M PENNER
{ invitation to style }
1180-06 UPTOWN PARK BLVD., HOUSTON, TX 77056 713.527.8200 www.mpenner.com
Store Hours MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. SUNDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER: Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Editorial Director
“M”
IS
FOR
KAREN PENNER
MORRIS
Editor & Publisher Creative Director
I met a nice gentleman at a party last weekend,
Art Director
and he asked me if I was the “M” in M PENNER.
MARK DOWDEN AMY A. DOWDEN
S T E P H E N M . V I TA R B O
Contributing Editors
Actually, “M” is for Morris, my father, who started
JENNIFER CENICOLA,
J U L I A C . I R E L A N D , T I M O T H Y K E L L E Y, I A N KEOWN, MARIA LISSANDRELLO,
the business 35 years ago.
FRANCESCA MOISIN, EVERETT POTTER
I heard the word “maverick” used freContributing Photographers
quently during the last presidential campaign,
F U LT O N D AV E N P O R T, D A N I E L S P R I N G S T O N
but to me, my dad was a true maverick. In 1974 he decided to open a men’s specialty store in Houston, procured a small SBA loan for inven-
PEEKS
PAT R I C E H O R VAT H
R I TA G U A R N A
he couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do
National Advertising Manager
it. He introduced Italian clothes to men in Houston and had the only store in
SHAE MARCUS
town featuring exclusively European fashion. People told him he was crazy and
Advertising Account Executive
developed a successful niche business. In the words of my friend Jane Weil, Dad’s zealous spirit went beyond clever merchandise selection. In the
see page 22
Art Assistant
tory, and did all the carpentry himself because
“Sonny taught the ‘cowboys’ of Houston how to dress like gentlemen.”
Winter warmer
LAURA CARAMAGNA
Corporate Editorial Director
he wouldn’t make it, yet he refused to compromise his vision and, ultimately, Sneak
Art Associate
S T E P H A N I E S TA I A N O
Advertising Sales Assistant SABA KAHN
Production Manager
CHRISTINE HAMEL
Advertising Services Manager
early years his controversial billboard with the tagline, “One Hell of a Man’s
THOMAS RAGUSA
Store,” really helped to put M PENNER on the map, though some people
Senior Art Director, Agency Services
thought it too racy (my, how times have changed!). In 1984 he decided to
KIJOO KIM
relocate the store to Kirby Drive. Again, he was strongly advised against such
Marketing Manager
a risky move and, again, he would not be deterred. During our 22 years on
Marketing Coordinator
Kirby, in addition to guiding the business to further growth (not to mention
Accounting
developing a reputation as one of the most astute retailers in the country), Dad
MAGDALENA SZARGUT
worked diligently to establish and develop the Upper Kirby District. And when
Published by
we moved to Uptown Park, Dad was supportive and excited about this new
Chairman
C A R R O L L V. D O W D E N
chapter in the store’s history.
President
MARK DOWDEN
I’ve had the privilege of working with my dad since 1983, and when he passed away in September, all I could think of at the time was how much his absence would be felt around the store.
SEAN GALLAGHER ELIZABETH MEE
A G N E S A LV E S ,
Executive Vice President Vice Presidents
JOEL EHRLICH
AMY A. DOWDEN,
N I G E L E D E L S H A I N , R I TA G U A R N A ,
In the short time between then and now, rather than feeling his absence, I sense his presence . . . everywhere. From the way we set up displays to the
SHANNON STEITZ, SUZANNE TRON
Regional Sales Director DOUGLAS C. BARKER
way we answer the phones . . . so much of everyday life at M PENNER was built on his vision, hard work and infinite creativity. I sit at his original desk and feel close to him as I do my work. When I’m out on the sales floor, I hear Links to love
see page 20
myself saying things (as he did) like, “Why is this shirt lying here?” or “Didn’t anyone notice this piece of thread on the floor?” or “Let’s have a good day today!” When his words pop out of my mouth, I laugh inside, knowing that it took 20-plus years of training to get them just right. Oh yes, and every day when I drive up, I see the “M” for Morris above the front door and think of my father with the fondest of memories. Thanks, Dad, for the first 35 years—you did good! —MURRY PENNER
Correction: Photographic credit to Mike Plank for his invaluable contribution to our photo shoot was inadvertently omitted in the last issue.
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•
Circulation Director
LAUREN MENA
M P E N N E R Magazine is published twice a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with M Penner. Copyright © 2009 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, M PENNER, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.782.5730; email mark.dowden@wainscotmedia.com. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, M PENNER, Circulation Department, PO Box 1788, Land O Lakes, FL 34639; telephone 813.996.6579; email lauren.mena@wainscotmedia.com. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com.
WINTER 2009
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