You only get one chance at a first impression, in fact, according to research you only have a tenth of a second. Well for some, this tenth of a second could be the difference between a new job or a life of poverty - that's where Sharp Dressed Man comes in.
The non-profit organization was founded in Baltimore in 2011, as a partnership between the Baltimore Fashion Alliance and the Living Classrooms Foundation, by Christopher Schafer and his son Seth. The goal of the group is to support men re-entering the workforce from prison or rehab. Schafer is a custom tailor in downtown Baltimore, who designs suits with a starting price tag of $3,000. The idea for 'Sharp Dressed Man' came to Schafer when he was looking for a way to dispose of his high-end suits his clients were no longer in need of. During the week he collects donations from clients and locals and then on Wednesday's men can come in for a free suit fitting, haircut, and hot meal before their job interviews.
As someone who battled with addiction himself, he knows the importance of receiving a second chance to make a new impression. "I really think that the biggest thing, though, is a guy who gets treated with respect. And some of these guys have not been. They have not treated themselves with respect, nor have been treated with respect," he told PBS.
Over the years Sharp Dressed Man has established connections with dozens of job agencies, instituted a referral process, and is now looking to expand. Unfortunately, in 2016, their building caught on fire. The company has managed to stay in business thanks to donations, however, they soon hope to receive a $25,000 grant from State Farm in order to carry on helping others in need and positively changing lives.
Scroll down below to see some of these Sharp Dressed Man before and after photos!
