Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Flynn.
Hi Gary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career in retail at the age of 18, working part-time at Nordstrom while attending college. I didn’t know at the time that it could become a lifelong career, but I was immediately drawn to the pace, energy and people. I stayed with Nordstrom for 27 years, growing through different roles and learning every part of the business. From there, I moved to New York and took on senior merchandising roles with Hugo Boss and Samsung.
In 2016, I had the opportunity to come to Charleston and join M. Dumas and Sons. I met my now business partner, David Dumas, during the interview process. His family started Dumas in 1917, and when we met, he shared that it was important to him that the store not close on his watch. He needed someone he could trust to help carry the brand forward, and we connected quickly. Since then, we’ve opened a second M. Dumas and Sons location, as well as two brand stores, Southern Tide by M. Dumas and Sons and Johnnie by M. Dumas and Sons. I now serve as CEO and Co-Owner, and it has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my professional life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have certainly been challenges along the way; however, I wouldn’t call it bumpy either. Every challenge is a learning experience, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and the business along the way. My most rewarding experiences always come from overcoming a challenge. My transition to M Dumas and Sons is no exception. The first couple of years were a difficult time. The business was struggling, and David and I were trying to figure out the best way to work together to get things back on track. The last five years have been very rewarding. The business has evolved and, as a result, blossomed into something bigger than either David or I expected.
We’ve been impressed with M. Dumas and Sons, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
M. Dumas and Sons is a third-generation, family-founded men’s specialty retailer that has been part of the Charleston community for more than a century. Our flagship store on King Street has long been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and today we are proud to have grown to four brick-and-mortar locations plus our online store. While our roots are in classic Southern style and sportswear, we have thoughtfully expanded into the luxury market, offering brands such as Kiton, Sartorio, Canali, Eleventy and more. What sets us apart is the breadth of what we offer. Whether someone is preparing for a black-tie event, heading out on a hunting trip, or simply upgrading their seasonal wardrobe, we have something that fits their life and their style.
What I’m most proud of is the experience we create; there is a feeling when you walk into our stores, and our customer relationships are real. One of my favorite traditions is our annual Italian Dinner, where we invite some of our most loyal customers for a seated dinner in the store. There is no selling that night, it’s simply a thank you. That reflects who we are, as we value people and connection. At its core, M. Dumas and Sons is about style, heritage and service, and we honor where we came from and stay focused on where we are going.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you never stop learning. Retail is an industry that moves fast and evolves constantly, and the only way to stay relevant is to stay curious. I try to listen first. I listen to our customers, our team and our brand partners. When you’re open to understanding the people around you, you’re able to make better decisions and build something that has longevity.
I’ve also learned the importance of how you show up each day, how you treat people, how you handle challenges and how you carry yourself when things are going well and when they are not going well, all of which shape your reputation. In business and in life, your reputation is one of the few things you can truly control. I try to treat others the way I want to be treated, be direct and respectful and do things the right way even when it takes longer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mdumasandsons.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdumasandsons/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDumasAndSons/
