Farmington Hills Business Keeps Father, Son Together

Ask Ron Elkus, owner of in Farmington Hills, what he has learned from his father, Phil, and he'll tell you the answer is all over Phil's face.

"Look at that smile. That's what I learned from him," Ron said. 

There's more, of course, from how to treat a customer to how to take care of merchandise. Phil Elkus, now 86, spent his career in retail, including 30 years as a sales person with Levi Strauss.

When Ron opened the doors of the first Shirt Box location more than 30 years ago, Phil was right there – and still is. He comes in three afternoons a week, and when he does, Ron says, "the noise level raises. He definitely puts a lot of energy into the store."

Phil said he always wanted to open his own business, but after he and his late wife, Irene, started a family, he took the Levi Strauss opportunity. 

"My younger son accomplished what I wanted to do and never did," Phil said. "How he handles the customers, how his help handles the customers, makes me very proud."

After more than 30 years of working together, Ron and Phil easily slip into conversation filled with humor and shared memories. Both admit they've occasionally disagreed, but Ron says communication and openness – even to say "I'm not happy with you" – have kept their relationship on solid ground.

Father and son didn't see much of each other when Ron and his brothers were growing up.

"I think Dad worked so hard to provide for us, to make sure all of us could go to college," Ron said. "I think I didn't know him well because of that. After Mom passed away, the store was a good thing for us."

Even away from The Shirt Box, father and son are connected to the business. Ron said when they're in Florida (Phil is a "snow bird"), "our favorite thing is to check out men's retail stores. We have a lot in common, it's a true blessing."

Phil said Ron has taught him a few things as well, particularly when it comes to customer service. He said Ron "bends over backwards" for his customers, and when they come in asking for refund, "you smile and you give them the refund."

"He's gotta be doing something right," Phil added. "The relationship between the customer and the sales person on the floor is unheard of." 

And while Ron may occasionally have to ask his father to tone it down while he's working with a customer, Phil said he has enjoyed every minute of the time he has spent working with his son. 

"The beauty is, I still love him, and I know whatever he does, it's all for my benefit," Ron said. 

Do you have a special relationship with your father? Tell us in the comments below.