How to Keep Customers When Your Business Changes Hands: Philip Linkous | EP 22

"These people (customers) are very intelligent, bright, and they've done well for themselves. But there's a certain minimalization to their life... they want as few things as possible to get the maximum result.”

In this episode of the Main Street Matters Podcast, Terresa Zimmerman interviews Philip Linkous, where he shares the remarkable story of Bill Walker Clothier, a Houston menswear institution founded in 1983, and his journey from employee to owner over nearly three decades. In this candid conversation, Philip reveals how he and manager Shelley successfully acquired the business through a carefully planned six-year transition that kept the founder involved while modernizing operations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining a luxury retail business through economic downturns including COVID-19, the importance of master tailors and relationship-building salespeople, and how technology is transforming traditional retail while preserving the personal service that defines independent clothiers. Philip also explores Houston's rich heritage of family-owned menswear stores and shares insights on customer retention, succession planning, and the future of Main Street retail in an increasingly digital world.

Episode Highlights

-Business succession planning - 29-year employee to owner transition strategy

-Customer retention during ownership change - Why clients don't know business changed hands

-Small business survival tactics - Navigating COVID-19 and economic downturns

-Custom menswear business model - Made-to-measure clothing and tailoring operations

-Independent retail technology integration - AI, CRM systems, and text marketing

-Sales team development - Building relationship-focused staff vs. order-takers

-Houston menswear retail history - Multi-generational clothing store legacy

-Quality control in custom clothing - Six-point inspection system for made-to-measure

-Targeting younger professionals - Attracting millennials to traditional menswear

-Small retailer marketing strategies - Email campaigns, trunk shows, and local partnerships

Listener Takeaways

For Retailers: Focus on relationship building over transaction volumeFor Business Owners: Plan succession years in advance, not monthsFor Service Providers: Invest in quality control systems that prevent mistakesFor Everyone: Support local businesses that create community connections

Featured Store:Philip Linkous, Owner–Bill Walker Clothier

Bill Walker Clothier represents Houston's enduring tradition of independent men's fashion retail, serving clients with personalized service, expert tailoring, and carefully curated clothing lines including their recent addition of Ralph Lauren.

www.Billwalkerclothier.comhttps://www.instagram.com/billwalkerclothier
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-linkous-5b87541ahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bill-walker-clothier

Address

1737 Post Oak BoulevardHouston, TX 77056In Post Oak PlazaBeside Kenny and Ziggys

Contact Bill Walker Clothier

Phone:[phone]Email: [e-mail]

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Main Street Matters Podcast:

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Host - Terresa Zimmerman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman