The Martin Dow Scholarship Fund: Honoring a Legacy of Second Chances
At the heart of every success story lies a willing student of life with a passion for knowledge. In the pursuit of this truth, we seek to provide access to Hendersonville Barber Academy through the Martin Dow Scholarship Fund. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the private donors and institutions that recognize the value of education, the dedication of tradesmen, and the strength they bring to our Sumner County community.
The HBA Martin Dow Scholarship will provide full tuition for two full-time Master Barber students per year when the fund reaches maturity. Candidates must be 16 or older and must submit an application accompanied by a handwritten essay of no more than two single-spaced pages. The application must be printed and turned in by hand or submitted by mail. Selected applicants will proceed through an interview process, culminating in the final selection of recipients.
In Memory of Martin Dow
I cannot tell you how many times I have thought about Martin Dow since the day I met him. In fact, I think of him more than 99% of the people I have met—and I've met many in my 21 years of working in the hair industry since graduating from his program. In my mind, Martin has always had two inseparable names: "Martin" and "Dow." It was never one or the other; it was always "Martin Dow." I’m sure others called him simply "Martin" or used a familial pet name, but for me, his full name carries a sense of reverence, like when your grandmother used your full name to make a point—formal, specific, and unmistakable.
It was 2003 when I first met him. Back then, he was "Mr. Dow," the man in charge, and dealing with authority wasn’t exactly my strong suit. He owned a hair school that bore his father’s name, Glen Dow Academy of Hair Design—the only hair school in Spokane, Washington, at the time. I met his father, Glen, a couple of times, but it was Mr. Dow who ran the ship, and he didn’t like me much. In short order, he expelled me. The reasons leading up to my expulsion aren’t important. What is important is that Martin Dow gave me one of the greatest gifts a person can offer: another chance.
After a few sleepless nights haunted by the feeling that I had made a terrible mistake, I wrote Mr. Dow a letter. To my surprise, after some negotiation and a strict agreement between us, he supported my efforts to return to school. Upon my return, I found myself held to an even higher standard, but with a renewed willingness to learn and prove myself. In many ways, we met again on new ground. That second chance led to a relationship that put me on the path I still walk today. For that, I am forever grateful. This story is the root of the Martin Dow Scholarship Fund—to give someone the same chance he gave me.
One of the absolute truths that have defined my career and personal growth is this: when the tyranny of youth fades, you see clearly that you never accomplish anything alone. There is always someone who helps bring out the best in you. Read it again.
Without Martin Dow, the odds of a kid like me having a professional "anything" were close to zero. No matter how strong we think we are, there is always someone greater who helps shape our journey. A higher power must exist if we are to strive for something better. And if you do it right, you do it with those you love instead of going it alone, giving credit to those who helped you grow.
Martin Dow passed away in 2016, and in his memory, we begin this journey in education. Thank you, Sir. You are greatly missed by many. In your name, and in honor of the long shot you took on me all those years ago, it is only fitting that we offer future generations their shot. If they succeed, they will carry forward this same message of gratitude:
"Here’s your chance, kid. Do something great."
Steven Lightfoot
March 2025