How do you sum up a guy like Patrick Carr?
Patrick’s life motto is “In pursuit of leading an exceptionally unordinary life.” Meaning he’s more interested in taking a path less traveled. He worked for Hallmark for two decades and now leads the U.S. division of The H&H Group, a UK-based gift product company. He’ll tell you he absolutely loves his job and is passionate about growing his team and doubling their business in the States. He’s already written two books and is publishing his third later this year, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Winning in Business and Life. His personal passions include his family, vintage cars, watches, Canadian art, cigars and quality accessories for gentlemen.
Describe your personal style in five words or less.
Polished Midwest sensibility with higher aspirations. Wait, that’s 6 words!
Now that I’m out of corporate America and the world is much more casual, I have no need to wear leather dress shoes, a button-down shirt and a blazer on a daily basis, but my preference would be loafers and blazers any day of the week.
What do you love most about J. Patrick & Co.?
Partnering with JP Minnis is an honor – he’s not only a great guy, but has incredible style and a head for business. We both have busy day jobs that we love, so J. Patrick & Co. has been more of a fun creative outlet for me and an excuse to meet for coffee or a cigar on the weekends. I also love the idea of promoting the importance of men elevating to gentlemen status.
Three favorite brands, currently?
I love Matt Hranek’s WM Brown brand, Sid Mashburn and all the brands I’ve discovered over the years on Huckberry.com.
Best thing you bought for under $20 recently ...
I just bought some handsome golf tees from Western Birch Golf Company. They have some great designs, but my favorite is their Mustang Signature Striped.
Best thing you bought over $100 recently…
On a recent trip to Santa Fe, I visited one of my favorite men’s stores, Red River Mercantile. The proprietor, Steve Traer, had a well-used Filson bag on display – one he used as his everyday carry for many years. It even had a few battle scars that the Filson team diligently stitched up for him. The patina and character were alluring, and I knew, at that moment, I would own one. And I have to say, the Filson 24 Hour Tin Cloth briefcase does not disappoint.
Something you’re looking to buy at the moment?
I’m always in the market for Canadian art (a hangover from living in Canada for 7 years) and pre-owned watches. Admittedly, both addictive pursuits! My favorite auction house is Waddington’s in Toronto, which has helped me unintentionally fill nearly every wall in my house with art from their on-line auctions. My wife continues to threaten to cut me off, but she secretly loves the art just as much as I do. I’m also a huge fan of Hodinkee for their endless information on all-things watches. I love scrolling through all their fantastic pre-owned watches. They make it way too easy to collect, buy and sell!
What was the item that you thought about the longest before buying?
A few years ago, I bought my first vintage car – a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite. I spent countless hours researching and considering different options. I finally landed on a classic British car that’s easy to maintain, fun to drive, and easy on the eyes.
Do you shop more online or in person?
For me, both have a purpose. I love Amazon for the simplicity of ordering everyday items, but also love a great men’s haberdashery for shopping and seeing everything in person. This past December, I stumbled upon an exquisite men’s store in Hamburg, Germany where you could order an espresso or martini, get your shoes shined, get a haircut with an old-fashioned shave, and of course, get fitted for a bespoke suit.
Give us one shopping tip or hack that you can let everyone know about.
The older I get, the more I appreciate quality over quantity. I would much rather spend my money on something I know I’ll treasure for the next 20 years.
Necessary extravagance?
It’s a toss-up between a great watch and exquisite suede shoes from Alden. Hard to beat a Rolex Sub and Alden’s Snuff Suede. Killer combo. Last October, my friend, Michael, gifted me the most amazing pair of Alden Indy boots in Snuff Suede.
What’s something you simply refuse to spend a lot on?
Wine. I have a hard time spending hundreds of dollars on a bottle wine when there’s so many solid options under $50. Tenuta Cappellina (shameless plug for one of my all-time favorites) is a perfect example of a moderately-priced Chianti Classico from Siena, Italy that always delivers.
Is there something you buy multiples of (either by design or by default)?
If I like something, I usually buy it in 2 or 3 different colors or variations. For example, I just purchased a pair of super comfortable golf pants from Peter Millar. I liked the quality and fit so much that I ended up purchasing them in khaki, grey and navy blue.
What five items should all gentlemen own?
- A classic navy blazer (the Ghost from Sid Mashburn is one of a kind)
- A quality watch (Rolex, Omega, Cartier are my holy trinity, but so many reasonable options out there - think pre-owned, too)
- Stationery for handwritten notes (you can never go wrong with Moo.com)
- A tailored suit (a good tailor is worth their weight in gold)
- A leather notebook (from J. Patrick & Co., of course : )
