Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorian Corbett.
Hi Dorian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
[Dorian Corbett] Well, it would be impossible to tell you how I got to where I am today without telling the story of my great-uncle, Robert Yeargin, affectionately known as “The Hatman”. He founded Hats Galore & More in 1993 taking great pride in being able to offer the eastside of Detroit a wide range of headwear from top brands such as Dobbs, Bailey, and Kangol at affordable prices. A classic example of a “mom-and-pop shop”, Hats Galore & More’s reputation for quality hats and great customer service quickly garnered more than just local attention…Iconic figures from all over the country would make their way to the store when in town, from Grammy award-winning tenor Luciano Pavarotti to billionaire media mogul Robert Johnson among many others. Growing up with a role model like that in my life was so advantageous for me and really piqued my interest in business at an early age. I went on to graduate from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Upon his sudden passing last year, his son Ryan and I assumed ownership of the family business. With both of our experiences, we are excited to not only serve our community but take the company to new horizons.
[Ryan Yeargin] Shortly after I was born my dad, better known to others as “Hat Man” purchased a couple utility trucks from the city of Detroit he had turned into “The mobile hat shop” where I sat beside my dad since the age of three. He would set up on various street corners on the weekend. Ever since then I’ve been by my dad’s side assisting and helping him further grow and expand the family business. So, with his unfortunate and unexpected passing last year, my life skills became prevalent as I took over the family business. I plan to, and look forward to, a continuous effort of promoting his kind, entrepreneur spirit and the wisdom he shared, with pride and with family.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
[Dorian Corbett] Of course anytime you are attempting to establish new processes– there are usually bumps and bruises along the way. One goal of ours was to grow our social media presence to attract new customers and expand our reach. Sometimes it can be a struggle trying to create new content to post, or turning content engagement into sales. However, the lesson we learned is to stick with it, even when you are not initially getting the results you want.
[Ryan Yeargin] Something I’ve learned in and about life is that you get out of life as much as you put into it. Having said that the biggest challenge I have is that I’m always working and sometimes I fail to detach myself from work and to enjoy life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
[Dorian] In addition to my work at Hats Galore I also work full-time as a financial analyst for a global automotive supplier here in Michigan. I was able to directly apply skills and experience from this position to some of my everyday task at the shop. I would say I specialize in using Microsoft Excel, being able to build forecast and other spreadsheets to keep track of sales data and finances. Something I’m very proud of professionally is being in a position to use my degree. A lot of times fresh college graduates are not able to land in a field related to their degree upon graduation and have to settle for jobs just to make ends meet. I found myself in a similar situation which is why I don’t take it for granted that the work I’m doing is in a field that I have a passion for!
What makes you happy?
[Dorian Corbett] Happiness for me really stems from two factors: First, how highly our customers speak of my uncle whenever they come in. You can tell how much of an impact he had on others and the community when talking to some of our regulars. Secondly, having a hand in keeping a family business operating smoothly creates a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to replicate. Knowing that what I’m working for is bigger than myself and it’s my hope that it will set up future generations for continued success. Ryan and I often reflect on how the sacrifices of his father paved the foundation for us both.
[Ryan Yeargin] What brings me happiness is the ability to provide a polished look in apparel for various occasions, life events/ moments, for patrons in hats and accessories at Hats Galore & More. Because a lot of our customers become lifetime customers and in a small way we become a part of their family whether it be a story that has been told to them or from a personal experience.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.shophatsgalore.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hatsgaloreandmore
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HGMDetroit
Image Credits:
Camilo J. Vergara Photograph Collection
