SCORE is a volunteer organization that provides business training, free business consultations and mentorship from executives in your industry. http://scoresewisconsin.org

1. Accessible Wear Opens Door To New Shopping Experience
A Nobel Prize winning physiologist famously said, "Discovery consists of seeing what every-
body has seen and thinking what nobody has thought." That could explain how two people
without any prior retail experience had the idea of opening a business dedicated to offering
adaptive clothing to people with ability challenges.
Lisa Brodacz and Neil Sherman were both familiar with the apparel
needs of those with physical limitations due to illness, injury or
simply advanced years. In attempting to assist elderly parents find
appropriate clothing they discovered that the only options available
were on the internet. There was no brick-and-mortar location
devoted to providing a shopping experience focused entirely on
their needs; no place where they could feel
fabrics, try on garments and have items custom tailored to meet their
particular situation. So in the spring of 2013, the two set about
bringing their idea to life and Accessible Wear was born. What they
have created is a one-of-a-kind establishment that is entirely
accessible – from the free-standing building with parking just steps
away from its automatic doors, to the spacious aisles, dressing rooms,
restrooms and a wide variety of garments for all ages from children to
adults and every level of taste.
Both Lisa and Neil had considerable business experience but neither had worked in retail or
had owned a business before starting this (ad)venture. After attempting to sort through the
early start-up steps on line, they soon discovered that reliable sources are not readily
available. “If you have a
question, who are you going
to call?” said Lisa. She soon
discovered SCORE and was
amazed at their many
resources. Her initial SCORE
contact with volunteer counselor Dick Boemer provided basic start-up information including
how to secure a tax ID numbers and then he connected her with volunteer Tom Radke who
offered advice on accounting and bookkeeping. Lisa was then paired with volunteer Carole
Kauss, whose successful retail career made her the perfect mentor for Lisa and Accessible
Wear. “I feel like Carole is my best friend. She is someone I can tell what’s happening; she
listens and I trust her,” Lisa explains. “I trust everyone at SCORE. They are not there to sell
me something, they are mentoring me; they tell me the truth – whether I want it or not - and
everything is under one roof.” Lisa has attended SCORE workshops and has others scheduled
on her calendar. “I feel sorry for anyone who does not take advantage of SCORE.”
“I trust everyone at SCORE. They are not there to sell
me something, they are mentoring me; they tell me the
truth – whether I want it or not - and everything is
under one roof.” Lisa Brodacz

2. Because the partners lacked prior retail experience, they could not interest a bank in providing
a loan so they self-funded the business which opened its doors to the public in September
2013. Even before the space was ready, future customers were knocking on the door and the
business began attracting attention; it hasn’t stopped since. Hundreds of people attended the
grand opening, including SCORE mentor Carole Kauss, who reported, “The space is beautiful
and the concept is solid. Lisa has really done her homework and I’m not surprised; she’s a real
go-getter!” An article that appeared in the Journal Sentinel has been reprinted in a number of
trade publications, posted on bulletin boards and circulated among all types of professionals
whose day-to-day work revolves around assisting the same clientele Accessible Wear aims to
serve. Lisa explains, “We really feel we are providing an essential need that to this point has
not been met. There is no other store like this in Wisconsin and possibly none in the entire
U.S. We are grateful that so many people are willing to help us grow this business.”
Accessible Wear stocks garments and accessories for male
and female clients who come in all shapes, sizes, ages and
levels of ability. There are dress slacks with Velcro closures,
dress shirts with hidden magnets and belts that can be
managed using one hand – and so much more. All of these
modifications are made while maintaining the conventional
appearance of the garment and with the intention of allowing
clients to maintain their independence while offering them the
opportunity to dress as stylishly as the non-impaired. Lisa and
Neil care about their clients and aim to provide whatever they
need. They understand that people in wheelchairs require
different considerations than those with range of motion or
mobility restrictions. All their clients appreciate the attention to
detail, which includes complementary alteration of sleeve and
hem length by the staff seamstress, and the focus on premier
customer service which may include adding Velcro, magnets or making other custom
modifications on site. “We have received so many kind letters, emails and heartfelt expressions
of appreciation from clients,” Lisa said.
Accessible Wear has been open only a few months and success has exceeded initial
expectations, in large part due to the passion the owners bring to the business and the
attention they give their customers. They listen. Accessible Wear has already begun producing
a line of ponchos for children and adults that they designed according to customer
suggestions. Based on the number of inquiries and requests Lisa and Neil have already
received, their growth opportunities seem endless. The partner’s biggest challenge now is to
focus on working their plan and growing at a measured and manageable pace. A key part of
that plan is to use SCORE resources to make that happen. SCORE – always accessible - for
the life of your business.
Accessible Wear
11045 W. National Avenue
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 546-2320
info@accessiblewear.com
http://www.accessiblewear.com/
Lisa Brodacz with an
accessible garment