For the past 25 years, Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz has helped keep Envoy operations moving safely and efficiently as a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician at DFW. From maintaining and troubleshooting beltloaders to tugs, deicers to air start carts, Lektros and much more – his work, along with the entire GSE team is a critical part of our success.
But when Eddie clocks out for the day, he’s not heading home to relax. Instead, he’s stepping into another role as owner and operator of United Cutz Barbershop in Bedford, Texas.
What began as a passion for cutting hair has grown into a thriving business focused on much more than hairstyles. Since opening United Cutz in 2011, Eddie has built a welcoming space where clients gain confidence, aspiring barbers develop their careers and families find support through community outreach efforts.
While equipment maintenance and barbering may seem worlds apart, Eddie sees many similarities between the two.
“Both careers allow me to use my hands, solve problems, work with people and take pride in what I do,” he said. “Working at Envoy has taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, professionalism and serving others. In many ways, the skills I’ve developed during my years at Envoy have helped shape the leader and business owner I am today.”
A passion discovered early
Eddie’s barbering journey began long before he became a business owner. He started cutting hair at just 15 years old and quickly realized it was a talent he wanted to develop. What began as a hobby eventually became a calling. Recognizing the impact a simple haircut could have on a person’s confidence, in 2011 Eddie turned his passion into United Cutz, where he continues to serve as a barber, entrepreneur and mentor. The shop is a family-oriented barbershop where people of all backgrounds are welcome, treated with respect and encouraged to be themselves.
Building a legacy in two careers
Among Eddie’s proudest accomplishments is building successful careers in two very different industries at the same time.
While building a career at Envoy, he also transformed a lifelong passion into a business that mentors aspiring barbers and gives back to the community. Through outreach efforts and free haircut events, Eddie and his team regularly support children and families in need. By creating a place where everyone feels welcomed, United Cutz has become much more than a barber shop, it’s become a community space.
For Eddie, success is measured by more than career achievements. He believes the relationships you build, the way you treat others and the impact you have on your community are what leave a lasting legacy.
Finding purpose in his work
Whether he’s repairing critical ground equipment at Envoy or welcoming clients into his barbershop, Eddie approaches both roles with the same mindset.
“I believe in treating people with respect, doing the job right and giving my best even when no one is watching,” he said.
That mindset has guided Eddie throughout both careers. At Envoy, he helps maintain the ground equipment employees rely on every day, ensuring operations continue running safely and efficiently. Knowing his work supports both the operation and the people behind it gives him a strong sense of purpose.
The same hands-on approach has helped him build United Cutz into more than a barbershop. Through mentorship, community outreach and free haircut events, he has created opportunities for others while giving back to local families.
After 25 years at Envoy and more than a decade as a business owner, Eddie continues to make an impact in two very different industries, proving that leadership isn’t defined by a job title, but by the difference you make in the lives of others.