My 2nd Epiphany - Time for the Next Chapter (Retirement)

This time it was easy to decide what to write about.  But it will no doubt be the hardest blog I have ever written.  

I have just notified the owners of my companies that I plan on retiring on August 31, 2024 (13 months from now)… coinciding with the start of the Spring 2025 Season in Chicago.  I felt they deserved to hear about my plans face to face… so I flew to Toronto over the weekend.  They were not easy conversations for me (and a little emotional), but both of my bosses were 100% supportive of my decision - and I am most appreciative!

In a perfect world, I would have waited another 6 months or so to notify the rest of the industry.  But everyone knows how “interconnected” the bridal world is.  If I didn’t publish this blog today, you probably would have heard about my intentions tomorrow!  My family won’t even know of my decision until they read this!   But why a year in advance?

I felt like I owed it to my bosses to be the first people to know of my plans - and I was committed to giving them a year to find the right replacement(s).  Industry standard for “notice to leave” is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month or so - coinciding with the end of a season.  This leaves owners “scrambling” to hire someone in time for the beginning of the new season… and forces them to make a rushed decision.  Rushed decisions rarely work out.  I feel that 12 months gives a company ample time to identify, interview, hire, and train the right person; so that they can “hit the ground running” from day one.   Insuring a seamless transition for my customers is VERY important to me.  Plus it will give me a chance to say “goodbye” to the industry I love.

And why now?  I will be 2 weeks shy of my 70th birthday on that date.  I have held a full time job for over 50 years - for as long as I can remember.  I started out working in a gas station when I was 16, and progressed to a carpenter for a short time.  I would have actually loved to be a carpenter… but carpenters climb ladders and stand on roofs - and I learned right away that I am deathly afraid of heights.  I began working in the furniture industry when I was 20 years old, and ended up owning 2 stores in Philadelphia in my early 30s.  At 37, I had epiphany #1: I needed to make some changes in my life.  The Furniture Industry was trending downward, and I was overweight and not very healthy.  Most importantly… I was not happy.  Not in a depressed way, just not satisfied with my life.  My furniture stores were in dangerous neighborhoods and I HAD to make a change.  I decided to leave retail and try my hand at wholesale.  I had a personal connection to the owner of Sweetheart Gowns and T&G Bridal, and they hired me for the Northeast territory shortly after I closed my stores.  I have been in the bridal business now for well over 30 years, and in addition to Sweetheart… I have worked for Bridal Originals, Emerald Bridal, a few prom lines, and finally Paloma Blanca, Mikaella, and Calla Blanche.

I have loved every minute of my career in bridal, and could happily continue on if I had to.  But last year I had epiphany #2: I am ready for “The Next Chapter in My Life.”  At almost 69 years old, I am the happiest I have been in my entire life.  My family is the key to my happiness (and my wife is the biggest “key” of all), but my career in the bridal business has been a close second.  There will be parts of my job that I expect to miss.  My customers, my co-workers, my bosses, and the industry writ large has been a huge part of almost half of my life.  It gets “in your blood.”  I won’t miss the Market Travel, being alone in a hotel room, nor the million miles I have logged on Northeast highways!  I have much left to do with my life, and I plan on enjoying every minute being retired.  (I’m not sure exactly what that entails… but I have no doubt I will figure it out.)            

It is VERY important to me that I “finish strong”, and end my career on my own terms.  I have one more year to go, and I expect to have 2 great seasons.

Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like to draw attention to myself.  These next 2 seasons will NOT be the “Derek Jeter Farewell Tour”, with fanfare at every “stadium.”  My stores work with me because I bring them great product from 2 great companies, that allow them to sell dresses and make a profit.  I expect that to continue for the next 2 seasons.  My bosses deserve nothing less, and I intend to keep my commitment to them to work just as hard over the next 2 seasons as I have done since the day they hired me.

As the year progresses… I am sure my companies’ plans for “After Howard” will crystalize.  Whatever that looks like, I am committed to insuring a smooth transition to my predecessor(s).  Details to follow.

But for now I propose business as usual - and am excited about the new season.  I look forward to seeing you at market… or during my after market travels.

Peace and love,

Howard