Secrets Of My Success: Ridge Squire Tuxedo

There is something that happens to a man who puts on a tuxedo. The transformation takes the average man to extraordinarily dapper. Tuxedoes have a timeless quality, connecting Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra to George Clooney and Daniel Craig.

Since 1969, Ridge Squire Tuxedo of Rye Brook has provided top-quality formal wear service locally and beyond. Actors, politicians, and several New York sports teams including the Giants, Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers have all donned togs from Ridge Squire.  

After 42 years in the Rye Ridge Shopping Plaza, owner and Rye resident Lee Masi, relocated Ridge Squire Tuxedo to a larger, more visible brick-and-mortar location at 2 Bowman Avenue.

The store is now larger and will also offer casual menswear and sportswear.

Patch sat down with Masi, to get the scoop on his secrets of success.

How did you get started in the tuxedo business?
I started in 1985, part-time here.  I lived in town all my life and I wanted to do menswear. I did children’s wear before that so I knew retail pretty well. It started there. I wanted to do menswear instead of children.

Have there been any tough challenges?
There are always challenges as you start anything new, I went from children to men. It was a challenge in beginning, but I overcame them quickly.

Likes and dislikes of being in the business?
It’s a fun time of weddings and everyone is always in a great mood usually, so it’s really enjoyable. Seeing them in their most important day, getting them ready and prepared. Most of the focus is placed on the bride. My concern is the groom and we take a lot of effort with that, we make sure he is just as important as the bride. I don’t have any dislikes, I really enjoy what I do, and seeing people happy with the final results. It's my passion. 

What are the secrets to your success?
Ride the storm. Keep plugging away and thinking ahead to establish your business.  Keep up with the new trends that are going on in your area of business. Continue to look forward and be ahead of the times. For me and my business, I look at magazines of different cultures and things and I also keep my tabs on what’s happening on the west coast.

What are the latest trends in tuxedos?
The latest trends are suits.  Many people are doing destination weddings now with not just the wedding party and nuclear family, but also the extended family as well. They are venturing to islands and they want to wear light colored, black and navy suits. We do a lot of textured tuxedos. The trend is really getting away from the solid all-black tuxedo all the time to capture some exciting, new styles and looks.  Black-tie weddings seem to be coming back with the whole party and guests in formal wear.

Suggestions for future business owners?

It's very tough to run a business in the times we are living in with the economy, but people just have to strive and stick with it. If you have an idea, don't give up so easily. This generation seems to give up on the easy side. You really have to work hard. It's not just going to happen overnight, it requires work and tenacity.