SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #30

NAME: Louis G.

AGE: 59

HOMETOWN: Glenview, IL

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I found my dream job 3½ months ago! I’m a family service counselor at Ridgewood Memorial Park Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. I assist people in preparing for the burial of their loved ones, comforting them and simplifying the task.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: First of all, I never win anything!!! In addition to the wonderful surprise, I get to add another suit (or two) to my work attire, where I wear a suit every workday.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: Other than the stylish SYMS suits I recently purchased, I cannot live without my Chicago White Sox cap. Like President Obama, I’m a die-hard fan and have been since I was 7 years old!

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #28

NAME: Julinda T.

AGE: 55

HOMETOWN: Houston, TX

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: The word “dream” describes my personal life and career exactly. The desire and the passion to becoming an attorney and wanting to become an attorney never went away.

My dream job is to be a practicing Family Law Attorney in Texas and Louisiana.  Becoming a practicing attorney has been a long-time dream and goal. As with anything and everything in life—life can take you places where you may not have intended to go.

Now that life has allowed me to move in my direction, going to law school in 1972 will become my reality in 2010.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: To be a winner of one of my favorite stores has been a pleasure as well as exciting. Winning this contest is like getting rewarded for something you enjoy doing. I’ve been a shopper of SYMS since the late 1990s in Dallas, Texas and was thrilled to have a SYMS store not far from my house in Houston, Texas. Winning this contest gives me an added reason to go SHOPPING at my favorite store.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question. There are two article of clothing I can’t live without. One is a nicely fitted suit and panty hose.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #26

NAME: Darya B.

AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: Washington, DC

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I would like to work for the government in the area of healthcare economics.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: I appreciate the opportunity to enhance my professional image.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: A good pair of jeans.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #25

NAME: Paul J.

AGE: 53

HOMETOWN: Windsor, CT

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: Practical R&D because I enjoy applying currently available technologies to new markets.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: A chance to talk to people who know the current styles are and add a up-to-date suit to my wardrobe.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: Shoes

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #23

NAME: Mark N.

AGE: 33

HOMETOWN:  Yonkers, NY

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job is to be a Foreign Service Officer (Diplomat) for the U.S. Department of State. Coming from a diverse background (Eastern European), and possessing a unique skill set as well as being bi-lingual, I feel that I can serve my country very efficiently and proficiently.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning this contest means a great deal to me because I am currently, as many Americans are, in the job market and am going through the interviewing process. Winning this contest will afford me not only the right clothes, but will expand my skill set. Nothing beats a great interview, except for a great interview combined with a great suit that is worn by someone with great training, preparation and up-to-date style. It’s a winning combination!

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: The answer to this one is difficult, because I can’t seem to live without any of my clothes, but if I had to choose one, I’d say a sports jacket. A good sports jacket is very versatile. You could dress it up or down depending on what you mix it with and automatically puts you in a different category when wearing one as opposed to not wearing one at all.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #22

NAME: Neal B.

AGE: 74

HOMETOWN: Oak Brook, IL

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: To be a solo performer, (like James Galway, the flutist).  Travel around the world and be featured with the best symphony orchestras.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: It causes me to be thankful for the things that happen to me, like winning a new suit!

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: A casual sportcoat for travel because it looks good and has pockets.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #21

NAME: Brett L.

AGE: 29

HOMETOWN: Farmington Hills, MI

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I’ve always wanted to work in robotic space exploration. I like the idea of working on an engineering problem where performance is the foremost concern rather than cost as is the case in many terrestrial development environments.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: What a wonderful surprise! I’d set “buy a suit” as a new year’s resolution this year as the centerpiece of a larger effort to update my entire wardrobe.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: I’ve got a favorite pair of cords that are on their last legs (literally and figuratively) from having been worn almost every day for the past year. They’re in decidedly desperate need of replacement.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #19

NAME: Mark R.

AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: Chicago, IL

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I would love to use my accounting degree and work for the FBI in forensic accounting.  Growing up in a family full of police officers, I like the investigative side of things.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: For the last 4 years, I’ve dressed like the typical college kid, gym shorts and baseball hats. Now, SYMS has given me the chance to look and act like a professional.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: My Blackhawks jersey. Go Hawks!

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #18

NAME: Ron G.

