About Us

Luis Reyes was born and raised in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, a neighborhood where resilience was a way of life. Growing up in a low-income household, Luis faced adversity that shaped his unwavering work ethic and deep appreciation for every opportunity. Life wasn’t easy, but the lessons he learned on those streets were invaluable: hustle hard, remain genuine, and never forget where you came from.

In 2005, at just 22 years old, Luis took his first step into the beauty and grooming industry, working as a warehouse employee. While his role was humble, his ambition was anything but. Luis soaked up knowledge like a sponge, learning the ins and outs of logistics, operations, and the critical art of understanding customers’ needs. Over the years, he climbed the ranks—moving into sales and eventually becoming an independent distributor. Along this journey, he encountered countless products, brands, and customers, gaining a rare 360-degree perspective of the grooming business.

By 2013, Luis noticed a glaring gap in the market that couldn’t be ignored: men—especially hardworking, everyday men—lacked access to affordable, high-quality grooming products. Most products catered to luxury consumers, leaving blue-collar men with overpriced options or subpar quality. Luis had a vision: grooming should be accessible, premium, and tailored for the modern gentleman.

Fueled by this purpose, he founded Gentlemen Republic, a brand with a clear mission: “Genuine grooming for the modern gentleman.” Luis believed that men deserved better—a combination of quality and affordability that didn’t force them to choose between their wallets and their self-care. This simple but powerful mantra resonated deeply with customers who saw themselves reflected in the brand: hardworking men who value confidence, integrity, and presentation.

But Luis’s insight wasn’t born solely from market data—it came from experience. In addition to launching Gentlemen Republic, he owned and operated two barbershops, places that became more than businesses; they were classrooms. Here, Luis listened to barbers and customers firsthand, witnessing the struggles men faced in finding reliable products. These shops gave him a unique advantage: he understood grooming not just as a business but as a craft, a need, and a daily ritual. His ability to think like a customer, a distributor, and a barber allowed him to create products that felt tailor-made for men everywhere.

As Gentlemen Republic grew, Luis’s vision expanded. He ventured into men’s skincare, extending the brand’s promise of affordable luxury while staying rooted in the values that started it all: quality, accessibility, and authenticity. For Luis, success wasn’t just about numbers—it was about impact. Inspired by his journey, he began mentoring young entrepreneurs, sharing hard-earned lessons about grit, vision, and rising above life’s obstacles. He became proof that one’s past does not define their future but strengthens it.

Today, Gentlemen Republic stands as more than a brand—it’s a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and self-made success. From the warehouses of his youth to the shelves of barbershops and homes across the nation, Luis Reyes’s journey reminds us that greatness can emerge from the most humble beginnings. He didn’t just change the grooming landscape—he elevated it for men everywhere, inspiring them to carry themselves with confidence, dignity, and pride.

Luis’s story isn’t just about products; it’s about possibilities. With hard work, vision, and a commitment to serving others, anyone can rise—and redefine what it means to be a gentleman.