International Formalwear Association Formal Times Newsletter

International Formalwear Association
Formal Times Newsletter
Expo 32 Chicago Hyatt Regency McCormick Place July 31, August 1st and
2nd! Mark YOUR Calendars!!!
Watch for details as they are
finalized!!
With our renewed interest on
education for All members, We
need your help with
Educational Speaking Topics!!!!
What subjects would you like to
hear more about????
Marketing…Financials…..Social media…… customer relations??
What Topic would be your recommendation to be covered with
seminars at Expo 32??? We want to get the speakers booked YOU
would like to hear! Please send suggestions to
editor@formaltimes.com and/or dennis@milroystuxedos.com
education committee
Industry News
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Steve Davis
President & COO
618-224-9211
stevedavis@jimsfw.com
Jim’s Formal Wear Partners with Armory Capital,
Maintaining Family Ownership and Securing Bright Company Future
ST. LOUIS (January 7, 2013) -- Jim’s Formal Wear, the world’s largest wholesale formalwear
rental company, announced today a partnership with Armory Capital of Champaign, Ill. This
partnership represents a merger of two strong family businesses and will provide Jim’s Formal
Wear the capital for future growth opportunities.
“One of the most important times for a family business comes when it’s time for one generation
to help the next move into owning and leading the business, and it is now time for my son, Steve
Davis, to lead this company into the future,” said Gary Davis, Chief Executive Officer.
“Frequently, a transition like this involves new financing arrangements, and we are fortunate to
have Armory Capital partner with us because they share our values. With the merger of these
two family-owned companies, it’s ‘business as usual’ for Jim’s Formal Wear.”
Jim’s Formal Wear is headquartered in Trenton, Ill., in a state-of-the-art, 102,000-square-foot
facility. The company employs over 600 people. The company also has 9 other regional service
centers located throughout the United States.
The company enjoys a history of growth by acquiring other companies or operations that are a
good fit with Jim’s Formal Wear business. “This partnership with Armory Capital will ensure
that the resources are available when those opportunities present themselves,” Gary said.
Armory Capital is the family office for the Meyer family in Champaign, Ill. A family office is a
private company with family values and culture that manages investments for an individual
family and helps them diversify by investing in and holding other companies. The Armory
family office includes four people from Champaign, Ill.
Steve Davis, COO of Jim’s Formal Wear, said that the Davis family was very careful in
interviewing and selecting Armory Capital as the new financial partner for Jim’s Formal Wear.
“One of the top priorities was to ensure that our new partner would maintain our culture and the
high level of commitment to sharing the company’s success with our team members and
providing quality merchandise and service to our customers.”
Steve said they also wanted a company that invests for the long term, and Armory Capital met all
of these criteria.
“As a family investment company, Armory Capital wants their portfolio company to grow, but
they aren’t looking for a quick turn. Their preference is to hold investments and most
importantly, they count on the existing management team to run the business because that is a
big part of the reason they select an investment such as Jim’s Formal Wear.”
The financial arrangement with Armory Capital enables the Davis family to continue to have a
significant investment in Jim’s Formal Wear. Steve Davis will transition from the role of
President and COO to CEO over the next 12 months. Gary Davis will work closely with Steve
during the transition and then enter into a long-term consulting contract to help with the
transition and provide continuity.
About Jim’s Formal Wear
Jim Davis built Jim’s Formal Wear from a men’s apparel shop established by his father in 1922.
Today, Jim’s Formal Wear is the largest wholesale formalwear rental company in the world, with
10 strategically located service centers that total more than 300,000 square feet of office,
production and warehouse space. The company employs over 600 people and is privileged to
serve nearly 6,000 menswear stores, bridal shops and other formalwear-related retailers in the
country. Jim’s Formal Wear’s mission is “Doing whatever it takes to create the ultimate formal
wear experience.”
