All posts by Jessica Weinberger

Jul 26
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Katelyn Wheeldon: Building Skills in the Real World

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University of Iowa sophomore Katelyn Wheeldon entered the business world long before she entered the Dardis Classroom to Career program. As a student at Sigourney High School, Katelyn, now 18, owned her own gift wrapping service and gift basket sales business through the eSigourney Entrepreneurial Academy for Leadership program. Now Katelyn is building up her network in southeastern Iowa and meeting successful individuals that work or own their own businesses, as well.

Below, Katelyn shares what drives her and how the Dardis internship program is building the foundation for a successful career.

Why did you enroll in the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
I wanted real-world experience, and I know that sales is important in any field. You will always be selling something, whether that something is a product, service, idea or yourself. Dardis has given me a solid foundation to build upon, which I can continue to build up long after this summer.

What are your long-term career goals?
I’m really interested in public relations and advertising. The strategies behind ads we see every day are fascinating, and there is so much work that goes into that billboard you see on your way to work or a 30-second commercial that you see on TV.

What was the most valuable information you learned in the Dardis Sales Academy?
I learned so much in the Dardis Sales Academy, but the two things that stick out in my mind are active listening and eye contact. Learning that the number one complaint about salespeople is that they talk too much made me try to ask open-ended questions and listen to my customers. Also, learning how to cut out filler words through eye contact helped me give effective presentations and talk to large groups of people.

What goals do you hope to achieve this summer?
My big goal is the Mexico trip, which is awarded to the interns who meet a goal of sales, but my other goal is to get to the point to where I am presenting the clothing to different people at least five times a day.

Do you have a favorite Dardis product?
I really like the ties. It allows men to bring out a little fun and personality in their wardrobe. Plus, you can always find a tie that goes with a Dardis dress shirt or a previously owned shirt.

What advice do you plan to share with all of your clients?
Socks should match the pants and not the shoes. Also, that dress shirt sleeves should be a little long so that the sleeves stick out of the suit coat a bit.

How do you think your role with Dardis Clothiers will benefit you in the future as you begin your post-college career?
Dardis and Dardis Sales Academy taught me skills that I can use in my future career and even currently in my classes. I have taken a sales class before, but actually being out in the real world selling something is totally different. You have to think on your feet and think of answers that aren’t in a textbook. You are tested every day and in every meeting – not just every few weeks with a fill-in-the-bubble test.

Jul 12
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Bennet Klostermann: Making the Most of the Dardis Opportunity

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It was a personal phone call with Dardis Academy owner Greg Dardis that convinced University of Northern Iowa student Bennet Klostermann, 21, to join the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program. As they discussed the vision for the program and Bennet’s personal aspirations, Bennet knew the Dardis could provide the “story” he needed for his resume and his eventual career in the medical sales field.

Read on to learn more about this Dyersville, Iowa native’s internship experience so far:

What are your long-term career goals?
I look to be very successful this summer, but I really want to take everything out of these next 10 weeks I can and use them to better myself now and for my future. Dardis is giving us a great opportunity, so I would like to use this to my advantage to ensure I can be successful in the upcoming years.

What was the most valuable information you learned in the Dardis Sales Academy?
The Dardis Sales Academy was a tremendous way of being introduced to the company. We went through 40-plus hours of training on communication and image skills. I found this to be very helpful because this is what Greg and the rest of Dardis team does with huge executives and different companies from all around the world. And for me, the communication aspect of the training was very helpful and knowledgeable. It gave us the tools to be successful when approaching a potential client, giving a speech in front of a group or even during an interview with a potential employer.

What are you looking forward to the most with this summer experience?
I’m looking forward to the chance of growing and expanding my network. This is a great opportunity for us as students to really show who we are and what a hard work ethic can do for you.

How has the transition gone from the Academy to selling the Dardis product?
At the Academy, we talked a lot about goals. I set personal goals for myself, because it challenges you to keep going and to keep pushing yourself even when you’re not having the best days. The best thing that has happened to me so far this summer was when I walked into a business doing a complete cold call, and they already knew who I was and wanted to sit down with me and learn more about what Dardis has to offer. It’s a nice feeling because you know that somewhere along the line, I did my job and made a positive impact on someone and they recommended me around town, which is huge in sales.

Do you have a favorite Dardis product?
All of our products here at Dardis are great. Personally however, I really like our jackets/blazers. It’s a great product, and they go with basically everything. If I had one more choice, I would definitely say our neckwear. The ties are second to none and give everything a great look.

What fashion/menswear advice do you plan to share with all of your clients?
Dress for the job you want, not the job you currently have. A first impression is made within the first seven seconds after meeting someone. It’s necessary that a man chooses models, fabrics and colors that compliment his shape and minimize its faults. If you look good, you’re going to feel good.

