Forty Under 40: Louis Graham

Louis Graham is passionate about problem-solving. When he became frustrated with shaving while running late for a meeting, he invented a product to improve the process.

In June 2018, he established Bristle Group and designed the concept for a razor cleaner to give people a better shave by improving the performance of the shaver. It’s also expected to conserve water by reducing the amount of water people typically use to clean a razor while shaving.

He and a team of five have been working to launch the consumer packaged goods product. Their goal is to start selling it in six to nine months. Target markets for the cleaner include camping and outdoors, hospitals, hotels, military and retailers. The shaver cleaner comes with an interchangeable head that attaches to a suction cup base. Other versions of the cleaner include a caddy and a palette, and they contain the cleaner in a tray and can hold cleaning solution or water.

The Kingston, Jamaica, native is also the owner of Avant-Garde Development Group, a real estate architecture company he started in 2016. He earned an architecture degree from the University of Arkansas in 2014. He moved from Kingston to Northwest Arkansas in 2009 after he told his father about his real estate vision.

“Ideally, my dad believed in me,” Graham said. “And still does to this day.”

He worked for his father’s chemical business, Paramount Chemicals JA LTD, from 1999 to 2007. He worked for Plexus Limited Architects and Planners from 2007 to 2009. He also operated a delivery and takeout restaurant in 2008.

Graham supports Voice of Diversity, Fayetteville Community Radio and 7Hills Homeless Center. He spends his free time riding motorcycles, playing tennis and reading.