Turbines To Tuxedos This former aerospace owner takes dressing for success seriously.

Who would've thought a trip to the golf course would thrust 31-year-old James Cassels into the formalwear industry? When he met Gingiss franchisee Dick Witt during an informal game of golf, Cassels found his place among the tuxedo heavyweights.

After spending eight years running his own aerospace company, Cassels decided it was time for something new. It was July 1999 when he and Witt finally signed the papers that would turn Witt's 11 franchises into what would be Cassels' dream business.

Among the benefits of Cassels' decision to buy a franchise: his ability to tap Witt's expertise in the Dallas-area chain. With Witt on a one-year contract as a consultant, Cassels points out, "He's pretty much able to teach me everything because he owned the company for 29 years."