Small-business owner puts service on top rack.

When northeast resident Barry Schoeneman retired after nearly 50 years in the clothing industry, it turned out to be the beginning, not the end.
Like some retirees, Schoeneman is spending his golden years as his own boss. He runs a 4-year-old downtown menswear shop and has about 400 clients.
Entrepreneurship isn't just for the young. Older workers can launch successful businesses, but is takes careful planning, Schoeneman says.
Small-business expert Lisha Garcia agrees.
"You don't have a lot of time to make expensive mistakes," said Garcia, who is director of diversity and women business at Maricopa Community Colleges Small Business Development Center.
Garcia said it's common to see veteran workers in Maricopa County Colleges' free small-business classes.
Even in technology, where young guns are the stereotype, many startups are helmed by seasoned workers.
A May report from the Kauffman Foundation found that 24 percent of people who founded tech startups were older than 45; of those, 6 percent were 55 or older.
Never punching the clock again
Schoeneman has been in garment business since he was a 15-year-old stock boy for a Chicago menswear story called Smokey Joe's. Over the years his career evolved, including stints in sales. He also opened his own distribution business, which he later sold. Schoeneman retired in 2004 and planned to never punch the clock again.
That lasted a few months.
"I found myself getting depressed," he said. "Your productivity is tied to your self-worth."
Schoeneman decided to pursue his dream. He used $25,000 to open a tiny downtown shop that sells discounted, name-brand men's suits. Schoeneman is the sole employee. That allows him to give top-notch customer service and keep prices low, he says.
Feel-good shopping
His Men's Apparel Club's clientele of city workers and downtown professionals has grown through word of mouth.
"He remembers your name, your size and what looks good on you," said Phoenix Deputy City Manager Ed Zuercher, who says he heard about the shop though other men who work at City Hall.
Schoenman's expertise in the supply side of the garment industry has been invaluable. When he was ready to open, Schoeneman already knew which vendors to turn to and what type of inventory he needed.
It was a tough climb. Schoeneman didn't pay himself a salary his first year in business, and he had to survive light-rail construction, which ripped up downtown streets for months.
The payoff has been worth it, the dapper shop owner says.
"My father was a baker, and at 65 he was burned out," Schoeneman said. "I have 20 years left in me."


Author: Jahna Berry
Source: The Arizona Republic