#27 - Building a Kingdom Barbershop, Beating Cancer, and Loving Life with Kevin Zeallear

Every hair on your head is numbered – Luke 12:7. That's the verse behind the name of Twelve 7 Barbershop. In this episode of First and Focused, we talk with Kevin Zeallear, co-founder and owner of Twelve 7 Barbershop in Worthington, Ohio, about building a business rooted in Scripture, ministering to clients one haircut at a time, and walking through a recent cancer battle that changed his perspective on life, faith, and marriage. Kevin got his start at Teck's Barbershop — the longest-running business on Ohio State's campus — before founding Classics Barbershop and eventually Twelve 7, inspired by Luke 12:7. Today, Twelve 7 Barbershop is home to nine successful barbers and was named the #1 Barbershop in Worthington for 2026. In this conversation, we cover: • The story behind Luke 12:7 and how it shapes Twelve 7's culture • The "God winks" Kevin discovered while building his business • Going from zero to nine six-figure barbers in one year • What makes clients keep coming back — and how Twelve 7 won Worthington's top-rated barbershop award • Ministering to clients "in the chair" and living out full-time ministry as a barber • Kevin's cancer journey — the diagnosis, the fight, and ringing the bell • What cancer taught him about marriage, faith, and what really matters • Where his faith journey began and how it's matured through trials • Encouragement for anyone at "step zero" in their faith • Advice for business owners who want to integrate faith into their work This is a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a business — and a life — around your faith. Connect with Kevin Zeallear:   / kevintwelve7   Book at Twelve 7 Barbershop: https://www.twelve7barbershop.com/ Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com