Rick Smith is a big guy with an even bigger laugh. And he's had a front row seat to watch Zebulon's changing downtown landscape for more than a decade now.

Q: You have been cutting hair in Zebulon (Smith's Barbershop) for some time now. How long have you been in town?

A: "I've had a barbershop here for 15 years. Before that, I cut hair in Raleigh for about six or seven years."

Q: Are you originally from eastern Wake County?

A: "I grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and I moved down here to be with my parents because they moved down here. They have since both passed away."

Q: Have you always been a barber?

A: "Not always. Before this, I worked as an electrician, wiring lamps in the big buildings. I saw where they were laying off people who had worked there longer than I had and I knew I needed to find a job that was a lot more stable. I had some uncles and cousins who had cut hair and made a living so I became a barber."

Q: Your barbershop on Arendell Avenue can be quite the hangout. What is the attraction?

A: "People do like to come in there. There is a lot of fellowship - a lot of talking. Being a barber is often like being a counselor. Sometimes people come in there for advice or just get something off their chest."

Q: So on top of giving a good haircut, you give pretty good advice too?

A: "Sometimes. Usually, they just want someone to listen. Sometimes they don't want advice but you do have to pay attention with what they are saying. They want to know you are listening to them. You just can't stand there and nod. But I listen more than I talk."

Q: So what are the typical hot topics? Women? Money?

A: "Jobs and kids. That is why you have to be careful what you say."

Q: Are you married and do you have any kids?

A: "I have five kids. The youngest is 14 and the oldest is 30. I have been married for a long time."

Q: What about politics? People can get into fights over a difference of opinion in politics. Ever had any disagreements come to blows?

A: "You can't have that kind of atmosphere. Even if I don't agree with them, I keep my mouth shut. If you have a good atmosphere, you attract good people."

Q: Do you ever have any females come into your establishment?

A: "I have cut women's hair, too, but they don't have the tendency to talk. Women like to talk to women and men like to talk to men."

Q: Any stories you have heard that have stayed with you?

A: "I had a guy come in here who had just lost his mother. He was feeling real down. I spoke with him and I think I uplifted him. I told him I knew how he was feeling."

Q: "What are your busiest days?

A: "I would have to say Thursday, Friday and Saturday. People are getting ready for their dates and getting ready for church."

Q: I suppose you have a steady stream of loyal customers.

A: "I have guys come see me and then they bring in their sons or dads. I have generations come in here together."

Q: Do you provide the shaves like the old-timey barbershops?

A: "We do but people don't like to get the shaves like they did in the olden days."

Q: It must be tiring, standing behind a barber chair and cutting hair all day. Does it get to your feet?

A: The secret is finding good shoes. And when you are not cutting hair, sit down and relax. That is also a good time to work on your clippers and make sure they are working. You can't be a barber and your clippers don't work. That just won't do."