From Lebanon to selling suits in Saginaw...it's Sal, baby!

In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, Phil visits Sal, a longtime Saginaw tailor known as “Sal Baby,” for his first podcast, reflecting on how Sal helped save Phil’s wedding suit experience after a bad big-box chain encounter and how Sal’s shop treats customers like family. Sal describes running his store for about 38 years, traveling to trade shows, sourcing hard-to-find items through connections, and prioritizing service over money, including flexible pricing and letting people pay later. Born in Lebanon in 1944, Sal came to the U.S. in 1971 and credits his father-in-law’s example of honesty and generosity for his business values. He shares stories about how a well-fitted suit builds confidence and can impact job interviews, discusses raising his five children, and recalls giving a grieving family a suit for their son’s funeral, and repeatedly expresses love for Saginaw and its people.

Timestamps:
00:00 Sal Baby Welcome
00:32 Wedding Suit Rescue
01:25 Family Style Service
02:02 Finding Anything You Need
03:01 Hayati Story Moment
04:13 Shop Origin Story
06:10 Why Suits Matter
06:32 Suit As Investment
08:20 Saginaw Pride
08:58 Lebanon To Michigan
11:17 Lessons From Father In Law
14:04 Being A Great Dad
16:29 Sal Baby Nickname
17:48 Giving Back And Honesty
19:35 Final Thanks And Goodbye