Author, Columnist and Professional Keynote Speaker

In addition to being a professional keynoter, Terry Sumerlin, The Barber-osopher, is a columnist, humorist, and author of four books.

His latest, Leadership: It Takes More Than a Great Haircut! is a 2011 publication. He is also the author of two other compilations of his published articles. Barber-osophy: Shear Success for Your Cutting Edge, was published in 1997 and Barber-osophy: Hair We Go Again was released in 2004. He is also the author of a motivational novel published in 2005, A Human Becoming.

You can get an excerpt from his first book by filling out the form on the Contact Us page. Terry also writes regular columns for the San Antonio Business Journal and the North San Antonio Times. 
 

Read Terry's Blog. Click Here!

Good business starts between the ears.

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LEADERSHIP: It Takes More Than A Great Haircut!
By Terry L. Sumerlin

“Humorous and insightful, a real shot in the arm for the business leader. Terry has taken a unique perspective, blending daily interactions with business principles…Very powerful. A most impressive read!”
--James Quinn, Jr., General Manager, Marriott Rivercenter/Marriott Riverwalk

“Terry L. Sumerlin, amiable barber/philosopher and motivational teacher, looks for the meanings in all human encounters. His essays usually start with some ordinary personal or business exchange in which he sees a theme lesson for leaders: fairness, trust, attitude, first impressions, stress, communication skills. Then, with good humor and an eye for just the right adage or anecdote, he makes his point plain and signs off with a one sentence “Leadership Principle” worth memorizing.”
--James Alexander Thom, Award-winning novelist

ISBN 978-0-9659662-3-8
Copyright 2011
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $14.95

Terry's Motivational Novel!

A Selection of the Forbes.com Book Club!

A Human Becoming: A Life Changing Voyage

by Terry L. Sumerlin

Inspired by the idea that stories provide the opportunity to teach and entertain at the same time, Terry L. Sumerlin has taken all of the life lessons he has written and spoken about over the past 10+ years and packed them into a novella! His protagonist, a professional motivational speaker, finds himself figuratively "at sea" on a cruise ship where he is expected to entertain and encourage the cruise travelers. As he struggles with the kinds of issues that plague most of us, he learns how sharing one's life can change one's life.

"You will want to finish this book in one sitting! Terry masterfully blends fact and fiction into a captivating, motivational story. I highly recommend this book to all ages--especially young adults!"

--J.B. Berryhill
Ph.D. Former Director of Pupil Personnel, Brazosport, Texas, ISD

ISBN 0-9659662-2-4
Copyright 2005
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $12.95

Terry L. Sumerlin presents...

Barber-osophy: Sharpening Your Relationship Skills

75-Minute DVD

When you need some encouragement, pop this DVD into your video player and enjoy 75 minutes of humourous storytelling and inspiration. This 2005 keynote address to a group of Realtors will keep you laughing and thinking about ways you can sharpen your people skills for richer, more gratifying business and personal relationships.

Copyright: 2005
Format: Media DVD
Price: $17.95

Barber-osophy: Hair We Go Again!

By Terry L. Sumerlin

Praise for the Book:

Howard W. Peak, Mayor of San Antonio, Texas 1997-2001

Terry has, once again, been able to utilize every day experiences to add life to what is, after all, plain old common sense.  It's that approach that appeals to me.  Theories are well and good, but nothing beats common sense, especially when delivered via a short story.

Mary Villarreal SPHR CHRE, Sr. VP Remington Hotel Corporation

Having been in human resources for 25 years, I found Terry's book to be a refreshingly simple, yet entertaining, reminder of what's really important to people, relationships, and success.

Steve Kerr, Five-time NBA champion

Terry's great wit is captured in his new book, Barber-osophy: Hair We Go Again.  His stories, anecdotes and wisdom are fun to read and food for thought as we all go through our daily lives.

Mark P. Mays, CEO of ClearChannel Worldwide

Barber-osophy: Hair We Go Again is a refreshingly different approach to business and self- improvement.  With priceless anecdotes and humor, Terry has given a new twist to highly practical life and business lessons.  The stories are so sensitive, down to earth and universally applicable as to arrest the attention of readers of all ages and backgrounds.  I highly recommend this book!. 

ISBN 0-9659662-1-6
Copyright 2004
Format: Trade paper
Price: $12.95

Barber-osophy: Shear Success For Your Cutting Edge

By Terry Sumerlin

Terry Sumerlin is a master storyteller. Whether speaking or writing, he draws from extensive experience as a barber, salesman, keynoter and trainer. 

What can you learn when a llama visits your place of business? How does your attitude change when obligations become privileges? How can a potentially shocking experience teach the importance of combining expertise with optimism? Why shouldn't you wait until the toast is burned to complain or give praise?

Terry's book places his business and life lessons at your fingertips, with short, easy-to-read stories that will make you laugh, think, and grow.  

ISBN 0-9659662-0-8

Copyright 1997

Format: Trade paper

Price: $12.95

Click on "Next" for links to articles in all of the following categories:

ATTITUDE

BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

COMMITMENT

COMMUNICATION

FAMILY

HUMAN RELATIONS

LEADERSHIP

MISC. WISDOM

SPEAKING SKILLS

TIME MANAGEMENT 

ATTITUDE IS A MATTER OF INVOKING FREE WILL
A POTENTIALLY SHOCKING EXPERIENCE
TO FIND SUCCESS UNIQUE UP ON IT
THE CURE FOR BELLYACHIN'
ACTIVATE YOUR CRISIS RESPONSE SYSTEM