Ken Hoffman, formerly CEO of Hart Schaffner Marx, has joined Hardwick Clothes in Cleveland as company chairman.
Hardwick Clothes is America's oldest maker of men's suits and was purchased out of bankruptcy in 2014 by Cleveland, Tenn., millionaire W. Allan Jones, the founder of Check Into Cash. Hoffman joins Hardwick CEO Bruce Bellusci, who spent nearly three decades building Hart Schaffner Marx's market presence prior to being hired by Jones two years ago to run Hardwick Clothes.
"Ken's presence and reputation within this industry are without parallel," Bellusci said. "His insight, instincts, and leadership will help Hardwick accelerate along the course we set four years ago, to increase our share of the growing tailored clothing market in a meaningful, sustainable way."
Ken HoffmanHoffman takes over the chairman's post from Jones, who has presided over the company's rebuild and rebirth since purchasing the hometown brand nearly four years ago.
"First order of business was always saving an American icon, and the American jobs that went along with it: focusing locally, and building outward," Jones said in a statement Wednesday. "From there, we set out to revamp the design, engineering, and manufacturing processes, to elevate the look and feel of the product, and create garments that could rival the finest Europe has to offer. And remain 100 percent American Made - all of which we have done."
Founded in 1880 by C.L. Hardwick, the company is Cleveland's oldest manfuacturer and the oldest continuously producing maker of men's suits in America. Jones said Hardwick's American Made blazers, sport coats, suits, and dress pants continue to post strong annual sales growth at both independent menswear shops and select department store partners.
Hardwick more than doubled its advance seasonal business last fall when it re-launched the company's brand and website, hardwick.com, in October.
"The market for tailored clothing has grown significantly in the Social Media age, with an ever evolving and expanding customer base entering the market for the first time," Bellusci said in a statement Wednesday. "At the core of this market is a discerning, thoughtful, stylish customer who cares a great deal about materials and make in all facets of his life, from food to furniture, spirits to suits. ... The stage is set for us. And we're dressing the part."
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6340.