Knoxville native Marcus Hall followed his dream of designing and manufacturing custom-made menswear when he founded Marc Nelson Denim in 2011. The business, named after his grandfather who taught him to always look sharp, took inspiration from the Levi Strauss factory, which employed many of his friends and family members for 44 years before closing its doors in 1997.
Today, Marc Nelson Denim continues the legacy of the Levi Strauss factory by providing local jobs, producing quality, American-made clothing, and maintaining a global presence. Along with the Marc Nelson Denim corporate headquarters situated just blocks from the Levi’s former East Knoxville location, Marcus owns and operates Marc Nelson Studio in Lakeland, Florida.
Nelson began his remarks by noting that he is 53 and loves Knoxville. He noted that his great grandfather, C. A. Nelson, was a janitor at TVA who wore a suit every day. “I didn’t know what he did at work, but I knew he looked great at all times. He taught me that no matter who you are, a janitor or the mayor, you always want to leave the house looking like someone. He was the most stylish and put-together man I’ve ever known. I would not be in the fashion industry without his influence.”
Nelson said his business, now 13 years old, now focuses on several areas.
One is the subscription group of some 300 clients who spend some $1,500 to $3,000 each year. Another are bourbon-and-charcuterie events – “sort of Tupperware parties for men” – where a tailor takes their measurements and can provide them with clothes as needed.
They also have a salon in Lakeland, Florida.
He recalled how much impact the Levi’s factory had on the East Knoxville community. “When it closed it took jobs, dreams and careers. My dream was to bring something to Knoxville. I wanted to bring back pride and community.”
One of his first key markets was pro football players who couldn’t find clothes that fit them.
Nowadays, Marc Nelson Denim offers to make clothes for weddings. “Instead of renting a tuxedo, we can make great suits that guys can wear for years.”
Nelson noted that Knoxville’s is a cool place, and he thanked Rotary for our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Annette asked how long it takes to make a suit. He answered that, from taking measurements to selecting material to sewing the final product, it’s four weeks. His business, which started in denim made on premises, is now 70% off the rack and 30% made to order. Denim is 30% of what they sell. Made to measure is 60%. They have four to six employees, including a full-time tailor. “We have to have a tailor. Not sure what we’ll do if we ever lose him. It’s a dying art.”
Nelson has just launched his golf line, which is made in China.
He ended by remembering how his mom taught him to sew at 11, when he kept coming in with rips in his clothes. He was also sensitive to unusual clothing needs because he had one brother who was 6’4”, 280 pounds, and another who was 5’9” and also 280 pounds.