-orders are open now, but with limited units available in the first batch, they won’t last long. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something bigger. Reserve your Switch 1.0 today. This journey of frustration, innovation, and purpose led to the creation of the Switch 1.0. It’s not just a story—it’s a call to action. Let’s redefine barbering, one cut at a time.
Ready to Transform Your Barbering Experience?
Visit duettechnology.com to pre-order your Switch 1.0 and join the movement. Together, we’re crafting the future of barbering.
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