Jerry Klein of A Better Deal Tuxedos & Suits: A Life in the Formalwear Industry

Jerry-kleinThis week Richard and Joe welcomed Jerry Klein, businessman, and philanthropist to the show. Jerry and his wife Janet are the owners of A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos and Suits in La Jolla, CA. Jerry and Janet Klein have been in the tuxedo business for more than 30 years, and they have spent half that time at their present location in La Jolla. The duo’s personal attention to customers and control over their products sets their business apart from their competitors, which are primarily large chain stores. Their store has received the “Best of La Jolla” award in the Tuxedos and Suits category from the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) multiple times.

Jerry is the Co-founder of the San Diego Nice Guys. In 1979, a small group of businessmen formed The Nice Guys organization, quietly serving the good citizens of San Diego offering a hand-up, not a handout. The Nice Guys now has a membership of around 140 men AND women.

Originally, from Chicago, he launched “The Windy City Sports Club” giving Chicago sports fans a place to root for their Chicago teams together. The Sports Club threw the ultimate Superbowl party in 1986 for the Bears at the Hilton on Mission Bay.

Jerry’s humble beginnings in Chicago, where he worked high-rise construction and eventually worked his way up the ladder at Gingiss Formalwear taught him to believe that you get back what you give.

Listen to a podcast of Jerry Klein’s interview!