Main Street Matters

Join host Terresa Zimmerman as she wraps up an incrediblefirst season of Main Street Matters. From featuring inspiring Main Street store owners to connecting with passionate advocates and champions, this season has been filled with powerful stories and valuable insights. Thanks to amazinglisteners like you, the podcast has reached the top 10% of all podcasts!In this special wrap-up episode, Teresa shares the five keytakeaways from Season 1 - insights that are interrelated and self-reinforcing, all centered around what makes Main Street businesses truly special.Key Takeaways from Season 11. Relationships Are EverythingTechnology can't replace human connections - Main Street'sbiggest advantage is relationship-driven business.2. Active Community EngagementMain Street stores and their communities support each otherthrough sponsorships, events, and mutual aid.3. Adaptation is CriticalSuccessful stores embrace new trends, technology, customerpreferences, and regulatory changes.4. Staff Challenges and OpportunitiesAttracting, retaining, and training good staff is essentialfor growth and owner flexibility.5. Succession PlanningEvery business owner needs a plan to keep their store openwhen they're ready to move on.Thank youA special thanks to all Season 1 guests, from Main Streetstore owners to advocates and champions who shared their stories and insights.Most importantly, thank you to the listeners who made this podcast a top 10%performer!Subscribe to Main Street Matters for more inspiringstories and practical insights from the heart of America's small businesscommunities.Connect with the Show: LinkedIn | Instagram | Join ourNewsletter Season 1 is a wrap - here's to many more powerfulconversations ahead! 

"These people (customers) are very intelligent, bright, and they've done well for themselves. But there's a certain minimalization to their life... they want as few things as possible to get the maximum result.”In this episode of the Main Street Matters Podcast, Terresa Zimmerman interviews Philip Linkous, where he shares the remarkable story of Bill Walker Clothier, a Houston menswear institution founded in 1983, and his journey from employee to owner over nearly three decades. In this candid conversation, Philip reveals how he and manager Shelley successfully acquired the business through a carefully planned six-year transition that kept the founder involved while modernizing operations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining a luxury retail business through economic downturns including COVID-19, the importance of master tailors and relationship-building salespeople, and how technology is transforming traditional retail while preserving the personal service that defines independent clothiers. Philip also explores Houston's rich heritage of family-owned menswear stores and shares insights on customer retention, succession planning, and the future of Main Street retail in an increasingly digital world.Episode Highlights-Business succession planning - 29-year employee to owner transition strategy-Customer retention during ownership change - Why clients don't know business changed hands-Small business survival tactics - Navigating COVID-19 and economic downturns-Custom menswear business model - Made-to-measure clothing and tailoring operations-Independent retail technology integration - AI, CRM systems, and text marketing-Sales team development - Building relationship-focused staff vs. order-takers-Houston menswear retail history - Multi-generational clothing store legacy-Quality control in custom clothing - Six-point inspection system for made-to-measure-Targeting younger professionals - Attracting millennials to traditional menswear-Small retailer marketing strategies - Email campaigns, trunk shows, and local partnershipsListener TakeawaysFor Retailers: Focus on relationship building over transaction volumeFor Business Owners: Plan succession years in advance, not monthsFor Service Providers: Invest in quality control systems that prevent mistakesFor Everyone: Support local businesses that create community connectionsFeatured Store:Philip Linkous, Owner–Bill Walker ClothierBill Walker Clothier represents Houston's enduring tradition of independent men's fashion retail, serving clients with personalized service, expert tailoring, and carefully curated clothing lines including their recent addition of Ralph Lauren.www.Billwalkerclothier.comhttps://www.instagram.com/billwalkerclothierhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-linkous-5b87541ahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bill-walker-clothierAddress1737 Post Oak BoulevardHouston, TX 77056In Post Oak PlazaBeside Kenny and ZiggysContact Bill Walker ClothierPhone:713 871.9811Email: [email protected]___________________________________________Connect with Us:Main Street Matters Podcast:Website: www.mainstreetmatters.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-mattersYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSMHost - Terresa Zimmerman:https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman

