{SS}: Can you share with us your career background and how you got started with the brand?
{Jeff Schattner}: I have a finance and accounting background but have always had the entrepreneurial itch. A year into my accounting career I was running an event planning organization for accountants on the side. It was only a matter of time before I found something to take me out of the accounting world.
{SS}: When did you decide to start with Lawrence Hunt and what inspired you to create these shirts, was it out of personal need?
{Jeff Schattner}: I came up with the idea for Lawrence Hunt while sitting at a friend's wedding outdoors, in 90 degree weather. I was dreaming of wearing under armour and dri fit at the wedding, and it got me thinking "why can't that same material be used in professional dress shirts."
{SS}: What are you most proud of the product/brand thus far and why?
{Jeff Schattner}: I am most proud of figuring out how to match our activewear fabric with the cotton body of our dress shirts. Our beta shirts that we launched on kickstarter used a solid activewear fabric. It took almost 2 years to figure out how to match the fabric effectively.
{SS}: Can you share with us any lessons learned or business advice you have gained throughout your journey of being a business owner?
{Jeff Schattner}: Expect the ups and downs, and be confident in yourself that you'll figure it out and persevere through the downs.
{SS}: What do you love about your job?
{Jeff Schattner}: I love the challenge of creating something new. I love working with people from all different backgrounds, from designers, to developers, to marketers, to sewers.
{SS}: Who inspires you in the product/design world?
{Jeff Schattner}: You can always share who inspires you in the business world, if you want! Steve Jobs always inspired me with his attention to detail.
{SS}: Your secret to work/life balance?
{Jeff Schattner}: Always remember what is important, and never let your work have control over you.
{SS}: Which items do you find yourself wearing the most?
{Jeff Schattner}: My favorite shirt is the Addison. I always get compliments when I wear it.
Addison Lawrence Hunt
{SS}: In regards to your personal style, do you have a signature look?
{Jeff Schattner}: My favorite look is a Lawrence Hunt dress shirt with a blazer and jeans. However, I often skip the blazer to show off the shirts.
{SS}: Who inspires your style?
{Jeff Schattner}: I'm inspired by what the athletes wear to and from games. Especially the basketball guys like Russell Westbrook, Steph Curry, etc. I don't dress like them, but gives me some inspiration to be creative in my own way.
{SS}: Mens Style Archetype?
{Jeff Schattner}:
{SS}: Favorite fashion, lifestyle, food or business blog?
{Jeff Schattner}: I mostly read Inc., Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, but I'm also a fan of Hour Detroit, Dbusiness, and Ambassador Mag, as well as Mr. Porter for fashion.
{SS}: Favorite sports team?
{Jeff Schattner}: Anything related to Michigan (football or basketball mostly), as well as Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, and Lions.
{SS}: Favorite place to eat?
{Jeff Schattner}: Anything asian. Little Tree in Royal Oak is one of my favorites.
{SS}: Do you shop for yourself at any local mens Boutiques?
{Jeff Schattner}: The Shirt Box in Farmington Hills is one of my favorite spots for menswear.
{SS}: Favorite quote or words to live by?
{Jeff Schattner}: I've been reading this Michael Jordan quote to myself since I was little…