About Armory Capital
Armory Capital is the family office for the Meyer family in Campaign, Ill. It is a private equity
group founded by Jacob Ambrose, Rusty Freeland and Greg Lykins, in association with the
August C. Meyer, Jr. family. The firm’s members have years of experience understanding the
challenges and opportunities facing business owners and management teams. They believe in
long-term partnerships based on mutual trust and integrity. The family has a track record of
investing in and holding other companies, with deep and long roots with all of these companies.
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What is happening with Jim’s Formal Wear?
Above official announcement from Jim’s Formalwear was made last month on the sale or equity
partnership of a percentage of their company. This established growing and thriving family
operated business did not seem the likely candidate to sell out???
When speaking to Steve Davis he explained the sale was a preemptive measure to tax law
changes going into effect. To protect the family business from crippling estate law changes they
set about searching for solutions
for Steve to increase his leadership
and his dad Gary to step back some
to spend more time with his family
and grandkids! The process of
finding a solution in everyone’s
best interest took thorough
research to find an equity partner
with the same culture and family
emphasis as Jim’s.
Steve said they spent a GREAT
deal of time researching Armory
Capitol and the Meyer’s family.
The group’s similar culture and
interest in the long term
commitment to their investments
solidified the processes. The
future Jim’s Formalwear will be
much like the present according to Steve Davis with little change noticed by customers and
associates.
Steve Davis is a current board member with the International Formalwear Association and we
wish him, his parents and the entire Davis family the best throughout the changeover.
For further information on Jim’s Formalwear history: http://www.jimsformalwear.com/companyhistory.htm
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Formalwear On the Town
We salute the increasing use of traditional formalwear among the trend setters in Hollywood and
on television with the Audi prom commercial! And last but most certainly not least THE
OSCARS!!!
Justin Timberlake at the
Grammy awards…His new
single Suit and Tie is done in a
tux as well!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsUsVbTj2AY
Audi Prom
Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANhmS6QLd5Q&csref=92225226266327849
Hugh Jackman SAG
awards another very
sharply dressed gentleman!
Trey Songz at the Grammy’s R&B
Hip Hop singer. The Grammy’s not
always known to be as formal, the IFA
salutes those who stood out in the
crowd!
Golden Globe Men!! Leonardo
DiCaprio, George Clooney and Aziz
Ansari
The Oscars 2013
The Academy Awards 85th Annual Oscar Awards Show was held Sunday
February 24th and Bow TIES are BACK!!
Our unofficial tallying we do each year on bow/long ties and lapels the men chose
makes it official bow ties are back! We can only count the gentlemen who walk on
the stage which of course does not take in to account the audience. This years
show had 55 guys in bow ties verses 18 in long ties. During the performance for
Les Miserables a group of performers were on stage with NO tie and too numerous
to be sure of the count.
Lapels styles as you may have guessed were overwhelmingly in the Peak lapel as
style of choice for the men’s designers. Again taking into account the Les
Miserables group which were hard to count, the totals are:
Peak Lapel: 43
Notch Lapel: 26
Shawl Lapel: 8
While again overwhelmingly black for this occasion Midnight Blue and Grey were
also very much present.
The International Formalwear Association would like to salute Hollywood on
coming out dressed to honor the formality of the occasion, and very much looking
the part!
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Checkpoints to GREAT Customer Service
I read many articles on customer service and am always watching for a new perspective. The
other day I came across an article on dealing with angry, unhappy, dissatisfied customers. The
focus of the article was diffusing the situation, but it made me think more about how it happened
in the first place. Should you get good at handling customer complaints or better at placing check
points along the way to eliminate problems from the start? What can we do to eliminate those
Saturday afternoon angry panicked calls from a wedding party?
One of the first check points to fend off problems could be a quick phone call to the bridal
couple 3-4 weeks before their wedding. This call provides you with opportunity to go over colors
and styles for all the party members confirming any changes. Also, this offers the perfect time to
go over who still needs to be fitted and who may be cancelled or replaced. Going over pick up
information, store hours, etc; arms them with information to pass along to the rest of the group.
