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Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org
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KAUFMANS MENSWEAR CENTRE
Kaufmans is one of the oldest businesses in Great Falls.
Brian Kaufman tells his story.
History
It was started in 1894 by my great-grandfather Mose Kaufman.
He came up the Missouri from Bismarck, North Dakota, and
arrived in Fort Benton in 1880. Mose worked for his family until
1890, when he moved to Great Falls and worked for R.J. Nathan,
who was a relative of the family. In 1894, he left Nathan's Clothier
to start his own clothing store.
Mose had two sons, Fred and Ira, who were both in the business.
In 1938 after Mose died, they assumed the leadership roles in
Kaufmans Menswear Centre. My grandfather, Ira Sr., and his
brother ran the business until 1964 when Fred retired.
In 1957 my father Ira Jr. joined the business, and he became
president in 1964. My grandfather worked until he was 92 and
passed away that same year. My mother, Mary Ann Kaufman,
came to work for Kaufmans in 1984 and ran the formal wear
department until she retired in 2004.
In 1994, I joined the business, and in 1997 became president
of the company. Incredibly, my father still comes to work ready to
serve at the age of 88. For almost 130 years, Kaufmans Menswear
has prided itself on a quality product accompanied by the service
and knowledge to back it up. We specialize in menswear and are
the leading formalwear rental supplier in North Central Montana.
CHAMBER MEMBER FEATURE
