By Davey Hughes, Swazi founder
I remember the very first time I heard of Haddad’s Menswear. Admittedly, I was a clothing newbie and we’d only been in business a short time, but in my defence, hey, who was to know there was such a dynamic clothing store in Ōtorohanga? How naïve I was!
Karam and John had rung me to set up their account and spoken for about two hours. Non-stop. No shit. Oh, for the record, two hours is a short call with the boys. Those guys talked and talked. I don’t think I even said a word. At the end of their lengthy and thoroughly entertaining pitch, Karam said, “OK. Now you know all about us I’m sure you’ll agree, you want us to stock your products. Am I right?”
“No. But thanks for your call.” I replied. There was an uncanny silence at the Ōtorohanga end of the phone. Then I burst out laughing. Of course I wanted to have my products in Haddads. Afterall, if they engaged with customers the same way they had just done with me, there would be no escape for the poor buggers leaving the store without a neatly folded brown parcel under their arms.
As the years passed, I recall my trips to the boys at Haddad’s. There was never a dull moment, and not once, I believe, did I leave without some word of advice from Karam. “Davey, don’t forget the plush. Never, ever forget the plush…”
I often had to fight with my ego, which said I knew more about outdoor clothing than Karam, swallow my pride and just… listen. Thank goodness I did. Karam, in his own lovely, quiet way, taught me so much, not only about clothing, but also about business. And life. He was a gentleman and damn, there are too few of them left. I’ll never forget my lessons from Karam. Hell, I’ll try and pass a few of them along.
Integrity. Honesty. Authenticity. And kindness. Plenty of kindness.
