Our Someone 2 Know may be familiar to many northern Nevadans.
Diaz Dixon is a longtime leader of non-profits in the region - and consultant to many others. Recently he added something new to his area of expertise - he is the owner of Reno's first Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Men (The Summit mall).
That’s where we caught up with him and caught him in action.
Whether it's serving a customer or interacting with staff in his new business, or working with a non-profit organization, Diaz Dixon lives life with purpose.
“I find myself with each and every chapter that I shift to, wanting to just do more.”
Dixon has already done a lot.
“The wonderful 14 years that I spent at STEP2, the Nevada Humane Society and moving on to Eddy House. All of those programs were extremely impactful to northern Nevadans.”
Dixon's own chapter started in Las Vegas.
“When I look at my childhood, some of the horrible things that happened, I talk about it in my Ted Talk, my best friend being killed by his father. There are many directions I could have taken and I’m just blessed I had the right people in my life at the right time.”
At STEP2, Dixon worked with women in rehabilitation for substance use disorders, at Nevada Humane Society he led one the region’s largest animal welfare organizations, and at Eddy House Diaz worked with homeless and at-risk youth.
“I wanted to help people I wanted to have some type of impact.”
He still does. As a consultant and public speaker, Dixon helps other non-profits succeed and mentors individuals along the way. Less than one year ago, Dixon did something new - he opened Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys in Reno.
“It is a huge transition going from being a leader of a non-profit to actually running a business.”
With the help of good mentors and investors, Dixon says the shop is thriving. “This is the fastest growing, opening, Hammer & Nails in the country.”
True to form, what Dixon notices most, is the way the customers feel when they are there. “They walk out the door and their mental health is noticeably improved from the moment they walked in.”
Of course, Dixon will continue to pay it forward.
“Every quarter we are supporting a different nonprofit, so no matter what I will never be able to get away from the nonprofit world.”
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As for his unique first name, Diaz {pronounced DYE-az} says his mom wanted something special - and he loves it because he's never met anyone else with the same moniker.
On the business front, Dixon will open more Hammer & Nails shops in the region and is also working on a foundation so he can continue to support northern Nevada non-profits.
Hammer & Nails (South Reno/The Summit)
13925 South Virginia Street Suite 248
Reno, 89511
(775) 900-3435
