About Us
Mission Statement
Associated Barber College of San Diego’s purpose is to educate men and women in the field of barbering and cosmetology. Our mission is to instruct students in the barbering and cosmetology fields with hands-on techniques and classroom theory so that our graduates will be prepared to pass the California Barber or Cosmetology exam for an entry level position of employment in the beauty industry.
About Us
Our History
Dominick Nenna founded Associated Barber College in 1927. Mr. Joseph J. Roccoforte, the current owner and Director, attended Associated Barber College in 1960. In 1972, Mr. Roccoforte purchased Downtown LA Barber College and successfully directed his Los Angeles campus until 1989. Mr. and Mrs. Roccoforte purchased Associated Barber College in 2002. The Roccoforte’s have many years of experience in the barber industry. They have fathers, uncles, brothers, sons and even a grandfather that are (were) barbers. Education in our industry are Mr. and Mrs. Roccoforte’s passions.
They have kept the barber traditions as part of the current curriculum. In 2022, we were approved by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to add a Cosmetology program to our school. We are extremely excited to complement our Barber Program with Cosmetology so that all prospective students can expand their knowledge and experience in this industry. As a student at Associated Barber College of San Diego, you will be prepared for the California State Board Barber and/or Cosmetology Exam while learning the traditional barber techniques and skills of Barbering and the current trends of Cosmetology.
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Joseph J. Roccoforte – Director/CEO/CAO/Instructor/Barber
Mrs. Michelle M. B. Roccoforte – Associate Director/CFO/COO
Mrs. Martha Sanchez – Financial Aid Administrator
Ms. Marcelina Roccoforte – Director of Education/Educator/Barber
Mrs. Paula Alvarez – Admissions Administrator
Our Testimonials
Hear From Our Graduates and Clients
Our Blog
Latest Articles
The Pulse of the Chair: How Barbershops and Salons Shape Community
Step into any barbershop or salon and you’ll feel it right away - the energy, the conversations, the sense of belonging. These spaces are more than just places for haircuts and beauty services. They’re community hubs, cultural landmarks, and stages where personal...
From Chair to Confidence: How Barbering and Cosmetology Transform More Than Looks
A great haircut or style does more than change how someone looks - it changes how they feel. Step into any barbershop or salon and you’ll see it happen every day. Shoulders straighten. Smiles widen. Eyes light up. It’s the unspoken magic of the craft, and it’s why...
Your Craft, Your Way: Why Adaptability Sets Top Barbers and Cosmetologists Apart
In 2025, change is the only constant. Styles evolve. Clients’ needs shift. New products and technologies come and go. The professionals who thrive are the ones who embrace change, adapt quickly, and bring their unique vision to everything they do. At Associated Barber...