How do you think your role with Dardis Clothiers will benefit you in the future as you begin your post-college career?
Not only does it give me a story and makes me stand out, but Dardis also gives me the chance to use my past experiences and learn from them. It is teaching me how to be reliable, how to manage my time and giving me the chance to show that I can work hard and work smarter too. The opportunity I have at Dardis is something that will benefit me for a long time to come, which I am truly appreciative for.

Jul 05
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A Successful Start For Intern Elliot Salter

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It’s difficult to believe that 20-year-old Elliot Salter, a finance major at the University of Iowa, entered the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program with no retail or sales experience. After only one week of selling last month, this Dyersville, Iowa native was at the top of the Dardis intern leader board, selling nearly $6,000 worth of merchandise.

Beyond his experience with Dardis, Elliot most importantly wants to help people through his financial services career path, and he believes that the Dardis internship program is the best place to start.

What was the most valuable information you learned in the Dardis Sales Academy?
Confidence is everything. If the potential customer does not believe that you know what you’re talking about, there is no reason for them be interested. Also, people love to buy, but hate to be sold. Every potential customer is different, so a successful salesperson needs to be able to adapt and direct the conversation toward someone else’s needs.

What are you looking forward to the most with this summer experience?
It will be great to have the kind of confidence it takes to be successful in this program. I have already grown so much as a people person, and I am looking forward to learning lessons through the high and low points of my experience.

How has the transition gone from the Academy to selling the Dardis product? Any success stories yet or a goal you hope to achieve?
The transition went very well! It is a lot easier selling a product that you know people need, but what is more important is that they know they need it. The UPS delivery person has already commented on how many of the Dardis packages they have delivered, so I hope to really make their head spin!

Do you have a favorite Dardis product?
I love my black paisley tie. I can wear it with almost any shirt, and it really adds the pop necessary to stick out.

What fashion/menswear advice do you plan to share with all of your clients?
Dress pants fit much different than jeans do. It is an interesting conversation explaining to men that they may not be gaining weight, but the measurements will be different!

How do you think your role with Dardis Clothiers will benefit you in the future as you begin your post-college career?
The skills I have already obtained and will obtain are priceless when it comes to the opportunities I will work for after college. A person who can speak well and look the part of the job they are aiming for would be hard to turn down.

Jun 28
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Revolutionizing the shopping experience

By | The Dardis difference | No Comments

Have you ever stood in the very middle of your favorite department store with a frazzled look on your face as you took in the endless racks surrounding you? Have you ever avoided the nearest shopping mall to prevent that scenario from ever even transpiring?

If so, you’re not alone. Take a look around you the next time you enter a retail store, and you’re bound to see a few grimaces or looks of confusion, especially in the men’s department. The truth remains that most men dread the shopping experience, but they know how important it is to maintain a professional image.

We recognize that reality, so we have built our company in a way that makes buying clothing easy and convenient. Through our team of trained clothiers, we come directly to you with the finest in menswear, offer it at a great price and eliminate the need to shop.

We provide value in three ways:

Product
All of our merchandise is private labeled under the Dardis brand. We spent years researching, interviewing and establishing relationships with the best manufacturers in the world.

Price
By manufacturing our own clothing and ordering in bulk, we are able to save you money on the final product. As a customer, you end up with the best product for the best price.

Convenience
Our highly trained clothiers meet you at your home or office, and we also offer tools like our wardrobe assessment and a tailor network that enable us to be a complete resource for you.

Our clients are the best Dardis brand ambassadors. Here are just two of the many positive reviews we have received:

“As a busy person, it is highly convenient to have someone come to my office and provide class A clothing from start to finish; socks to pants, shirts to suits. It fits my schedule. The quality is second to none, the service is unbelievable and the products are very reasonably priced.”
– Dr. James Mezhir, Surgeon, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

“I love Dardis! Yes, the product quality is very good, but I especially like the service. The students offer great suggestions on clothing options and pairings, which is a huge benefit for some of us who are challenged with what looks good together. I’m hooked!”
– Chad Furlong, Senior IT Manager, University of Iowa Foundation

Visit our website to learn more about how we are revolutionizing the shopping experience.

Jun 21
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Introducing Student Manager Hilary Sweet

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The Dardis Clothiers interns began selling earlier this month under the guidance of the skilled Dardis Clothiers Student Managers. These Student Managers oversee a group of interns, providing industry-leading expertise and additional networking experience.

Hilary Sweet, 33, joined the Dardis family this year as a Student Manager with 10 years of sales experience and six years of retail experience under her belt.  This Iowa State graduate from Alburnett, Iowa is looking forward to helping others learn the business skills she has gained over the years, while also growing in her own career at a large insurance agency.

