The Wahl® ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest started in April 2024 with a quest to reward guys who are making the world a ‘bearder’ place to live. The goal was to discover bearded men who are doing good through charitable efforts.

Hundreds of men submitted a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity. What kind of charity? As long as it was a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities were considered. Five men made the cut as finalists, and then America’s votes decided the winner and our next ‘Wahl® Man of the Year.’

Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL, won $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for his charity.

Nine years ago, Rodney was driving his usual route when he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn — so he stopped to help. That moment sent him on a path to mowing lawns for the elderly, disabled and veterans in his community. Soon, parents saw what he was doing and asked if their kids could get involved. From there, it grew into a national organization with more than 5,000 kids called Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc.

Congratulations to Rodney and thank you to all who participated.

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