Conversations with the Inspiring Patricia Leupp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Leupp.

Patricia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I guess you could say mens formalwear is in my blood. I started in the industry about 40 years ago. I worked for Gingiss Formalwear in my hometown of Salinas, CA. It was my very first job.
In 1981, I moved to the Bay Area and started work as a dental assistant, but took a second job at a tux shop in Palo Alto called Abrams Formalwear. That’s where I met my husband Brian. He was running the warehouse for the company, and in 1989 we got married and moved to Sacramento. In the meantime, my husband had become a manufacturer’s representative  in the men’s Formalwear business, which he did for 20 years. An opportunity arose to acquire the Arizona Mr. Formal Stores, so we decided to make the move in 2007.

Mr. Formal is an in-stock formalwear company. We are the only company in Arizona that dry cleans and processes our own tuxedos and suits in-house. There have been many changes in men’s fashion over the years. I have seen styles come and go. Grooms are taking more pride in what they wear, and want to look their best for their special day. I love the challenge of finding just the right look for my customers. After all, what man doesn’t look his best in a well-fitted suit or tuxedo?

Has it been a smooth road?
As I mentioned earlier, there have been many changes in my industry. About 15 years ago, one of our big corporate competitors decided to go into tuxedo rental, eventually taking about 75 percent of the business. It was a struggle, and we got smaller, but we hung in. Then about seven years ago, the suit stores decided to compete for wedding business and started showing up at the bridal shows. Their hook was “why rent when you can buy for the same price”—which isn’t accurate, but they’ve had an impact. The last challenge has been the online competitors that started showing up about five years ago, telling their customers they would make the rental process easy and ship direct.

So, as you can see, business is always full of challenges. In business, you always have to be ready to make adjustments. Otherwise, you won’t survive. We just have to keep trying to find ways to let our customers know that we offer the special attention they won’t get anywhere else.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Mr. Formal AZ story. Tell us more about it.
I love helping grooms look their best for their special day. The challenge of finding just the right look and fit is the exciting. I always remind grooms they need to remember they need to look their very best standing next to their bride. After all, the photos will be what they have to look back on 20 years from now.

Mr. Formal is known for our customer service. Being a company that carries all its own stock is very helpful. That’s something our competitors just can’t offer, and we really emphasize the benefit of trying things on as opposed to selecting from a catalog page or from pictures on a website. Having stock on hand to make adjustments can come in handy. We also are the only company that does our own processing and dry cleaning in-house. At the risk of being immodest, our finished product looks better than that from any competitor. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

I also offer a special concierge service where I will deliver the tuxedos to the resort or hotel, so I can be there on the wedding day to tie bow ties and make sure the groom and groomsmen stay on track to be ready for photos. I am very proud that our company offers a wide selection of styles, colors, and fit– all at very competitive pricing. I love the fact that my staff is knowledgeable and has the same values that I hold for the company.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I have to say my mother has inspired me most of all. Being a child that grew up in a home of migrant workers and working since she was very small child to make ends meet, she developed a work ethic and character that you just don’t find in everyone. She taught my brothers and myself to not be afraid of hard work, and not to be afraid of taking a risk once in a while. Because of her, I was brave enough to leave my small town and move to a place where I didn’t know anyone. If I hadn’t done that, I would have never met my husband and continued in the formalwear industry.

Contact Info:

• Address: Patricia Leupp – Mr. Formal AZ 333 East Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85012
• Website: www.mrformalaz.com
• Phone: (602)265-441
• Email: arizonainfo@mrformalinc.com, mrsformal1@gmail.com
• Instagram: Mr Formal AZ, Mrsformal
• Facebook: Mr Formal AZ
• Twitter: Mr Formal AZ

Image Credit:
Images by Angela, Photography is Unique, Dana Gibnons Photography

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