As a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, Brian Lipstein went to a tailor to get a suit for job interviews. While he ended up with a fine suit, Lipstein felt it didn’t match his personal style and reflected the tailor’s style instead.
Turns out, Lipstein never wore the suit to a job interview. Instead, he launched his own tailoring business, one that offers an elevated experience that aims to match the style and clothing to the person wearing it.
“At Henry A. Davidsen, we exist to help individuals feel better about themselves and improve their lives,” the company said. “Offering a highly personalized, private experience in our elegant design studio in Rittenhouse Square, our consultants will welcome you with a beverage and a conversation to get to know you, your wardrobe, your career and your aspirations. Your personal brand consists of more than just the clothing you wear, however, the clothing plays a key role in conveying that brand effectively and consistently.”
The company launched after Lipstein successfully pitched the concept to the Wharton School’s Venture Initiation Program. Today, Henry A. Davidsen bills itself as image consultants, helping clients to build, maintain and manage a personal brand. It will build out an entire wardrobe from formalwear to casual wear, coats, sweaters, accessories and more. In the coming years, the company aims to expand into 5–10 additional markets across the U.S., growing revenue from $10 million to $30 million.
Liptsein uses the acronym Be R.E.A.L. to express his company’s core values: Be Reputable, Be Extraordinary, Be Authentic, Be Learned. In his own leadership development, Lipstein aims to listen more than he talks.
“We have two ears and one mouth for a reason,” Lipstein said. “We should listen twice as much as we talk and, unfortunately, too many people find comfort in hearing themselves talk. Speak impactfully and you’ll be heard more clearly. Listen for the things that people aren’t saying and you’ll begin to see a more full picture.”
Lipstein serves as the 2nd vice president of the Custom Tailors & Designers Association, the oldest continually active trade association in the U.S. He is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a board member of The Wardrobe and has served on various other nonprofit boards and committees, including the global board of the Association of Image Consultants International.
Of all his accomplishments, Lipstein is most proud of how he steered his company through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. When few people were leaving their homes, let alone attending weddings, in-person job interviews or formal events, Lipstein made sure all of his employees never missed one penny in their paychecks and there were no layoffs, even though the store closed for nearly three months.