Daniel adored his father. He also grew frustrated with how slowly Thomas made decisions.

After his business degree, Daniel joined Carter-Bennett Hospitality Textiles, the company Harold and Thomas had built together. By then Harold had shifted most of his attention to hotels and real estate, while Thomas managed the textile division.

Daniel arrived eager to expand fast — online sales, private-label manufacturing, aggressive growth. Some of his ideas transformed the business. Others would have cost a fortune.

Thomas taught him the difference.

Meanwhile, I kept making wedding gowns from my storefront near downtown Oak Park. Brides traveled from three states. Mothers carried gowns from the 1950s and asked me to make something modern without destroying the memories sewn into them.

That became my specialty — preserving value while allowing change. I only wish I’d followed the same philosophy with my own family.