Huntsville’s Rodney Smith has Wahl’s most ‘Benevolent Beard’ in the nation

STERLING, Ill. — Nine years ago, Rodney Smith Jr. was driving his usual route in Huntsville 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.

Kids participate in Smith’s charity by signing up for a “50 Yard Challenge,” and once they mow 50 yards for free, they’re gifted a lawn mower.

Smith’s talent to trim lawns also extends to his beard, and his ability to combine good grooming with goodwill earned him the grand prize in the Wahl “Benevolent Beards” Contest.

The contest started in April with a quest to discover guys who are making the world a “bearder” place to live. The goal was to reward bearded men who are doing good through charitable efforts.

Men from across the country submitted a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity. Five fuzzy-faced finalists were chosen, and America’s votes decided the winner.

Smith’s win comes with $20,000 for him and $5,000 for his charity. He’ll also be crowned “Wahl Man of the Year” at a beard grooming event during the Alabama football game with Mercer on Nov. 16.

“To date, more than 400 kids have completed the ’50 Yard Challenge,’ and I’m so proud to have a handful of those kids stand beside me on the 50-yard line as I accept my win,” Smith said. “These kids are the backbone of the charity, so I can’t wait for them to be recognized by thousands of Roll Tide fans.”

To celebrate Smith’s win, Wahl will park its giant mobile barbershop on Champions Lane outside Bryant-Denny Stadium from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on gameday.

“All whiskers are welcome to visit the barbershop and, for every free beard trim, Wahl will donate $100 to support Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc., up to $5,000,” Wahl said in a news release.