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 1

1. Relationships Are Everything

Technology can't replace human connections - Main Street'sbiggest advantage is relationship-driven business.

2. Active Community Engagement

Main Street stores and their communities support each otherthrough sponsorships, events, and mutual aid.

3. Adaptation is Critical

Successful stores embrace new trends, technology, customerpreferences, and regulatory changes.

4. Staff Challenges and Opportunities

Attracting, retaining, and training good staff is essentialfor growth and owner flexibility.

5. Succession Planning

Every business owner needs a plan to keep their store openwhen they're ready to move on.

Thank you

A 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 partnerships

Listener Takeaways

For 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 connections

Featured Store:Philip Linkous, Owner–Bill Walker Clothier

Bill 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/billwalkerclothier
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-linkous-5b87541ahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bill-walker-clothier

Address

1737 Post Oak BoulevardHouston, TX 77056In Post Oak PlazaBeside Kenny and Ziggys

Contact Bill Walker Clothier

Phone:713 871.9811Email: [email protected]

___________________________________________

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

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.

Timestamps

00:01:07 - 00:03:48 - Origins, naming, location selection

00:04:28 - 00:06:04 - Aesthetics, fixtures, merchandising philosophy

00:08:01 - 00:12:30 - Initial buying strategy, market visits, finding new products

00:15:09 - 00:19:05 - Demographics, building relationships, personalized service

00:19:58 - 00:22:06 - Marketing costs, retail difficulties

00:30:52 - 00:32:56 - Trends, encouraging personal style, quality focus

00:35:36 - 00:38:48 - Price vs. value conversation, serving value-conscious customers

00:39:00 - 00:40:32 - Importance of brands with narratives, customer interest in these stories

00:41:47 - 00:42:36 - Employee knowledge and engagement

00:43:46 - 00:44:15 - Denim industry, textile history in North Carolina

Featured Store:

Connect with Cave and Post Trading Co.

⁠https://www.caveandpost.com/⁠

⁠509 W McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85003⁠

⁠602.931.0090⁠ / ⁠602.430.2032⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/caveandpost/⁠

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

Episode 20: Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent Retail

Welcome 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 Group

Menswear Retailers Premier Buying Office

130 W. 57th St., Ste 5C

New York, NY 10019

Office 212.399.0750

Fred 917.699.1157

Virginia 917.509.6053

John 917.545.6887

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

"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 Jules

Retail

https://adrianjulescustomclothier.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcustomsuits/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-TkHdj-BqVWqvl89HmYz4g

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adrian-jules-custom-clothier/

Wholesale

https://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 14618

Buffalo

(716) 229-0102 |

5436 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221

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

Are you an independent retail store owner who's missing out on connecting with local professionals - your ideal customers - simply because you are not leveraging LinkedIn? You probably didn’t think it was for you. You thought wrong. It’s a big opportunity.

This episode is a bit different from the usual episodes we have here on Main Street Matters. We invited an expert who shares his expertise on WHY WE SHOULD and HOW WE CAN increase our REACH, BUILD BRAND AWARENESS, and garner TRUST. Terresa Zimmerman welcomes LinkedIn expert Scott Aaron to show retailers how they can tap into this often-overlooked platform for business growth. Scott is an award-winning online marketer, a 4x best-selling author, a top podcaster with over 1 million downloads on iTunes, and a speaker known for turning LinkedIn connections into traffic, millions of dollars in business revenue, and strong personal brands.

FULL DISCLOSURE: this is NOT a paid spot for Scott. We just think the information is that important for you and wanted to point out many of the free resources Scott pulls together for you.

In this Episode, Scott shares practical strategies for using LinkedIn's free features to build meaningful local connections and create an authentic online presence that converts into foot traffic - all without getting lost in the social media time quagmire. GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN ASSESSMENT HERE

In this episode:

• Why LinkedIn is relevant for independent retail store owners
• How to build a targeted local network of up to 30,000 connections
• The power of using your personal profile to boost your business’ online presence
• Tips for creating attraction marketing content that solves customer problems
• Strategies for showcasing community involvement and building trust
• The importance of sharing behind-the-scenes content and personal stories
• How to leverage LinkedIn's free features without paying for premium services
• Step-by-step guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile for local business
• Ways to integrate community events and promotions into your LinkedIn strategy

GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN ASSESSMENT HERE: 

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:17 - LinkedIn for Independent Retail Store Owners

00:02:29 - Scott's Background in Storefront Business Ownership

00:05:09 - The Importance of LinkedIn for Retail Businesses

00:06:07 - Local Business Success Story on LinkedIn

00:09:00 - Building a Local Network on LinkedIn

00:10:16 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Community Building

00:11:48 - Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

00:12:27 - Content Strategy for Retail Business Owners

00:14:19 - Attraction Marketing on LinkedIn

00:17:05 - Using Video Content Effectively

00:19:40 - Importance of Community Involvement

00:21:26 - Utilizing LinkedIn Groups for Local Connections

00:22:56 - Personal vs. Business Profiles on LinkedIn

00:25:08 - Consistency and Effort in LinkedIn Marketing

00:25:28 - Scott's Free Programs and Resources

00:27:34 - Why Main Street Matters

Connect with Scott Aaron

Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottaaroncoach/

His podcast - Networking and Marketing Made Simple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/networking-and-marketing-made-simple/id1719117825

Scott's Websites

Personal

The Time To Grow

Scott’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottaaronlinkedin

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

When you buy from a chain store or online, the money leaves your community instantly. When you buy local, that same dollar circulates 3.5 times in your community. That's not just business - that's your town's future.

