A father and son team created a non-profit company called Sharp Dressed Man in the Baltimore area lending out recycled suits to empower men to look their best and gain more confidence through professional presentation.
Chris and Seth Schafer personally fit men into suits free of charge, who are preparing for job interviews that are actively engaged in the workforce development program.
“We do everything one-on-one, so you’re measuring them and you’re helping them to pick out an outfit that’s gonna set them up for the world,” says Chris, co-founder of Sharp Dressed Man.
Years ago, Chris found himself in the same position as all these men, struggling with homelessness and addiction. Now that he is in a good place, he has extended a hand to help others get a second chance in life.
“I know the pain that goes with making big mistakes and how hard it is to turn your life around. Having some support, it goes a long way.”
The main goal of this partnership that started in 2011 is to support men that are about to re-enter the workforce. More often than not, the last obstacle that is standing between these men and an interview is a professional looking business outfit. This program completes the process between being skilled for the job, and “looking the part” to get their foot in the door for a successful interview.
Thomas Goggins, a Baltimore resident said: “This is the first time I’ve been in a suit in a long time. And it feels really good. It feels wonderful. I’m ready.”
The father and son say that they normally style 50 men a week, on the average. That means they have helped style more than 7,000 men in the last eight years since their opening, with the help of their team of volunteer stylists.
“I had a guy broke down and cried in front of me and I was like, you can’t cry because then I’ll cry.” Volunteer Valentina Massa said. “When people see themselves dressed in a suit for the first time, it could’ve been the first time in 20 years, 30 years, the first time in their whole lives.”
Participants of the program have reported a significant improvement in their confidence and composure, which helps present themselves in a better manner to future employers and continue on with their journey to success.
You can find Sharp Dressed Man in Baltimore and Los Angeles.
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