The Faces

As part of the Rapid Recover Initiative, ITAC and GDA are creating a Faces of Manufacturing feature to market local New York businesses. The goal is to showcase local company’s stories, uniqueness, and services. I recently had the privilege of sitting down, via zoom of course, with Lelia Kacha who is leading this program. I hope you enjoy reading out story!

There are not many places like M&S Schmalberg, a fourth generation, family-owned company founded 104 years ago by brothers Morris and Sam Schmalberg. Their nephew, Harold Brand, joined the business at the age of 17 after escaping from Europe and surviving the Holocaust. He eventually inherited the NYC Garment District business and handed it off to his daughter and son, Debra and Warren Brand. In 2008, Warren’s son Adam joined the team and currently leads operations.

As a child, Adam would regularly be at the factory to witness the excitement. To this day, every time he steps into the dye room, he remembers his aunt and father hard at work. The Garment District has always played a significant role in his life. Adam went to school to study Psychology, but upon graduation was not sure of what to do next. He started helping out in the factory and gradually became an important member of the team, as he brought a tech-savviness that allowed him to grow M&S Schmalberg’s online presence, brand identity, and e-commerce. He slowly took on more responsibilities and eventually ownership of the company. Today, M&S Schmalberg is the oldest and last factory of its kind in NYC. Continue Reading Here…