Encourage them to let each participant know they need to try on their tuxedo in our store and
bring along black socks if not provided on pick up day. When you are in advance of the date, a
call can reassure them to make sure everything is on track in the weeks ahead.
Most software systems would catch odd entries, but not all of us depend on computers in this
department and order cards need to be carefully inspected. This check point is the perfect
opportunity to go over possible sizing errors. Should you really order the 54 coat 34 waist
combinations? Sent in sizes challenge all of us, yet a little common sense at this point will
probably save you later. Calling customer who sent the sizes and asking a few questions to get
more accurate information many times will help both of you immensely. Most of this is routine,
but goes so far in assuring they will remain satisfied customers.
Pick-up day can be hectic even on slower weeks, but trying on the tuxedo with you present
eliminates a myriad of problems. Strong friendly encouragement from your staff can persuade
most guys of the value of this final fitting. Adjustments to accessories and emphasis on proper fit
help heighten customer satisfaction. A quick friendly conversation with the groom highlighting
this important time saver clarifies your commitment to service in his mind. Explain return
options and store hours to keep that final contact with them effortless. Dealing with angry
dissatisfied customers is a fact of life, but prevention is the best policy. Hope it works out that
way!
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February Book of the Month
By Nicholas Boothman
There is an old saying which is true most of the time (The first impression is the last impression.)
All what you need is to adopt a positive attitude, make sure your words, tone, and gestures are in
harmony, and use your gift in organizing your speech to maintain an attractive conversation by
using open-ended questions to try to discover what the other person likes.
The author focuses on the fact that impressions are formed in the first 10 seconds or so when we
meet someone. He encourages us to open ourselves up physically (hands open, coat unbuttoned
if you have one on, relaxed), look the other person in the eye, beam (like you are shaking hands),
say Hi! with a positive attitude, and lean towards the person. These are universally interpreted as
being genuine indications of interest that are perceived by the other person's subconscious mind,
and the other person will almost always respond in kind.
There are three primary modes that people use to process thoughts (visual, auditory, and
kinesthetic -- both emotions and physical feelings), and remembered and imagined versions of
each one. The book contains clues (such as eye movement and choices of verbs) to understand
the person's preferences. You are encouraged then to be sure to include those modes.
Finally, you are encouraged to mirror and match the behavior of the other person (from breathing
to posture to gestures).
The key points of the book, then, can be summarized as a positive attitude toward the other
person, synchronicity in actions and locating commonalities, using the correct conversational
modes, and emphasizing the sensory preferences of the other person.
A good technique you can use to overcome your own inner shyness is to remember the most
fabulous first meeting you ever had with another person before you step forward to meet the new
person. Your mind and body will still be jazzed by the favorable memory, and the viewer will
perceive that high level of excitement.
After you have absorbed these lessons, consider how much your attitude determines the reactions
you get from other people. If you are afraid to meet them, that will show. If you are delighted to
be with them, that will also show. If your message is important to you, you should take a little
time to dress up your attitude and responsiveness if you want to really be dressed for success.
Ask yourself if you would really want to listen to you when you do not take the time to be an
interested communicator. If not, now may be a good time for a change. You, too, can be
irresistible -- when you want to be.
Boothman, now a lecturer and licensed master practitioner of neurolinguistic programming (the
art and science of how the brain affects human connections), says that the key to making others
like you quickly lies in establishing a rapport: you have to find out what you have in common or,
if you seemingly have nothing in common, purposely try to become like the other person for a
short time.
This is a great book coming from someone who is never comfortable in conversations. And
rapport is what we need with each new customer that walks in the door be it wedding, prom, or
simply an out of town fitting that may transfer to something much more on a future day based on
an impression made in just those first few minutes!!! GREAT BOOK!!
