Page 16 - LRCC August 2022 Focus

BARYAMES: AN ICONIC NAME SERVING GREATER LANSING FOR 100 YEARS

Nate Lentz/Tandem Studios/FirstLast Media

"WE ARE FORTUNATE TO
the past 40 years at Baryames HAVE HAD GOOD HEALTH, “They love what they do and we
Tuxedo and Suit. There were no GOOD PEOPLE AND GOOD really needed them during what
computers in place when Katina was a very difficult time in our
started in 1982. CUSTOMERS. WE HAVE business,” said Katina.
BEEN BLESSED."
“There was no system to do a Being able to adapt and willing
reservation via computer,” said to change with the times has also
Katina. “We had a large log book where we had to write been a trademark of the Baryames success story.
the customer’s reservation information. It was very time
consuming and not particularly accurate.” “Making those moves to invest in technology and
equipment, different methods and ways of doing things,”
Now, computers handle all of that including logging the said Art. “It is critical. Because if you don’t, you fall behind.”
customer’s measurements. They can track history and
information about what is renting. Technology has also Both Baryames businesses have taken advantage of
dramatically improved their customer communication associating with a network of similar businesses. Baryames
system. Rather than a phone call, it is a text or e-mail. Tuxedo and Suit belongs to a group called SIFA, which
They provide regular updates on the status of every order. is a network of independent operators who provide a
fitting network for people around the country. Being able
“It takes the worry factor out because they may have to do those fittings for people from outside the Lansing
placed the order six months ago,” said Katina. “It provides area allows Baryames to compete with large national
an assurance their order is on track.” companies.

The other big change in the tuxedo-suit business has Baryames Cleaners is part of a group called the National
been the advent of the designer labels which are popular Roundtable, which consists of 17 dry cleaners who share
with many customers. About 15 years ago, Baryames best practices, innovations and different approaches to
Tuxedo and Suit added a line of suits for sale or rent common problems.
which are an attractive option for weddings held in rustic
settings and venues. 100 YEARS AND COUNTING

KEYS TO SUCCESS If there is a club for businesses that make it to the century
mark, membership would be very exclusive. For 100
Art and Katina give much credit to their father for years, loyal customers have always been a trademark of
instilling a strong work ethic and mentoring them in both the Baryames business for which Art and Katina are very
life and business skills. Though Chuck Baryames passed thankful.
away in 2012, his legacy and memory still hold great
influence. “Our customers have been very loyal to Baryames,” said
Katina. “They like to support local businesses. If there is a
“He taught me so much. He mentored me. I feel like he choice, they will go to the local person. It makes you feel
still walks with me,” said Katina. “Those lessons are with good, like we are doing something right.”
me every day.”
“We are fortunate to have had good health, good people
Fresh products and new styles have also been and good customers,” said Art. “We have been blessed.”
trademarks that have helped her company be successful.
Both Katina and Art credit their strong staff for a big part For more information about Baryames Cleaners, visit
of their success. Katina was particularly grateful that her www.baryamescleaners.com. For Baryames Tuxedo and
entire team returned to work after the Covid shutdown. Suit, visit www.baryames.com. l

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