I grew up surrounded by the rhythms of retail. My family’s story goes back to my grandfather’s clothing stores in Yonkers, New York — places where community, craftsmanship, and customer care were more than buzzwords; they were a way of life.
Those early experiences taught me one enduring truth: when you’re part of a family business, you wear many hats. You step in where you’re needed, learn something new every day, and find pride in the smallest victories.
After spending 44 years at Neiman Marcus, I thought I’d seen every side of retail — but joining the family business showed me there’s still plenty to learn. One week I’m managing a label printing project for QCP boards to ship out to customers; the next, I’m dropping packages at the UPS store.
It’s a different pace, but it’s deeply rewarding. Every task — big or small — connects directly to our customers and our team. And that’s what I’ve always loved most about retail: the human connection behind every transaction.
These days, I might not be on a sales floor, but I’m still part of something that matters — building a business that carries forward the values my grandfather started generations ago.
By Ronni Hammer