What do you most look forward to with your role as a student manager?
I look forward to a new challenge and the opportunity to learn just as much from my students as they will learn from me.

What advice will you give to the new Dardis student interns?
When you go out into the field to use the skills that you have learned from the Academy, you should not be discouraged when it comes to selling. You are always going to have the people that tell you “no,” but it’s the ones that tell you “yes” that will make all of those rejections null and void.

What are you first impressions about Dardis as a company?
I think Dardis Communications is a great company. I believe that every college and high school student needs to experience the Dardis Sales Academy before going out into the work force. I believe it’s going to teach the students to interact better and to give them the soft skills that they need to succeed.

What can clients expect by interacting with Dardis’ student interns?
Clients can expect a great set of students that are applying in the field what they have learned in the Academy. It’s a great way for the students to interact within the business world by earning college credits and overcoming any obstacles they may face.

Jun 14
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“Real life. Real world. Real business experience.”

By | The Dardis difference | No Comments

Our 2013 class of interns begin their summer with us this week kicking off another year of our Classroom to Career program. Our program is made up of some of the most hard working, talented and motivated college and high school students in the nation, and their work begins long before the school year even ends.

In the spring, Student Managers work with students to identify and qualify a targeted list of 75 leads.  Students and Managers review their prospect lists, refine their skills on gaining referrals, confirm their territory and schedule and prepare for a busy summer.

Students then complete our very own training program, Dardis Sales Academy, before returning to their hometowns to put their training into action by selling our quality menswear in their local communities.

Our interns are trained on practical job skills like how to manage their schedule, approach prospective customers, demonstrate professional communication skills, deliver an impressive presentation highlighting our products, ask for the business and gain referrals.  Our clients appreciate and recognize the quality of interns and look to them to share information on professional image and wardrobe management.

Our clients benefit firsthand from our Classroom to Career program, but the students take away much more from the experience.

“The summer was unbelievable. The experience you gain, not only at the Sales Academy, but also being out in the field as a representative, is so beneficial. Meeting with clients at their office or home, face-to-face, and delivering a product that you’re confident in, is the best experience you can get. Learning the skills in the Academy, then seeing success as a result, is huge! Not only for a confidence booster, but also for paving the way for the rest of my career. This is the real thing. Real life. Real world. Real business experience. If you’re looking to get out in the field and gain hands-on experience and knowledge, this is the opportunity for you.”
– Ben Brandsgard, 2012 Student Representative

Our Classroom to Career program opens doors, not just for future internships but for future career opportunities. We provide the professional skills and training that the business leaders of tomorrow need. Connect with one of our experienced clothiers today to see the Dardis difference for yourself.

May 31
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Angie Bennett: A Lifelong Teacher

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Before Angie Bennett joined the Dardis team at the company’s inception, she was a high school teacher for 14 years, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they would need post-graduation. Now she nurtures her love for teaching and coaching students on real life skills through her role as Senior Instructor and Vice President of Sales for Dardis Communications, Inc., working for both Dardis Communications and Dardis Academy.

“I love arming students with skills that will give them that competitive edge, as well as strategies on communication and professional image,” Angie said.

Read on to learn more about this lifelong teacher.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Every day looks different, as I get the opportunity to meet, work with and coach a wide range of individuals. We get to witness high school and college students putting real life skills to use including communication skills, selling skills and managing time through our 10-week internship. Our Classroom to Career internship pushes students to put into practice things they are studying and learning to give them a competitive edge. The Dardis Sales Academy is the ultimate gateway in which students can strategically move from classroom to career. Employers want experience, and they want individuals with practical, hands-on skills. Dardis gives our student interns the competitive edge they need to be successful.

You also work as a recruiter for the Dardis Clothiers student reps. What do you usually look for in a good candidate?

Great candidates for the Dardis Academy are competitive, hardworking, high energy and positive. Individuals that are driven and understand the importance of real life experience are typically successful with Dardis.

What do you think sets Dardis Clothiers apart from other menswear stores?

Three core reasons – product, price and convenience. We have great fabrics, including non-iron dress shirts, trousers that fit great and tons of choices in neckwear. Our prices are unbelievable because we take out the middle person, design our own clothing and make it in bulk. On average our clients save 40 percent! Convenience is huge, as we have student reps that travel right to your door, and then we ship everything directly to you. You never have to go to the mall or a store again to purchase business casual or business attire.

Do you have a favorite customer story or experience?

One specific story that sticks out to me is a man that was referred to me by his wife. His wife said she wanted him to feel more confident and to feel positive about his look. We met and discussed colors, fit and gaps in his wardrobe. We put together an order, and a few days later after he received his clothing, I got an email from his wife. She said that seeing her husband confident and feeling good meant the world to her. She also mentioned that her husband has completely sworn off traditional shopping forever and was calling his friends telling them his personal shopping experience.

