From Direct Sales to Retail Success: Ron Brodeur and Brodeur Carvell’s Continually Evolving Journey

09/25/24 • 35 min

In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Ron Brodeur, owner of Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear, an independent men's clothing store in Fort Myers, Florida. Ron shares his journey from direct selling to owning a brick-and-mortar store, the challenges he's faced, and his passion for custom clothing. Their conversation digs into the world of men's fashion retail, exploring topics such as: -Ron's 30 years background in the clothing industry, starting with direct selling and transitioning to retail, and his continual learning mindset. -How Ron established himself in retail 22 years ago, offering ready-to-wear and custom clothing. -Challenges faced: From multiple stores, surviving the 2008-2009 real estate crisis, adapting to market changes and refocusing on one store. -Ron's custom clothing process in guiding clients through fabric, button, and lining choices. -Using point-of-sale systems, digital marketing, and exploring new tools like One Shop Retail. -Peer group support and how and why he has engaged with other retailers. -Community involvement by participating in charity events and local initiatives. -Ron’s challenge of finding qualified sales associates in the current market. -Ron's optimism about the future growth of independent retailers as traditional department stores decline. Featured in this episode:: Ron Brodeur, Owner & Custom Clothier Brodeur Carvell Fine Menswear Website: http://www.brodeurcarvell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brodeurcarvellfinemenswear/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrodeurCarvell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-brodeur-brodeur-carvell-fine-menswear/ They are located at: 6420 Plantation Park Court #104Fort Myers, Florida 33966 Connect with Us: Main Street Matters Podcast: Website: http://www.mainstreetmatters.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM Host - Terresa Zimmerman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman

Previous Episode

Passion and Perseverance: Danny Reynolds on Running a Retail Business Since 1931 |EP 9

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Danny Reynolds, the leader of Stephenson's, a family-owned clothing store in Elkhart, Indiana.

Danny is a passionate advocate for the retail industry, and when he’s not at the store, or working in New York’s garment district, can often be found in Washington D.C., advocating for retailers across the country. He has been an outspoken champion of the recent Credit Card Competition Act, a bill that aims to reduce credit card swipe fees, for retailers of all sizes.

Join us as Danny shares insights on navigating the evolving retail landscape, the importance of community engagement, and why a personal touch remains crucial in an increasingly digital world. This episode offers valuable perspectives for both seasoned retailers and those passionate about preserving vibrant Main Streets across America.

Key Points:

-How Stephenson's founded in 1931 and now spans three buildings on Elkhart's Main Street

-How Stephenson's evolved from a women's dress shop to a full-service clothing store, including menswear

-Why building relationships and providing personalized experiences important in customer service

-How to balance traditional methods with digital innovations

-Community involvement: Supporting local causes, including the "United for Fashion" cancer fundraiser

-Retail challenges in the digital age

-Danny's work with the National Retail Federation and support for the Credit Card Competition Act

Featured in this episode:

Danny Reynolds, Stephenson’s of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN

https://www.stephensonsofelkhart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stephensonsofelkhart/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/stephensons-of-elkhart-inc/about/

Other mentions in this episode:

Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce - https://www.elkhart.org/

National Retail Federation (NRF) - https://nrf.com/

NRF - Credit Card Competition Act - https://nrf.com/blog/learn-truth-about-credit-card-competition-act

NRF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-retail-federation/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.instagram.com/nrf/

Connect with Us:

Main Street Matters Podcast:

Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM

Host - Terresa Zimmerman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman

Next Episode

Beyond the Suit: Whiskey, Wisdom, and a Perfect Fit Suit with Brian Lipstein, Founder of Henry A. Davidsen | EP 11

In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Brian Lipstein, founder and CEO of Henry A. Davidsen, a Philadelphia-based custom menswear company known for delivering more than just great suits. Over the creation of a perfectly formed, ice ball for a glass of Macallan, Brian shares the unique experience his clients enjoy—complete with a personalized whiskey bar—and the journey he took to build his business from a University of Pennsylvania venture program to nearly 20 years of success.

Brian’s story is filled with passion, from learning the art of tailoring to providing men with an unmatched customer experience, grounded in education and authenticity. He explains how his father, who once celebrated the rise of business casual, became his first test subject for a custom suit and the surprising transformation that followed. Brian talked about the philosophy behind his proven process, the power of a well-fitted garment, and how custom clothing can boost confidence, performance, and trust.

The conversation touches on everything from business growth challenges to the importance of building genuine client relationships, and the future of Henry A. Davidsen, including plans for expansion and creating a scalable yet personalized client experience across multiple locations.

Brian also shared Henry A. Davidsen’s core values and are represented by the acronym R.E.A.L.:

1. Be Reputable: Uphold integrity, credibility, respect, and trustworthiness in every action. It’s about being reliable and maintaining a strong reputation through every client interaction.

2. Be Extraordinary: Focus on creating exceptional, high-touch experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Every detail matters in delivering a personalized and memorable experience for clients.

3. Be Authentic: Encourage clients to be their true selves and reflect that authenticity through their clothing. Henry A. Davidsen aims to help people feel comfortable in their skin and align their outward appearance with who they truly are.

4. Be Learned: Continuously seek knowledge and education, both for the team and clients. This value is about growing, learning from experiences, and using that knowledge to improve services and educate others.

Key Takeaways:

-Brian’s journey from college incubator program to 19 years of tailoring excellence.

-How Henry A. Davidsen delivers a luxury experience with custom whiskey bars and personalized consultations.

-Why fit, fabric, and personal style matter beyond the brand label.

-Brian’s approach to scaling his business without losing its core values of authenticity and client experience.

Whether you're interested in custom menswear, entrepreneurship, or the importance of community-driven business, this episode is full of valuable insights.

Featured in this episode:

Henry A. Davidsen

Website: https://henrydavidsen.com/

Instagram: @henrydavidsen

Blog: https://henrydavidsen.com/blog/

Connect with Brian Lipstein:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlipstein/

Other Mentions: Entrepreneur’s Organization - https://hub.eonetwork.org/

(BOOK) Unreasonable Hospitality - Link

(BOOK) Know What Matters: Lessons from a Lifetime of Transformations by Ron Shaick - Link

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