Carrying on the family tradition, Zim began learning the art of tailoring from his father, Jimmy, starting at 12 years old. By 18, Zim began working as a professional tailor at Jimmy’s Tailor Shop. After mastering his craft, Zim and Jimmy opened the first Tailor, Needle & Thread in Woodfield Mall. Starting as a small storefront, Zim’s skill and background helped to grow Tailor, Needle & Thread into one of the premier custom tailors and clothiers in the area. Taking pride in his work, Zim’s favorite thing about being a tailor is seeing the look of satisfaction on a customer’s face when they put on something that was altered and having it fit perfectly.
Zim’s most memorable moment was turning around a wedding gown that another alteration shop fitted incorrectly 2 days before the wedding. The dress needed to be shortened, sides and torso had to be reshaped and repaired, and the bustle had the be redone by eye without measuring. “Seeing the tears in the bride’s eyes and the sigh of relief when she walked out and everything fit perfectly will forever be one of the best moments of doing all this.”
When not working, Zim enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 kids, and you can usually see him early mornings playing golf.