Books to HAVE in YOUR Store
Do you have reading material for the guys while waiting in your store?? A list below of possible
choices and please send your recommendations for other editor@formaltimes.com
Style and The Man by Alan Flusser
Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion by Alan Flusser
Clothes and the Man: The Principles of Fine Men’s Dress by Alan Flusser
A Gentleman Pens a Note by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
A Gentleman Raises His Glass by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
How to Be a Gentleman by John Bridges
A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
As a Gentleman Would Say by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
A Gentleman Entertains by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
A Gentleman at The Table by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
Toasts & Tributes by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis
Gentleman: A Timeless Fashion by Bernhard Roetzel and Guenter Beer
Wants and Offerings
NEW WANTS AND OFFERINGS POLICY ADS WILL NEED TO
RESUBMIT EVERY MONTH! YOU MAY HAVE THEM IN AS
LONG AS YOU LIKE, THEY JUST HAVE TO BE
RESUBMITTED MONTHLY TO BE SURE TO KEEP LIST
CURRENT! CHECK YOUR ADS BELOW!
PLEASE RESEND ANY ADS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE IN NEXT
MONTH editor@formaltimes.com
For all of our members who also are in dry cleaning Wants and Offerings for cleaning equipment
you can check out http://www.thelaundryforum.com/classifieds
Wants and offerings is a service to our membership that gives all specialist members the ability
to buy or sell merchandise from other members. Send your list of wants or offers to sell to
editor@formaltimes.com
Milroy’s Tuxedos
Offers
Herringbone Vests, Windsor Ties, Bow Ties, Pocket Squares – Silver, Red, Navy, Wines,
Hunter, Raisin, Heather, Sage, Champagne, Black, White, Ivory, Mint, Yellow, Powder Blue, &
Light Pink.
Horizon Tan Suits – Coats and pants
Joseph Abboud 2 Button Black Notch
Wants To Buy
Grey Radio City Shoes
Black Jet Shoes
Dennis Schmidt
Milroy's Tuxedos
President/Owner
P.319-233-5222
C.319-269-4662
LOOKING FOR ADVICE
Angelo from Rose Tuxedo in Phoenix, Az. Asking your readers to email me with a good new shoe
recommendation?? I'm having a hard time deciding on a good quality shoe that won't fall apart. Thanks.
Angelo asbrocca4@aol.com. or call 602 299-1743
Selling
Used Tuxedo Shoes
Styles: LaStrada, Modern Times, Viper, White
and Ivory Square Toe, White and Ivory Cap Toe
$8 per pair
Tuxedo Jackets
Black, White, Ivory: Jupiter, Apollo, DaVinci
3B Notch
Matrix
Tuxedo Vests
Enchantment
Spectrum
Tom Murray
Royal Tuxedo
422 North Wood Ave
Linden, NJ 07036
908-486-0110
Offered for Sale
Shirts Styles
1. Ivory Wing Tip Collar Pin-Tuck Pleat
2. Ivory Laydown Collar
3. Ivory Banded Collar w/pleat
4. White Banded Collar w/pleat
5. Brocade Microfiber
6. Rythm-Black W/White stripe microfiber
7. Tempo-White W/Black stripe microfiber
8. White tone on tone microfiber
9. Chocolate tone on tone microfiber
10. Ivory tone on tone microfiber
11. Champagne Laydown Microfiber
Vest Styles
1. Andrew Fezza Herringbone Vest Collection
2. Brandon Michael Satin Vest Collection
3. Lubiam Bellisimo Vest Collection
4. Jean Yves Diamond Vest Collection
5. Jean Yves Monaco Vest Collection
6. Perry Ellis Freedom Vest
LOOKING TO BUY
Wool pleated Black rental pants
Tronn Goehring
Director of Operation
Sacino's Formalwear
941-650-3015
WANTED TO BUY!
USED or NEW Disney or Mickey
Mouse Vests, Cummerbunds &
Bow Ties.
