Cortlandt Business Spotlight: Helping Customers Look their Best on Special Days

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well. This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Here’s a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Mindy Radler Glickman and Jonathan Nissenblatt.

Business: Marty’s Formal Wear, inc.
Owners: Jonathan Nissenblatt and Mindy Radler Glickman
Website: www.tuxpert.com
Address: 2074 East Main Street, Cortlandt Manor, New York

How did you come up with the name?
Marty Nissenblatt was our father. He arrived in Peekskill in 1948, ready to be part of the community. There is an endearing story about the name which we are happy to share in depth.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
Marty’s initially started in downtown Peekskill as a high fashion haberdashery. During the 1970’s our family operated two locations, opening our current formal wear specialty boutique in Cortlandt Manor, New York. We love being in this area.

Briefly, what business are you in?
We are in the business of making people look their best. We help them celebrate their joyous events to the fullest. This isn’t just for a single moment -- we give them much to look forward to and powerful memories for years to follow.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
Our most difficult challenge is that people don’t know how wonderful we are. We really understand, not only men’s clothing, but also the people inside them. We handle special cases with aplomb. Often, we can dress someone the same day they come in, regardless of their size.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
No. We enjoy the opportunities our business gives us to meet people and help them look their best for their important moments. We love being part of the Peekskill/Cortlandt community.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Our business is very personal. We come in contact at delicate times in their lives, from a first job interview to a funeral. Being in business for so many decades, it is certainly difficult to point to one challenge. Perhaps one worthy to consider here was during the storm Sandy, when we lost power for almost two weeks. It was winter. Other businesses closed their doors. We remained open despite the cold and dark. Our grooms and their attendants were so understanding, and happy that we figured out how to fill their orders to help them look great. Looking back now, it could be even considered amusing, thinking about doing fittings by lantern light. But we always feel fulfilled when we help people who have difficulty helping themselves. One of our customers suffers with Spina Bifida, a lovely young man. When prom time arrived, he had multiple prom invitations, and came to us to make sure he was fit perfectly.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Often, customers send us photos of their quinceanera, prom or wedding. They are so happy, and so appreciative of what we have done. We immediately put them on our walls. Our walls are covered. Customers come back decade after decade and love to see these pictures. That is quite an achievement.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
With a smile.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
Many local churches, schools, baseball teams and group homes can tell stories of how Marty’s Formal Wear came to the rescue. One example is our sponsorship of the Hendrick Hudson High School annual fashion show.