In this episode, Terresa Zimmerman talks with Patrick Burch about the journey of creating Cave & Post Trading Co., a men's-focused retail store in Phoenix. Patrick explains how he and his wife Mary transformed what was meant to be a "glorified man cave" into a thriving retail business that bridges the gap in men's boutique shopping.The conversation explores how Cave & Post selects inventory with a focus on heritage brands, quality craftsmanship, and products with compelling stories. Patrick shares how they've created a welcoming "Cheers bar" atmosphere where customers are remembered by name, and he discusses their vision of inspiring men to live well-rounded lives beyond just looking good.Patrick offers candid insights about the financial challenges of marketing a modern retail business, particularly the complexities of managing digital ad spend across multiple platforms. He also discusses emerging retail trends, including the continued popularity of Western wear, growing interest in American-made products, and consumers' increasing preference for quality over fast fashion.Timestamps00:01:07 - 00:03:48 - Origins, naming, location selection00:04:28 - 00:06:04 - Aesthetics, fixtures, merchandising philosophy00:08:01 - 00:12:30 - Initial buying strategy, market visits, finding new products00:15:09 - 00:19:05 - Demographics, building relationships, personalized service00:19:58 - 00:22:06 - Marketing costs, retail difficulties00:30:52 - 00:32:56 - Trends, encouraging personal style, quality focus00:35:36 - 00:38:48 - Price vs. value conversation, serving value-conscious customers00:39:00 - 00:40:32 - Importance of brands with narratives, customer interest in these stories00:41:47 - 00:42:36 - Employee knowledge and engagement00:43:46 - 00:44:15 - Denim industry, textile history in North CarolinaFeatured Store:Connect with Cave and Post Trading Co.⁠https://www.caveandpost.com/⁠⁠509 W McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85003⁠⁠602.931.0090⁠ / ⁠602.430.2032⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/caveandpost/⁠Connect with Us:Main Street Matters Podcast:Website: www.mainstreetmatters.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-mattersYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSMHost - Terresa Zimmerman:https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman

Episode 20: Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent RetailWelcome to another episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman speaks with Fred Derring, a true champion of Main Street and principal of DLS Apparel Group. With over 40 years of experience working exclusively with independent retailers across the United States, Fred shares invaluable insights about the power of community in the independent retail space.Fred Derring has been in the retail industry since college, working his way up through independent stores, department stores, and consulting before founding DLS Apparel Group. His passion for both products and people has driven his mission to support independent retailers across America.Episode Highlights:-DLS helps independent retailers gain collective buying power while maintaining their unique identity.-Members share best practices in a non-competitive environment, visiting each other's stores to learn.-One retailer generated $500K in wholesale through an innovative graduation suit program.-Independent stores saw growth after COVID as shoppers discovered personalized shopping experiences.-Beyond merchandise, DLS provides marketing tools, digital support, and e-commerce guidance and best practice.-Getting customers in the door remains the biggest challenge for independent retailers.-DLS is expanding into coffee table books and complementary accessories and categories.Featured in this episode:DLS Apparel Group works exclusively with independent retailers, across the US, but most of their clients are eastward. Based in NY, they also go from the West Coast to St. Louis, Chicago, and Dallas. They scout products domestically and internationally, host buying meetings, and provide comprehensive support services to help independent stores thrive.DLS Apparel GroupMenswear Retailers Premier Buying Office130 W. 57th St., Ste 5CNew York, NY 10019Office 212.399.0750Fred 917.699.1157Virginia 917.509.6053John 917.545.6887Connect with Us:Main Street Matters Podcast:Website: www.mainstreetmatters.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-mattersYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSMHost - Terresa Zimmerman:https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman

"When you buy from Main Street, you're buying from the community, you're helping the community."In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman interviews Matthew Roides, Director of Operations at Adrian Jules. Matthew shares the inspiring 60-year journey of his family's custom tailoring business. Founded by his Italian immigrant grandfather who arrived in America with just $33, Adrian Jules has grown into a respected name in luxury menswear with both wholesale and retail operations. Matthew discusses how the business maintains its commitment to American-made craftsmanship with over 70 employees in Rochester, NY, while adapting to changing fashion trends and customer preferences. He reveals how a personal tragedy inspired him to join the family business, the challenges of finding skilled craftspeople, and how creating genuine relationships with customers has been central to their decades of success.In this episode:-The founding story of Adrian Jules and its growth over the decades.-The unique challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational family business.-How Adrian Jules balances wholesale and retail operations.-The importance of maintaining high standards and craftsmanship in the garment industry.-Matthew's personal journey from aspiring physician assistant to leading the family business.-The significance of "Made in America" in their brand identity.-Insights into the future of the garment industry and the importance of community and Main Street businesses.Are you an independent retailer looking to build your own multi-generational legacy? Subscribe to Main Street Matters for more inspiring stories and practical business advice from successful store owners. Share your thoughts on today's episode in the comments or on social media using #MainStreetMatters.Connect With Matthew Roides:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-roides/http://adrianjules.com/Adrian JulesRetailhttps://adrianjulescustomclothier.com/https://www.instagram.com/ajcustomsuits/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-TkHdj-BqVWqvl89HmYz4ghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/adrian-jules-custom-clothier/Wholesalehttps://www.adrianjulesltd.com/https://www.instagram.com/adrianjules__ltd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/adrian-jules-wholesale/Stores:Rochester(585) 381-1111 |2937 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14618Buffalo(716) 229-0102 |5436 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221Connect with Us:Main Street Matters Podcast:Website: www.mainstreetmatters.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-mattersYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSMHost - Terresa Zimmerman:https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman