Ozarks Profile

President, Steve Forrester Menswear, 2750 S. Glenstone (in the Brentwood Center). The store sells fine men's clothing, sportswear and shoes. Forrester founded Steve Forrester Menswear in 1994 and the store has experienced significant growth in recent years. While a majority of the store's clientele is from the Springfield area, a substantial portion of the overall volume (above 25 percent) comes from outside the Springfield metro area. A large number of customer relationships have been developed from the nearby areas of northern Arkansas, St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as from more distant areas such as Montreal, New York and Atlanta.

Age: 46.

No. of years in Springfield/area: Lifelong resident.

Education: Bachelor of arts degree from Drury College with a major in economics and business administration.

Early career: "I was exposed to the clothing business at an early age. My grandmother and later my mother managed the tailor shop at Glasgow Menswear, and my great uncle was a custom tailor," Forrester said. He began his own career at Glasgow while in high school. He was first a stockboy, moving up to the sales floor while in college. Upon graduation from college in 1973, he was promoted to general merchandise manager and held that position until becoming a minority partner in 1984.

Current projects: Several long-term planning projects, including computerized inventory control and an improved customer data base filing system.

Management philosophy: "Treat customers as friends, and do everything possible for them."

Spare-time pursuits: Forrester enjoys spending time with family and friends, plus working as an alumni adviser at Drury College.

Family data: Forrester is married to Jane Doelling and has a son, Max, a step-daughter, Jennifer, and a grandson, Daniel.

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