Gaulien “Gee” Smith, who is famous for his barber shop that is a haven for men from the neighborhood and a few luminaries, too, like the owners of the Bucks, started cutting his brothers’ hair when he was just 12. Today, Gee’s Clippers is one of the largest Black-owned barbershops in the Midwest, with more than 30 barbers. Recognizing that personal connections are born in the barber chair, Gee has made his shop a gathering place for the community, and especially men. Before Covid-19 took hold, area men were invited to participate in strictly off-the-record, truth-telling conversations. The monthly men-only confabs were a chance to talk about life, both its high points and its struggles. Gee moved his shop to King Drive intentionally, to help revitalize the area, and, in early March, partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and others to open a small medical clinic at the barbershop. The decision was a personal one—numerous family members have died of preventable illnesses before they were 65. Barbers can start wellness conversations and then refer clients to the MKE Wellness Clinic, where nurses can check blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index, and test for sexually transmitted infections.