Charney’s Men’s Store helps veterans-turned-entrepreneurs

Amy Schmitz
(315) 443-3834

The old adage states that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. But in a tough economy, looking your best in a professional situation might not meet the constraints of your budget. For veterans with disabilities—who are often displaced from the “normal” workforce and who are nearly twice as likely to be self-employed as the general population—making sure to make a good first impression may be even more crucial.

Charney’s Men’s Store in the City of Syracuse is helping a group of U.S. veterans with disabilities make great first impressions by providing custom suits at no charge to the veterans. The 21 men are all participants in the third annual Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), created and held in the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. The men sent in their custom measurements to Charney’s in early August and formally received their suits at the EBV graduation on Aug.22.

“This generous gesture by Charney’s is a true example of fellowship and community engagement,” says Tom Kruczek, executive director of the Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship in the Whitman School. “We were originally working with another organization to provide these suits; when that fell through, Charney’s stepped in without blinking an eye. They really understand how important it is for this population—individuals who have been disabled as a result of their service to our country—to present themselves at their best. Charney’s did not hesitate to offer their support. This says a lot about their commitment to our veterans and about their dedication to our community. We cannot thank them enough.”

Three female EBV participants have also received suits at no charge from a private donor.

Media queries can be directed to Amy Schmitz, Whitman director of communications, at (315) 443-3834 or aemehrin@syr.edu.