USED or NEW Novelty Vests
Any colors and sizes.
Santana Disney/Mickey styles
THANK YOU!
Chrystal Stewart
5686 Youngquist Road
Suite 120
Fort Myers, FL 33912
239 481-7875
OFFERED FOR SALE
Tuxedos:
Claiborne 3 Button Black Citi
Lites jackets
Oscar de la Renta 4 Button Black
LaVida jackets
Andrew Fezza 5 Button Black
Cannes jackets
Black Double Breasted jackets
(shawl & notch)
After Six Black Shawl Tail coats
White Shantung dinner jackets
Formal Shirts:
White Crosswick shirt
White and Ivory banded collar shirt
Vest and Tie collections:
Philip Stewart Mandarin collar vest in Black only
Hudson full back vest and bow tie in Black & White only
Celebrations full back vest in Platinum only
Barrington full back vest in Silver only
Herringbone full back vest, bow ties and windsor ties in Black, White, Ivory, Silver,
Champagne, Hunter, Navy, Wine, Plum, Desert Blue, Sage, & Heather
Citi-Lites full back vest, bow ties and windsor ties in Black, White, Ivory, Platinum, Ruby,
Hunter, Plum, Celedon, Premier Teal, Violet, & Desert Blue
Double Take full back and backless vest and bow ties in Black, White, Ivory, Black & White,
Sunlight, Taupe, Red, Ocean Blue, Plum, & Hunter
Phaze fullback vest and bow ties in White, Ivory, Platinum, Gold, Burgundy, & Eggplant
Silhouette high cut vests and bow ties in Black, White, Ivory, Black & White (Silver), Gold,
Hunter, Burgundy, Navy
Renesance Paisley vests and bow ties in Black, White, Ivory, Red, Silver & Gold, Burgundy &
Gold, Navy & Gold, Hunter & Gold, Purple & Gold
Genesis Paisley low cut vests in Black, White, White w/ Black trim, Black & White, Charcoal,
Kelly Green, Royal Blue, Azalea, Peach, Purple, & Teal
All Styles can be viewed at http://www.bunnytuxedos.com/html/discontinued.html
Thanks,
Stacey Nelson
Bunny Tuxedos
3956 30th Street SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(616) 538-1760
www.bunnytuxedos.com
customerservice@bunnytuxedos.com
LOOKING TO BUY! Rose Tuxedo in
Phoenix, AZ. is still looking for some good
shape Modern Time Shoes and some Light and
Dark Grey Savoy by Jean Yves. Also the Jean
Yves black slim fit 2 button Peak. They can
email or call Angelo at 602 299-1743 or
asbrocca4@aol.com
Wesner's is looking to BUY
-Blind stitch machine (in working condition)
-3/4 torso mannequins
-Used black flat front pants
Tanya Brodi
Wesner Tuxedo
(586) 254-3838
brodi_21@hotmail.com
OFFERED FOR SALE
Black parisians, chaps auburns, 3-b notch coats, twilight faille shawls, after six super 100 single pleated
pants, wool pants without satin stripe, tallia micro shirts, loads of assorted shoes, fezza herringbone vests
4/SALE-
BLACK JAGUAR COATS, 85 TOTAL, MOST BRAND NEW, AFTER SIX #800SX, $10.00. ASSORTED
LARR BRIO , CALVIN, RALPH LAUREN, CARDI VESTS, TIES, BOWS. MANY COLORS. LET ME
KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE. PRICES VERY REASONABLE. VERY CURRENT!
IRA COLEMAN
COLEMAN'S
973-258-1948
IRATUX@AOL.COM
Thoughts for the Week Ahead!
"Nowhere is it written that you get extra points for dredging through this life
and suffering and being unhappy. I want to be happy." ~Robin Roberts. Good
Morning America
“Just like we clear our lungs to take in new air, we need to empty our minds
of dull ideas to create brighter lives.” — Danielle LaPorte