It's Sal, Baby!

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