Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Anglin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Travis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As the owner and operator of a men’s suit store in a time where even the slightest amount of effort in a man’s wardrobe seems to be an antiquated philosophy, I take it as my mission and responsibility to increase men’s self-esteem by teaching them old school ways of dressing and acting like a gentleman. I believe this helps the man as well as those whom he influences.
Much of our self-perception, for better or worse, is shaped by how others see us—or how we assume they do. It takes years to develop a sense of self-worth that isn’t tied to external validation, but if I want to elevate how people perceive me or demonstrate the value I bring to any situation, dressing with confidence is one of the fastest ways to project and cultivate that confidence—when done right.
I’ve seen many young men dress only to meet the bare minimum of what’s required. Terms like “Sunday best” or “dress clothes” have become synonymous with outfits they were forced to wear for occasions they didn’t care about. Whether it was church, a wedding, or a formal event, dressing up often felt like a chore, something to be abandoned the moment no one was making them do it.
Some men eventually grow out of this mindset, recognizing that different occasions call for different attire. But even then, many still only dress up when absolutely necessary for work, church, or an event where their partner’s influence often plays a role.
I believe too few men ever experience the impact of dressing beyond expectations. Not just to meet a standard, but to honor themselves and those around them. When shopping for quality clothing is frustrating, expensive, or results in ill-fitting attire, the experience feels forced rather than empowering, leading many to retreat into a laissez-faire attitude where comfort becomes an excuse for complacency.
When I mentor a gentleman of any age, my goal is to help him see himself in a way he can be proud of, to believe he can walk into any room and belong. And just as importantly, to present himself with the same effort and respect that his date or peers put into their own appearance.
The signs of success are immediate, a smile, a shift in posture, shoulders back, chin up, all from simply seeing themselves in a new light. With a little guidance, encouragement, and genuine care, my clients walk out of my store two inches taller than when they walked in.
Travis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Before retiring after 20 years in law enforcement—most of which I spent in investigations—I bought all my suits from a small, locally owned shop, Men’s Apparel Club. As a detective, I spent a great deal of time in court, so wearing a suit was part of my daily routine. Over time, I developed a friendship with the store’s owner, who took great care in outfitting me.
Alongside my law enforcement career, I owned a security agency, one division of which specialized in executive protection—the well-dressed professionals in dark suits, sunglasses, and earpieces you typically picture. Naturally, I wanted my agents to present themselves with the same level of professionalism, so I purchased all their suits from Men’s Apparel Club as well.
Philanthropy also became an important part of my life, particularly through my involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley. One of my favorite traditions—one I started long before owning the store—was bringing a group of young men into Men’s Apparel Club each year to buy them their first suits. These suits, worn for our annual gala, also became their attire for proms, job interviews, college visits, and some of life’s most important milestones.
The experience of taking these young men shopping and seeing them wear clothing unlike anything they had before filled my heart with joy. I will never forget the first time I saw a young man look at himself in the mirror, dressed as a true gentleman for the first time. Watching his posture shift, his chin lift, and a proud smile cross his face—that moment was magic. It was that feeling that ultimately led me, after retiring from law enforcement and selling my security company, to invest in Men’s Apparel Club, purchasing 50% ownership.
After working alongside my mentor in the business, I acquired full ownership of the brand in 2024. Today, I operate the store on my own, but with the same integrity and commitment to quality that defined it for over 20 years.
Men’s Apparel Club is more than a suit store. While we primarily sell suits and tuxedos, along with accessories like shoes, shirts, and ties, our focus is on providing men in the community with the best possible garments for their money. Unlike many retailers that push synthetic suits for the sake of profit, we remain committed to offering only high-quality, year-round tropical weight wool suits, ensuring that whether a man wears a suit daily or only on occasion, his investment is worthwhile.
Beyond the quality of the clothing, I go to great lengths to make every visit to my store as much an experience as it is a transaction. With hundreds of five-star reviews on Google and Yelp, the word “experience” comes up more often than expected, but it’s exactly what I aim for. Everyone who walks through my doors is personally greeted by me. Before I even begin recommending a suit, we sit down, whether at the poker table, the leather chairs, or the bar, and take the time to get to know each other. Only then do I begin helping them find what they truly need.
As a Phoenix native, my goal is to make Men’s Apparel Club the go-to destination for men of all ages who want to look like, feel like, and live like a gentleman.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I purchased 50% of an established retail clothing store, one where I had been a customer for nearly 20 years, I had recently retired from a storied law enforcement career and had exited the security agency I had founded and operated for 13 years.
