For Evan Valenti, working at Steven Valenti’s Menswear was at first a way to earn some extra money while following his dream of being a radio broadcaster. But, it wasn’t long until he discovered he had a great knack and, ultimately, a love for the all things menswear. However, this isn’t simply a case of following in his Father’s footsteps. Instead, Evan has brought a new angle to this legendary downtown business taking calculated risks on new trends, adapting to an ever-changing marketplace, and getting through to the other side of the monumental challenges presented by the pandemic. We cover a lot of ground quickly in this episode, including Evan’s decision to choose menswear as a career, his working relationship with his father Steven and a mutual respect that strengthens the business, surviving the pandemic restrictions and making it through to the other side, dress pants that feel like comfy sweatpants (I can vouch for how amazing they are), how the Amazonification of the world has actually strengthened Valenti’s niche in the marketplace, bike lanes, Evan’s work in radio, his brother Michael J. Valenti’s work with Sherman Baldwin on a remarkable time in Berkshire County radio, a great Gene Shalit anecdote when he appeared on the show, techniques of interviewing guests, what Star Wars trilogy to introduce first to kids, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Valenti family, including his mother Carolyn, and more. I hope you’ll enjoy my conversation with Evan Valenti!