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman and Peter Rose, co-owner of Chelsea Group in Wyandotte, Michigan, shares his family's 80-year retail journey and delivers an important, maybe even urgent, message about the importance of shopping local. From his grandfather's humble beginnings as a Boy Scout supplier in 1943 to today's retail challenges, Peter reveals how local businesses are the heartbeat of thriving communities and why every purchase decision matters.

What You'll Get in This Episode:- How did a single store in 1943 grow into 23 stores across Detroit, and why did they return to two stores today?- What's the story behind the women's store transformation from "The Empire Room" to "Willow Tree"? - What made Wyandotte's three menswear stores on one block work together instead of compete? - Why does Peter choose in-person service over online sales? - How has Chelsea Group managed to maintain relevance across multiple generations of shoppers and staff? - What's the "beach ball" analogy and how does it relate to local business health? - Why does buying local bring 3.5 times more impact than shopping at national chains? - What challenges do local retailers face with tariffs and staffing today? - How did Peter promote local shopping through writing and the "Love Wyandotte" initiative? - Despite modern retail challenges, what's driving the business's recent growth?Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:50 - The history of Chelsea Group03:04 - The transition from Boy Scout supplier to menswear06:08 - The rise and fall of the business10:19 - The impact of malls and national chains15:16 - Peter's first buying trip22:32 - The role of technology in retail28:55 - The importance of local community and Main Street35:48 - The American Independent Business Alliance44:36 - The future of local retail and challenges ahead

Featured Store:

Chelsea Group –

Chelsea Menswear and Willow Tree women’s boutique

Peter Rose – Owner

2944 Biddle, Wyandotte, MI 48192

+1.734.282.7755

https://www.chelseamenswear.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chelseamenswear

https://www.instagram.com/willowtreewyandotte/

https://www.willowtreefashions.com/

Mentions in this episode:

American Independent Business Alliance

https://amiba.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-independent-business-alliance/

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

https://ilsr.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-local-self-reliance/posts/?feedView=all

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

From outfitting farmers for their daughters' strawberry festival coronations to helping a cancer patient rebuild his confidence, The Natty Dresser is proving that a men's clothing store can be more than just a retailer – it can be a catalyst for personal transformation in a community.

Host Terresa Zimmerman talks with Oscar Hult, who turned market research into retail success by opening The Natty Dresser in Albany, Oregon. With no prior retail experience but armed with census data and a background in historic preservation, Oscar grew his men's store from a 1,500 square foot startup to a renovated historic building more than double the size. His secret? Deep community engagement and a mission to transform lives through their motto: "dress well, be confident, find success."

In this episode:

Featured Store:

Oscar Hult, Owner

The Natty Dresser LLC

124 Broadalbin St. SW

Albany, Oregon 97321

541-248-3561

Website https://thenattydresser.com/about-us/

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

Other mentions:

Tweed Ride, May 10, 2025 - https://thenattydresser.com/mens-clothing-albany-or-tweed-ride/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-hult-b25b531b/

Albany Downtown Association - https://albanydowntown.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/albany-downtown-association/

National Main Street Project - https://mainstreet.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-america/

https://www.instagram.com/natlmainstreet/

Custom Tailors & Designers Association - https://www.ctda.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ctdausa/

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

Timestamps:

In this special year-end episode of Main Street Matters, we compile the heartfelt responses from our guests throughout 2024 as they answer our signature question: "Why does Main Street matter?" Their responses paint a vivid picture of Main Street's vital role in our communities.

This compilation showcases the diverse yet interconnected perspectives of local business owners and community leaders who shared their thoughts on the significance of Main Street throughout the year.

Here are the shared values that we heard:

1. The Heart of Community

Independent businesses on Main Street prioritize building lasting relationships with their customers. These personal connections create an environment where customers are known by name and their histories are valued, offering an experience that goes beyond simple transactions.

3. Economic Impact and Growth

4. Personal Service and Soul

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

In this episode of Main Street Matters, host Terresa Zimmerman sits down with Frank Ventresca, owner of Ventresca Limited, a high-end men's specialty store in historic Doylestown, Pennsylvania. With 43 years in business, Frank shares his journey from a small store, to multiple stores and a consolidated thriving 5,000-square-foot premium menswear destination. Through his experience, he illustrates how independent specialty retailers can thrive in today's market by focusing on exceptional customer service, expert tailoring, and building lasting relationships across generations.

Frank takes us behind the scenes of his successful specialty store, sharing everything from why he chose to move his shop to a new neighborhood, to how he builds and maintains an amazing team of people who truly care about helping their customers look their best. Frank emphasizes that his business isn't just about selling clothes – it's about being in the "people business." His philosophy of providing value through superior service, product knowledge, and attention to detail has helped his store achieve record sales in the post-pandemic era, even as many traditional department stores struggle.

Episode Highlights:

Featured in this Episode:

Ventresca Ltd.  – Frank Ventresca

Historic Doylestown, PA

145 West State Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

215.348.3139

[email protected]

Website: https://ventresca.com/

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/ventrescaltd

LI - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ventrescaltd/posts/?feedView=all

LI – Frank - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-ventresca-ba098634/

YT - https://www.youtube.com/@VentrescaLtdDoylestown

FB - https://www.facebook.com/Ventrescaltdmensstore/

Mentions in this episodes:

Doylestown, PA

https://centralbuckschamber.com/

Shop Small Saturday

Amex - https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/benefits/shop-small/

US Chamber – 2024 Toolkit - https://www.uschamber.com/toolkit/shop-small-business

US Small Business Association - https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/organization/sba-initiatives/small-business-saturday

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