Get to know the faces behind The Helm. We’d like you to introduce you to one of the original team members: Brad Kahler!
As The Helm’s co-owner and one of Edmonton’s finest menswear connoisseurs, Brad has got an abundance of knowledge on all things quality and style.
We asked Brad a couple questions so you can get to know him a bit better.
How long have you worked at The Helm?
I've been 'at' The Helm since inception - planning started January of 2011, opening in August of 2012. The rewards of being a business owner far outweigh any negatives - and I'm optimistic about specialty brick and mortar retail. Gosh - a longer answer to the question then necessary LOL!
What does a typical day look like for you?
I try to arrive in the morning sometime between 9-10ish. I've already gone through my emails at home (with my 6AM coffee) so my next focus is reviewing tailoring and making phone calls. Then I turn my attention to paper work, errands (banking, deliveries etc.) and finally settling in on the sales floor - working with our clients. I don't leave until the last client does, and the last of 'the list' is completed.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
There's lots about this business I enjoy, but if I had to pick one thing it would be the client interaction. I love serving our clients - they become friends, family. It brings me great satisfaction knowing that I'm positively impacting a gentleman's personal brand - which must never be taken lightly, or underestimated.
What’s your favourite item in the store right now?
I still stand by our recent blog post which noted my favourite item this season - the Corneliani CC boucle textured blazer - a fresh take on a classic blue or black sport coat. The fabric is outstanding - great fit, versatile, timeless.
What’s one of your favourite memories of working at The Helm?
I have so many great memories of my time at the Helm - but if I chose just one - it would have to be the Italian dinner party we hosted our first season. The guests in attendance that evening still talk about the event. It was loosely modelled after the fabled Brunello Cucinelli dinners hosted in Italy every season - the atmosphere we created, the food, the entertainment, the guest list - everything was spot on. I finally had to ask the last of our guests to make their exit at 2:30 AM because we still had to put the shop back together and prep for the Italian trunk show the very next morning - exhausting, but such great fun.
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