A Tale of Perseverance & Talent: The Truly Great Story of Bernard “Barney” Sherman
By Jennifer Goeddeke
Bernard ‘Barney’ Sherman is certainly no ordinary businessman! The founder of the store, at the impressive age of 93, Sherman still works part-time at the very classy Living Modes (23535 Woodward). As I was guided by their high- energy manager, Rick Lakomy, from the main store into the clearance building next door, the anticipation level was running high to meet the founder of a store I have admired for years – surely he would be unapproachable, or even arrogant, about his achievements?
Quite the opposite in fact: Sherman is most down-to-earth and candid! He immediately set me at ease, with his informal attire, extremely neat appearance, and a distinct warmth in his smile.
We sat together at an impeccably-polished wooden dining table, with elegant high-backed chairs. Sherman immediately guided me through an amazing tale and two hours easily slipped by as Sherman shared his story.
As the son of a Russian Immigrant, Sherman witnessed a strong work ethic from an early age. He described his father as a strong man, a trained plumber, and willing to work practically any physical job to put food on the table! Sherman’s initial career inclination was to be a teacher, and he attended Wayne State University, before drop- ping out to help his brother with expenses at dental school. After several years of working production-type jobs, Sherman enlisted for the Air Force, where he served from 1943 to 1946.
Unfortunately, Sherman was injured early on during a military exercise. Subsequently, Sherman found it very painful to stand for any length of time. After receiving treatment at various hospitals with no improvement, he was reassigned to clerical duties. This led to 27 months in the Mojavi Desert, CA.
On returning home, Sherman vowed never to return to Ford Motor Company, or to any factory-oriented job. In- stead, he found a job through a neighbor, in the home improvement business. This was a door-to-door position, and ‘commission only’ as a wage. This motivated him to set up his own two home improvement companies: Mon- arch Storm Sash & Specialty and later, Monarch Table Pad Company. He described himself as “learning the hard way” about the industry at this time.
In 1953, Sherman opened his first store on the old James Couzens Highway in Detroit: the first incarnation of Living Modes! In Sherman’s words, it was a “small, shallow, double-store in a nice neighborhood at the time. I sat all kinds of samples outside the store, to attract attention. It did well, until the last year, when they started digging the expressway. I was there until 1961, when a realtor offered me a double-store at 9 and Woodward.” Thus began the Casual Living Modes store of 22961 Woodward, where Sherman remained until 1995.
Sherman added draperies to the store portfolio, and he developed year-round contacts. Specializing in accessories, he stocked many glass shelves full of various colorful items. Once again, Sherman’s clientele grew, and the store prospered, eventually taking four storefronts! His ‘right hand man’ for almost 50 years was Charles Morton, an interior design graduate. Morton passed away ten years ago.
By the early 1980’s, the industry faced increasing pressure from the large, corporate-owned stores. Around this time, Sherman joined forces with his son, Richard Sherman, who had extensive experience in horticulture (interior and exterior). Sherman described his son as “revitalizing” the operation. Stemming from the increasing growth of Living Modes, Casual Modes (selling outdoor furniture and accessories, next-door to the main store) was added in the year 2000.
Additionally, Sherman was assisted greatly along the way by his late wife of 64 years, Bella ‘Billie’ Sherman. Her passing just a few months ago has clearly left a huge void in Sherman’s and his family’s life. Yet they are continuing to work hard and service their customers. An inspiration to us all!
*Living Modes is open T,W,F,Sat: 10am-6pm; M, Th: 10am-8pm; Sundays: closed. They may be reached at: 248.544.1744, or by email at livingmodes@gmail.com.
For more information, check out their website: www.casualmodes.com, or their Facebook page
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