24 NOVEMBER 2018 By Ray Artigue If you look up the word “haberdasher” in the dictionary, not only would you surely find that the word means “a dealer in men’s clothing and accessories” you also might actually find a picture of Mike Carter. After all, he has been in the clothing business for nearly 50 years. The Phoenix native first got his taste of business in high school when he ran home deliveries of groceries and soon thereafter, worked in sales for Diamond’s Department Stores. “I learned early on that there are products and there are customers, and someone has to create the bridge,” Carter said. “Ultimately it’s all about knowing your customers and extending good service.” The formula is working, as the 70-year-old just renewed his lease and Carter’s Men’s Clothing on the northeast corner of Camelback and 44 th Street will begin its 35 th year in business, selling what he calls “American classic clothing.” Carter honed his business skills in the 70s while working at a Tempe clothing store and later, at the popular Johns & Co. He then opened his own store with the help of nine investors who shared his vision for a classic men’s store. “Eventually I bought them out and they all doubled their money, so I guess we were all fortunate,” he says with pride. “Of course we’ve had our ups and downs as clothing styles change and the economy has delivered us a few blows but I’ve always stuck to my guns in what we sell.” Those who know Carter well refer to him as “The Mayor” as he seems to have his hand on the pulse of most everything that’s happening in Valley. “If you really want to know what’s going on around town at any given time, just ask Carter,” says his long-time friend, Clarke Rorbach. “If he doesn’t know, then it’s probably not important anyway.” Carter’s ability to stay informed is aided by the fact that his store has turned into a comfortable gathering place for men and their wives and girlfriends when shopping for birthdays or anniversaries. Mike is usually the benefactor of the latest town gossip or sports saga. The ardent ASU supporter displays Sun Devil football helmets throughout the store just to tease his U of A regulars. “It’s a great football rivalry that will never go away and it gives us something other than politics to argue about,” he says with a grin. Carter and his wife, Leigh Ann, have three sons (Matt, Jack and Joe) and they raised their family in the heart of Arcadia. Matt is known to many, if only by his culinary exploits, as he owns The Mission, Zinc and Fat Ox. “Our neighborhood is such wonderful place and it’s been a big part of our lives. I’m not sure people really know how lucky they are to live in Arcadia.” When asked for his life philosophy, the former Army sergeant and Bronze Star recipient answers with a question of his own. “How do people go through life without a work ethic and the desire to give back to others?” And that comes from a man who walks the talk. I learned early on that there are products and there are customers, and someone has to create the bridge.” styles change and the economy has delivered us a few blows Those who know Carter well refer to him as “The Mayor” as he seems to have his hand on the pulse of most everything “If you really want to know what’s going on around town at any given time, just ask Carter,” says his long-time friend, Clarke Rorbach. “If he doesn’t know, then it’s probably not Carter’s ability to stay informed is aided by the fact that his store has turned into a comfortable gathering place for men and their wives and girlfriends when shopping for birthdays or anniversaries. Mike is usually the benefactor of supporter displays Sun Devil football helmets throughout “It’s a great football rivalry that will something other than politics to argue Carter and his wife, Leigh Ann, have three sons (Matt, Jack and Joe) and they raised their family in the heart of Arcadia. Matt is known to Mike Carter Mike Carter has been in the clothing business for more than 50 years, with 35 of those years being dedicated to running his own shop, Carter’s Men’s Clothing in Arcadia. J & G S T E A K H O U S E at T H E P H O E N I C I A N 6000 E. Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Az 85251 480.214.8000 jgsteakhousescottsdale.com N O W O P E N

25 NOVEMBER 2018 BUSINESS BRIEFS MEG’S CAFÉ AT THE LIBRARY A new café has opened in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Meg’s Café serves Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks, along with sandwiches, snacks and baked goods. Some proceeds from the shop are donated to assist blind and visually impaired entrepreneurs through the AZ DES Business Enterprise Program. BAR PESCE Crudo Restaurant was overhauled over the summer and a new restaurant named Bar Pesce has re-opened in its place. Chef Cullen Campbell said his restaurant “will always be rooted in Modern Italian, and we’ll now be bringing the best coastal cuisine from around the world.” Bar Pesce (pesce means ‘fish’ in Italian) is located at 3603 E. Indian School Road and is open Tuesday – Saturday evenings. FRENCH BEE The French Bee has moved into a new building at 3833 E. Indian School Road, right across the street from the Arcadia News office. The store was previously located in the Biltmore area on 7th Street. The French Bee specializes in floral designs, curated furnishings, and custom interiors. NEW DIRECTOR OF SCOTTSDALE LIBRARY Kira Peters has been named Scottsdale’s newest Library Services Director. Peters has served in a variety of positions within the City of Scottsdale Community Services programs over the past 27 years, including managing operations at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. “I am inspired by the beauty and feel of our libraries. I am inspired by what the future holds for Scottsdale libraries. I am ready to get to work,” said Peters in a statement.