Matthew Banever Email & Phone Number

Story and Integration. Those are my core values.If my life has taught me one thing, it's that: Everyone has a story. But what I also found is that so many of us allow our unique story to be lost in the cultural narrative. I grew up in a large family and being a storyteller was a great way to get notices. I have physicians, entrepreneurs, late bloomers, and every lesson in between that life had to offer, at my fingertips. This love of story and a narrative drew me toward a History degree at Marist College. I had a professor say something that has defined my outlook, he said, "Facts, dates, episodes, it all means nothing unless you can use your brain to connect them. You need to absorb as much as you can to connect events separated by 20 years or 2000 years."I graduated and fell into retail. I began as a seasonal bag filler at Express. Known for graphic tees and jeans, I also noticed the customer was a young professional building their identity. I began pushing suiting and professional garments and grew sales 150% per year. They were trying to tell their story. I managed a Jos A Bank and was introduced to an older demographic and fell in love with their years of experience but was so stunned by the narrative of social norms and what's expected of professional dress. I moved on from corporate retail to a family owned boutique. After years there I now find myself, President of Bards. I was adopted from Honduras, I have 9 siblings. When I dress loud and well people assume I have a good story. In Medieval times, Bards were storytellers. I am made in America and now I create custom clothing using only products made here in America. Story and Integration. Bards mission is: Tell your story. With luxury products made ethically and sustainably, I hope to hear your story and integrate the right product to tell your story. Eventually you will be telling your own story.

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  Marist College

  History