|
 |
Edward Stern (second generation of four in his family clothing business) started out like his father Herman did,
as a boy doing the menial tasks of a store, which included folding boxes, working in the mail room and cleaning. In his case, however, it included
cleaning the spitoons. Ed grew up in Valley City, North Dakota. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he rejoined his father in the
family clothing business in 1936. In 1939 the Fargo Straus store was opened. After serving in the Air Force for four years during World War II, Ed returned
once again to the business. Over the years he has been active in local, state and national organizations and on the boards of many of them. First married in 1942,
Ed has five children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. From his marriage to his present wife Jane, he has acquired another
4 children, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Jane gets to keep all the birthdays straight. Though retired, Mr Stern maintains an office
in the store where he can usually be found from about 10:30 - 2 pm weekdays. He is editor of the WWII 385th Bomb Group Newsletter. His advice
and experience are invaluable to Straus company. |
 |
John Stern has been with Straus ever since his Dad Edward and Grandpa Herman brought
him to work with them. John attended the Hart Schaffner & Marx School of Retailing in Chicago as well as the Haggar
School of Retailing at Notre Dame. In his free time he enjoys music, playing the cello, golfing, skiing and doing community volunteer work.
He is a past Chairman of the Fargo Chamber of Commerce. |
 |
Richard Stern was born and raised in Fargo, ND, grew up in the clothing business, starting out as a box folder, a
boy model, a janitor, a mail boy, and finally moving on to work in men's clothing sales. Following his early schooling in the Fargo school system,
he attended the University of North Dakota and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1973. Rick is an active member of Kiwanis and has also
served with various other civic boards, including the Downtown Business Association, Boy Scouts, the F-M Symphony, the F-M Civic Opera Company, ARA,
and the Chamber of Commerce. Richard is married to Nancy and has a son and a daughter and lives on a ranch south of Fargo where he raises paint horses.
In his free time he enjoys riding his horse and spending time in his barn. |
 |
Odie Scheel is the company systems manager and heads up the department advertising. She has been with the
Straus Company for over 20 years. Duties include managing the stores operating system and advertising department. Three kids doesn’t allow
for much free time but she manages to sneak in a book or two now and then. |
 |
Don Hovden is an assistant manager in the Fargo Straus store. He has been with the company
for 24 years. Don golfs, likes yard work, and he is a true "clothes horse." Don is our Big and Tall buyer and assists in suit and sport
coat selecting. He is the best tie buyer around. His pride and joy is his son Brent. |
 |
Jay Pratt has 28 years of experience in the clothing business, 19 of them with Straus. He has
attended the Hart Schaffner & Marx school of clothing in Chicago and is exceptionally knowledgeable in all aspects of men’s apparel.
Jay’s specialty areas are men’s custom suits, custom “made-to-order” dress shirts, and fashion accessories. |
 |
Tim Smithson has over 28 years of service with the company. He specializes in shoes and men's suits and is also
the store handyman on many occasions (a task which he titles "Back-Room Special Effects".) He enjoys the "Three C's": camping, carpentry and cars. |
 |
Rob Engen has worked for Straus for over 30 years. He manages the Tuxedo and Boy Scouts
Departments and also specializes in men's suits. Woodworking, model trains, biking, cooking and yard work occupy much of his time at home. |
 |
Bob Johnson is one of the Straus Company's long-time employees, with 58 years of service. He
retired a few years ago, but continues to work part-time a couple days a week. One time manager of the Downtown Fargo Straus, Bob has
been involved in all areas of the operation. He has belonged to numerous service groups over the years, including the American Legion, the Elks, the Masons and
the Shriners. Bob has also been active in C-400 of Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. He has found much enjoyment in music, playing the trumpet
throughout his life and contributing his talents to various band activities. |
 |
Rachel Baumgarten has over 30 years of sales experience in both men’s and women’s clothing. She enjoys
connecting with her customers and making their shopping experience enjoyable. When away from work, Rachel enjoys playing the piano, cooking,
and working on projects around the house. |
 |
My-Thanh Doan |
 |
Percette Forbes has 25 years of retail experience including men’s and women’s apparel, formal wear, and sporting goods.
When Percette is away from work, she enjoys being with family, grandchildren, shopping, going to soccer games, and she is a Nascar fan. |
|
