VMH'S TESLOW TO OPEN MEN'S STORE IN DOWNTOWN WAUKON

Let's cut straight to the quick. With numerous local businesses sadly ringing out their last customers, then locking doors, why would Matt Teslow, in his present position as Veterans Memorial Hospital Human Resources Director, risk all to open a men's clothing store this August smack in the center of downtown Waukon?
The answers to such a question are surprisingly simple. Because he's always dreamed of doing such. And, more importantly, as Teslow puts it, "I believe in the strength of this community."
It's a delightful dose of optimism, to be certain, especially when placed in the light of the three Tierney stores, long-term cornerstones of downtown commerce, in the midst of their going out-of-business sales. "To see Tierney's close is scary," Teslow admits. "They have been such a vital part of Main Street for a long time," he adds.
The decision by Tom and Coni Tierney to close their doors, however, "is not related to the business climate in downtown Waukon," says Tom Tierney. He adds, "We encourage others to try downtown businesses," And Teslow, as an active Chamber of Commerce member, firmly believes "This community isn't dying. We've just been given a unique set of challenges to meet." Through his new business, he intends to serve what he sees as a genuine community need. Tentatively termed "Teslow's for Men," his store intends to focus on quality merchandise and unsurpassed service. And all, says Teslow, for a fair price.
Having purchased the prior Welch's Dollar Tree, Teslow, with the aid of his brother and current handyman, Joel, is busy sprucing the site's interior with soft florescent fixtures, new carpet and fresh coats of paint. New shelves are to be built and plans include a sitting area, complete with coffee, for waiting women, or more likely, for men waiting for women.
Merchandise-wise, Teslow plans to offer customers the basics, things they will wear repeatedly, due to both comfort and quality. The "basics," says Teslow, are to include standby's for a work day such as Levi's, RedWing and Carhart. Casual slacks and shirts produced by industry leaders Docker's, Haggar and Van Huesen will be available. He plans to offer a small but solid variety of sport and dress shoes, carrying brands such as Nike and Florsheim. Shoppers will also be able to pick up necessities like coats, sweaters and shorts.
In addition, Teslow will carry clothing for boys in sizes 7 through 14, offering needed items like jeans, sneakers, T-shirts and jackets. Sport shirts and slacks for those children attending St. Patrick's will also be available.
Working closely with the school system, in fact, is something Teslow plans to investigate, as it opens up a mutual exchange over necessary items such as athletic wear and screenprinted clothing.
Inside his store, Teslow would also like to feature the products of other local business-owners, such as pictures from Katie Clement's Art Studio, furnishings by Howard's, and decorations by the Lighthouse.
A send-out dry cleaning service has been set, as well as arrangements made with Desmond's rental wedding wear. Teslow remains hopeful for a future where local businesses offering wedding services cooperate to produce the "Waukon Wedding Package." Ideas include decor, gifts and haircuts by the Lighthouse, photography by Eaton Cote, rings by Elliott's, rental wear by Teslow and the welcome participation of other interested businesses.
While Teslow, admittedly, is new to retail, he does have a wealth of experience in public relations. A 1987 Luther College graduate in the fields of business and psychology, he entered the health field post-commencement, working in community and home health care in the Minneapolis area. In the November of 1996, Teslow's current position as Human Resources Director at VMH became available, employment he was particularly glad to gain, as he says, "I always wanted to be here."
A native of the area, Teslow had, interestingly enough, actually researched opening a men's store in the summer of 1996, just prior to his VMH position. "I went so far as to do the research and propose a business plan," he recalls. Then, he says, the option of his hospital job appeared, and the men's shop vision lost importance for a time.
Now, says Teslow, it's just time for a change. "I've been in the human resources field for 12 years," he points out. "And while I enjoy the field," he adds, "it's time to try something I've dreamed of for a long time."
It is possible, according to Tom Tierney, for Teslow to place his dream into a successful finished product. "If you do a nice store," says Tierney, "people will support it. There's definitely a market for him, and Matt will do well," he adds.
Teslow plans a store where shopping is a necessity, not an "event." "We've got to accept the fact we're a mobile society," he reminds us. "People can come into town as well as leave."
While in college, Teslow would occasionally bring his friends, often city-dwellers, to breakfast at the old Quandahl's buffet. He recalls their amazement as Ozzie Quandahl would stand at the end of the serving line and shake every single hand, young and old alike. Because he honestly liked to, and because those kids would one day grow up into customers.
Service, "second to none" is what Teslow credits small-town businessmen such as Dan Cunningham and Dick Elliott, among others, as providing.
As a soon-to-be business owner himself, Teslow looks forward to the challenge of learning to do likewise.