The transition from a highly active law enforcement career into private security was natural, even expected. But moving into men’s formalwear? That raised some eyebrows. While those who knew me well weren’t surprised, many others were curious, if not outright skeptical.
This shift required me to reinvent myself in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I was known for holding and leading others in prestigious law enforcement positions, at times commanding hundreds of people between my overlapping careers in security and policing. A “tough guy” persona came with the territory but was something that had no place in retail. Adjusting to this new environment, where authority took a backseat to service, was a challenge.
Beyond that, the financial realities were starkly different. I had been responsible for generating several million dollars a year in my service-based industry. Now, I was operating a small, owner-managed retail business. I understood the benefits, a more balanced life, peace of mind, and a level of freedom I had earned—but not everyone saw it that way. Many questioned my decision, some outright criticized it.
The criticism came in various forms. I was no longer eligible for entrepreneurial groups where I had once been a respected member. People repeatedly asked if it was true that I was “just selling suits,” some even assuming it was a joke. Others told me I was wasting my talent and capacity.
At first, this shook my confidence. I questioned whether the aspects of this business that brought me joy were enough to fuel my ambition. I found myself justifying it by telling people I could open multiple locations, expand regionally, maybe even franchise. But upon reflection, I realized I didn’t want to do those things. What mattered to me was what was happening inside my little store, one suit, one sale at a time.
I was making a difference in men’s lives. I was teaching young men how to wear a suit for the first time, showing them etiquette, and setting expectations for what it meant to be a gentleman. I was mentoring men of all ages, many who had never been taught these lessons by their fathers, as I had been. Many had never been held to high standards by mentors, as I had. And I realized that even a simple transaction, time, money, and clothing exchanged could shift a man’s self-perception and perhaps even change the way others saw him.
Over time, I stopped feeling the need to justify what was important to me, whether in business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or human connection.
The company’s bottom line speaks for itself. But more importantly, the smiles of the gentlemen walking out of my store and the many who return, not just to shop but to share their experiences mean more to me than any accolade from those who would judge me for choosing work that truly matters.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe a key factor in building a strong reputation in my market was partnering with someone who had established the brand by consistently doing things the right way.
My mentor in the clothing industry had over 70 years of experience. That experience, combined with the financial freedom it provided him, allowed him to run his business not just as he wanted, but in a way that reflected a bygone era, one where personalized service, attention to detail, and integrity were the standard. In today’s retail world of online shopping and instant gratification, that approach is rare.
When I became his business partner, I made a deliberate decision: before adding my own touch or making any changes, I would take the time to fully understand why and how he had been successful. That decision proved invaluable. What some might see as inefficiencies like taking extra time with customers, prioritizing service over speed are actually the difference between a forgettable transaction and an experience that brings people back.
One of the first lessons I learned from him was not to be afraid to tell a customer no.
Take Phoenix, for example, a city with a generally casual dress culture. A black suit, which might be a staple in New York or Chicago, is often less appropriate in some local professional settings. Many young men come into the store asking for a black suit, often for their first job interview. It would be easy to sell them what they ask for, take their money, and send them on their way. But because I take the time to talk with customers, ask questions, and sometimes even draw out information they didn’t realize was important, I can guide them to a better choice. In this case, a navy suit would serve them far better for interviews and professional settings. When done correctly, offering an alternative isn’t just appreciated, it builds trust.
Another lesson I quickly embraced was the importance of listening to customers. In a world where real listening is rare, especially in retail, where the focus is often on closing a deal and moving to the next sale, taking the time to understand what a customer truly wants and needs has made all the difference. One of the greatest compliments I receive is when a customer tells me the experience reminds them of shopping with their father as a kid. That nostalgia, that level of service, is what I strive to provide every day.
Perhaps one of the most unconventional yet effective practices I’ve adopted is encouraging customers to shop around before making a final decision with me. If they have any uncertainty, I want them to explore other stores, compare products, prices, and most importantly, service. More often than not, they return with a big smile, ready to complete their purchase, because they’ve seen firsthand what sets my store apart.
At the end of the day, my business isn’t just about selling suits, it’s about offering an experience, a standard of service, and a level of trust that keeps customers coming back, not just for a suit, but for the way it makes them feel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mensapparelclubphoenix.com
- Instagram: @mensapparelclub
- Facebook: @mensapparelclub
Image Credits
Alma Photography.az