What would you say to someone who is interested in shopping with Dardis Clothiers for the first time?

You will be pleasantly surprised as to how much fun you will have, the quality of clothing you will receive and just how easy it is! My clients appreciate having a resource for their clothing needs and wants, and they love knowing that they can email or call me, and I will take care of it for them. We build a relationship with our clients and truly value them.

May 24
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Training future leaders through the Dardis Sales Academy

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Dardis Clothiers is not just about suits, dress shirts and ties. Dardis is in the business of building future leaders. Through Dardis Communications, we train corporate executives on presentation skills, professional image, sales skills and business writing. But the future of business lies in the students who participate in Dardis Sales Academy.

This student training and development program equips students with the practical skills and real-world experience that they’ll need to be successful post-high school or post-college.  Through a one-week training program followed by nine weeks of real-world internship experience, high school and college students gain life skills in independence, confidence, goal setting and self-motivation.

That’s where we come in. Dardis works to build character within young people, first within the Dardis Sales Academy and then our summer internship program. We have a unique platform in which students can run their own business, make great money, and at the same time, learn valuable life skills.

Through the Dardis Sales Academy, students evolve into highly trained professionals before they enter the sales field. From beginning to end, students are immersed in experiential learning. At the academy, students learn:

  • Presentation and communication skills
  • Selling and persuasion skills
  • Importance of professional image
  • Business skills like accounting and bookkeeping
  • Territory and time management
  • And more!

These skills are needed more than ever in our competitive job market. Thousands of students graduate each year with a college degree, but many students lack the necessary skills needed to be successful on the job. Surveys show that oral and written communication skills are the number one shortfall among college graduates, and students lack the professional image and the ability to sell themselves and their ideas effectively.

Dardis’ unique summer internship is an opportunity for students after attending the Dardis Sales Academy to jump-start their future careers by running their own business selling men’s apparel. Stay tuned to our blog for more information on this exciting internship program that brings Dardis product right to your front door!

Do you know someone who should apply for the Dardis Sales Academy? Learn more today.

May 17
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Andy Hadden: Taking Dardis to the next level

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Andy Hadden may be new to Dardis Clothiers, but he has been a fan of the Dardis brand since long before he joined the company in October 2012. Andy is now tasked with growing Dardis Clothiers as a Territory Sales Manager and Classroom to Career Recruiter.

The majority of his time is spent on recruiting college and high school-age students that are in need of a challenging summer job that will jump off their resume post-graduation. The Classroom to Career program is poised to begin its second summer with interns, so read on to learn first-hand from Andy on why he is confident that Dardis is ready to take this program to the next level.

What do you look for when searching for a Dardis Clothiers student rep?
I try to think outside of the box when looking for Interns and student managers. First, I look for a person that wants to take the road less traveled, because they know that road will make them better in the end. Our company is in the business of building future leaders, and leaders know that to become a leader, you have to do something that will set you apart from everyone else.

Why is Dardis Clothiers committed to building the “Classroom to Career” program?
Year after year, surveys show that the ability to communicate effectively continues to be the number one shortfall for college graduates. Students graduate with technical or hard skills, but they lack the soft skills. Research shows that only 15 percent of one’s success in the workplace is determined by hard skills, while the remaining 85 percent of a person’s success depends on soft skills. Essentially, college graduates walk across the stage on graduation day with enough theory and course knowledge, but when they arrive on the job, they lack the desired communication skills, professional image and the ability to sell themselves and their ideas effectively.

Our program provides students with an opportunity to build skills, character and a powerful resume through the professional training they receive as well as the opportunity to run their own business. In today’s competitive marketplace, students need to be able to separate themselves from the pack with effective communication skills, as well as work experience. Our summer program provides both, and it gives employers the confidence they need when hiring our graduates.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
It is always changing. Some days I am reaching out to find future student interns, and the next day I will be working with a customer to help him find just the right suit for his upcoming wedding.

What do you think sets Dardis Clothiers apart from other menswear stores?
Simple, we are not a store. We are an experience. We cater to our customers unlike any other menswear provider out there. We not only help you pick out the right outfit for a big speech but also help get the right wardrobe for that upcoming promotion you desire.

Do you have a favorite customer story/experience?
My favorite customer story was with a home inspector I hired in Iowa City. We were talking to him the day after the inspection, and at the end of the meeting, he told me that he needed a suit. Turns out that this hard-working home inspector by day is also on the board of directors for the Iowa American Legions by night! Goes to show that everyone needs a suit!

What would you say to someone who is interested in shopping with Dardis Clothiers for the first time?
Product, price, convenience. Our products are made from the best materials, from the best mills, priced below a retail store and sent right to your door, ultimately saving you time and money.

Contact Dardis today to learn more. Contact Us