Measure of a Man

1. Surviving the Holocaust: A Tailor's Journey from Auschwitz to America

"On your own, you will survive," he said. "You are young and strong, and I know you will survive. If you survive by yourself, you must honor us by living, by not feeling sorry for us. That is what you must do."

Maximilian Grünfeld's survival story begins in the small town of Pavlovo, Czechoslovakia, where he lived with his family until they were deported to Auschwitz in 1944. At 15, he was separated from his mother, siblings, and grandparents, who were sent to the gas chambers. His father, knowing they had a better chance of survival apart, made the heart-wrenching decision to separate from his son.

Life in the concentration camps was a daily struggle for survival. Maximilian endured:

• Auschwitz, where he first encountered Josef Mengele, the "Angel of Death"
• Buna/Monowitz, where he worked as a slave laborer
• The brutal Death March to Gleiwitz
• Buchenwald, where he was finally liberated by American troops in 1945

Throughout his ordeal, Maximilian's resourcefulness and determination kept him alive. He learned to scavenge for food, avoid dangerous situations, and even used a stolen Nazi shirt to gain small advantages. His father's words became his mantra, driving him to survive and honor his family's memory.

2. The Power of Clothing: From Nazi Uniforms to Custom Suits

"That day I learned clothes possess power. Clothes don't just 'make the man,' they can save the man. They did for me."

Clothing as survival became a recurring theme in Maximilian's life. In the camps, a stolen Nazi shirt provided him with small but crucial advantages. This experience taught him the power of appearance and how clothing could influence perceptions and treatment.

The transformation from victim to tailor began in the camps, where Maximilian repaired a torn SS shirt, learning his first stitches. This skill would later become the foundation of his career and life's work. After liberation, he understood that:

• Proper attire could open doors and create opportunities
• A well-made suit could boost confidence and change perceptions
• The art of tailoring was not just about making clothes, but about transforming lives

This realization would shape his future career and philosophy, leading him to become one of America's most renowned tailors, dressing presidents, celebrities, and business leaders.

3. Building a New Life in America: From Floor Boy to Master Tailor

"I wanted to innovate and make changes. You must remember that some of the kapos were Jewish prisoners, but they could be brutal. They wanted to please the Germans, so some of them would be hard on us so the Germans would not punish them."

A fresh start in America began when Maximilian, now known as Martin Greenfield, arrived in New York in 1947. With determination and the skills he had begun to develop in the camps, he found work at GGG Clothes, starting as a floor boy.

Martin's rise in the tailoring world was marked by:

• Learning every aspect of suit-making, from pressing to cutting
• Impressing his bosses with his attention to detail and work ethic
• Developing relationships with clients, including celebrities and politicians
• Eventually buying the GGG factory and founding Martin Greenfield Clothiers

His journey from Holocaust survivor to master tailor is a testament to the American dream and the power of perseverance. Martin's experience in the camps taught him the value of hard work and the importance of seizing opportunities, which he applied throughout his career in America.

4. The Art of Hand-Tailoring: Craftsmanship and Quality Above All

"Quality is the greatest bargain."

Commitment to craftsmanship became the hallmark of Martin Greenfield Clothiers. Martin insisted on using only the highest-quality materials and methods, refusing to compromise on any aspect of suit-making.

Key elements of Martin's tailoring philosophy include:

• Hand-shaped full-canvas fronts
• Italian and English woolens and cashmeres
• Handmade horn buttons
• Endless hand pressing to mold the jacket's form
• Hand-stitched and functional buttonholes
• Collars with a gorge done right to ensure a snug fit

Martin's dedication to quality and traditional hand-tailoring techniques set his suits apart in an industry increasingly dominated by mass production. His ability to correct for physical imperfections and create perfectly fitted garments earned him a reputation as one of the best tailors in America.

5. Dressing the Powerful: From Presidents to Hollywood Stars

"Politics is show business for ugly people," or so the old saying goes.

Presidential wardrobes became a specialty for Martin, who has dressed every U.S. president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. His work with presidents includes:

• Creating a bulletproof vest for Gerald Ford
• Dressing Bill Clinton in comfortable yet presidential suits
• Crafting Barack Obama's signature look with custom-made suits

Hollywood and beyond, Martin's clientele expanded to include:

• Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Leonardo DiCaprio
• Sports stars such as LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal
• Politicians and business leaders from around the world

Martin's ability to create suits that not only look impeccable but also reflect the wearer's personality and status has made him the go-to tailor for those in the public eye. His work in film and television, creating period-accurate costumes for productions like "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Great Gatsby," further cemented his reputation as a master of his craft.

6. Family and Legacy: Building Martin Greenfield Clothiers

"Sometimes, early in the mornings or just before we turn off the factory lights at day's end, I look across the old creaky wooden factory floors, over all the bolts of fabric, around the spools of thread. I spot my sons without their seeing me. I live for those moments."

A family business emerged as Martin brought his sons, Jay and Tod, into the company. Their involvement has been crucial to the continued success and growth of Martin Greenfield Clothiers.

Key aspects of the family legacy include:

• Jay's business acumen and piece goods expertise
• Tod's analytical skills and ability to transform tailoring into a science
• Maintaining the traditional hand-tailoring techniques while adapting to modern demands
• Training new generations of tailors to ensure the craft's continuation

The involvement of Martin's sons not only ensured the company's future but also provided Martin with a sense of fulfillment and continuity that he had lost during the Holocaust. The family business became a testament to survival, resilience, and the American dream.

7. Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future: A Survivor's Perspective

"There isn't a person who loves America more than I do. The United States is the best damn country the world has ever known. Anyone who questions that hasn't been where I've been, hasn't seen what I've seen."

Honoring the past while building for the future has been a constant theme in Martin's life. He never forgot his experiences during the Holocaust or the family he lost, but he channeled those memories into creating a successful life and business in America.

Martin's perspective on life and success is shaped by his experiences:

• Appreciation for the opportunities America provided
• Understanding the importance of hard work and perseverance
• Valuing family and creating a legacy for future generations
• Using his success to give back and help others

Despite the horrors he experienced, Martin's story is ultimately one of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. His journey from concentration camp survivor to master tailor to the powerful and famous is a testament to the possibilities of the American dream and the enduring strength of those who have faced unimaginable adversity.

Last updated: November 22, 2024