Article reposted from Bold Journey
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeffrey Appelson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
HI JEFFREY, SO HAPPY YOU WERE ABLE TO DEVOTE SOME TIME TO SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS AND WISDOM WITH OUR COMMUNITY. SO, WE’VE ALWAYS ADMIRED HOW YOU HAVE SEEMINGLY NEVER LET NAY-SAYERS OR HATERS KEEP YOU DOWN. CAN YOU TALK TO US ABOUT HOW TO PERSIST DESPITE THE NEGATIVE ENERGY THAT SO OFTEN IS THROWN AT FOLKS TRYING TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH THEIR LIVES?
I look at the haters/naysayers as individuals who are envious and jealous, and may be dealing with something much deeper. I know I’m doing something right if I’m ever attacked by haters. It’s important to stay positive, driven, and ignore any hate or discouraging words which can definitely be challenging. Any individuals in my life that I’ve felt bring me down or take me away from where I’m headed, have been removed from my life.
LET’S TAKE A SMALL DETOUR – MAYBE YOU CAN SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF BEFORE WE DIVE BACK INTO SOME OF THE OTHER QUESTIONS WE HAD FOR YOU?
I have always had an interest in men’s style and suits however, my passion for it grew significantly after working at a men’s suit retailer 13+ years ago. I was looking for a part time job while attending college and this was the perfect place. From that point on, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue I just didn’t know it would be through my own business. After 2 years, I left that store and worked other part time jobs until I finished school and started a career in corporate sales, 9 year ago. At that same time. my colleague from the clothing store, who I had stayed connected to, started a custom clothing business. I helped him out on the side while working sales. Fast forward 3 years…I learned so much about the business world that I felt comfortable pursuing my own business. At that point, I asked my colleague how he would feel about me being a part of the business. He said absolutely and gave me half the company. This was 6 years ago. A year later, I bought him out and the Jeffrey Scott Brand was born.
For me, the most interesting aspects of the bespoke suit process are the attention paid to detail, the ability to be creative with fabrics, buttons, styles, etc., and the ability to solve the problem of not being able to find a suit that fits! A bespoke suit will fit and feel perfect because it’s created based on your measurements, posture, shoulder slope, roundness of back, and several other factors. It is truly a science and an art.
We are a bespoke clothier. We make suits, tuxedos, sportcoats, trousers. overcoats, shirts, ties and pocket squares for Gentlemen and Ladies completely from scratch. What sets us apart is the attention to detail (I am a perfectionist so I will not let one thing slip by when it comes to the final product), the quality of the fabrics, and the quality of construction inside and outside of the garment. Every Jeffrey Scott suit is fully handmade and full canvas which provides the highest level of comfort, fit, and quality.
We stand by our clothing and promise to deliver a perfect fitting garment that our clients love, otherwise their money back. We also cover alterations for the life of the garment, as we understand sizing may change.
LOOKING BACK, WHAT DO YOU THINK WERE THE THREE QUALITIES, SKILLS, OR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE THAT WERE MOST IMPACTFUL IN YOUR JOURNEY? WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FOLKS WHO ARE EARLY IN THEIR JOURNEY IN TERMS OF HOW THEY CAN BEST DEVELOP OR IMPROVE ON THESE?
I am grateful that I spent 9 years in corporate sales as it gave me the tools I need to really build my business. I learned to be persistent, to communicate better with people, to grow a client base, and many other things. Without this, I don’t think I would have the tools to build a successful business.
My advice would be to practice these qualities regularly and try to shadow others who have the professional experience. Pick their brains and ask to hear their stories. most importantly, never quit.
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT OR WHAT SORT OF CHARACTERISTICS WOULD MAKE SOMEONE AN IDEAL CLIENT FOR YOU?
Our ideal client is a true gentleman. Someone who is successful in their career and wealth, whether it be law, real estate, medicine, and they understand the importance of dressing well. Not only for success, but to feel good.
On the other side of the spectrum. A groom who is looking to stand out on their big day (but not as much as their bride), and look their absolute best. The rental route is not even a thought for him.