AGE: 50

HOMETOWN: Manalapan, NJ

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I have 4 Dream Jobs: Coach of the Nets, Manager of the Mets, Playing piano in a rock band—and my current job as a Principal of a High School in NYC. What could be more rewarding than helping our students graduate and become respectful and responsible citizens?

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: 50 is the new 40…whatever that means…so, although I need to dress for success as a Principal, I also need to remain current, hip and in fashion—or I’ll hear it from my biggest critics…my students. Winning this contest gives me an opportunity to update my style—and continue to set a positive example for our students…

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: I love TIES—colorful, whimsical or classic—you can never have enough ties…

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #17

NAME: Darren L.

AGE: 27

HOMETOWN: Valley Stream, NY

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I am blessed with the opportunity to be professionally involved in teaching and counseling. These careers serve as my chance to better the lives of others, through enlightening and challenging their minds, and touching their hearts and souls.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning was a truly pleasant surprise and an engagement gift. Last week, I proposed to my fiancée, Avital. I am truly excited to shop in one of the best suit stores around. Thank you!

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: I can’t live without pajama pants. After a long, exhausting day of work, there a very few things that are more exciting than changing into my comfortable pajama pants.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #15

NAME: Clive W.

AGE: 33

HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, NY

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job would be to head a Real Estate firm that manages large commercial and residential properties as well as dealing in the acquisition of new and distressed properties.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning this contest is very exciting—as winning anything is an exciting event. Most of all I love fine tailored dress attire. This adds to the excitement for me.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: I cant live without a fine tailored suit.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #13

NAME: Dan M.

AGE: 24

HOMETOWN: North Haven, CT

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: Working for a professional sports team! How about the Boston Red Sox? What’s better than sports and business all in one?

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning this contest give me a chance to make it to the Big Leagues!

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: Hoodie and sweatpants…I like being comfy.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #12

NAME: Trudy B.

AGE: 36

HOMETOWN: Urbana, MD

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job is to start my own event planning business. Being an executive and in charge of a successful organization has always been of utmost importance to me, and a dream that will soon be realized.

As an extremely creative individual, who possesses an acute attention to detail, as well as extensive planning, coordination and organizational skills all of which are the main ingredients and the fundamentals required for the success any lucrative business, I am certain that I would make great strides and become a force to reckon with in this very enterprising world of event planning. I am therefore working on making my mark in this arena.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning this contest means a lot to me because I have never won any competition. However, when I look at the progress I have made in life, I realize that I am a winner in more ways than one. Being a SYMS Suit Camp Winner certainly confirms that fact.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: It has to be my black (sheath) dress.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #11

NAME: Pedro R.

AGE: 45

HOMETOWN: Briarwood, NY

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: I’m doing my dream job. I work in construction—I’ve always liked building things.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: It’s nice to have won a prize—especially one that I really could use. I don’t own a suit, and now I do!

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: A good pair of walking shoes

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #10

NAME: Christian A.

AGE: 26

HOMETOWN: Jackson Heights, NY

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job would be a teaching position at a major university or conservatory, combined with a healthy performance career as a violist. I have just finished my master’s degree and am currently in my post-graduate studies looking at doctoral programs for the next few years. I hope this all leads up to interviews for teaching positions, which will also help my performance career to grow along with my teaching career.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: This contest will help me with interviews that I will need to take in the future, as well as help me learn how to better present myself. As a performer, this is a very important part of my career, and one that I think I can always improve upon. No matter how well you play, you must also carry yourself well in order to make a good impression upon others.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: My dark, resin-washed bootcut Diesel jeans.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #9

NAME: Jesse C.

AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: Ridgewood, New Jersey

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: DEA Special Agent. I spent 4 years serving my country proudly in the United States Marine Corps and completed one tour of duty in Iraq. I want to continue to give back to the community and to help make our streets a safer place.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: It is a great privilege to win this contest because I have never won anything in my life. I have always tried to do right and believe that if you do good things, good things will happen to you.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: My Rutgers hat

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #8

NAME: Joe P.

AGE: 33

HOMETOWN: Sparkill, NY

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My entrepreneurial spirit runs deep,  but a career in research is also appealing.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Having a new suit and  new look can help push me to a new career and open new doors.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: My WWII pea coat that has gotten me through every winter for more than a decade.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #7

NAME: Yisrael S.

AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: Fair Lawn, NJ

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job is to teach Judaic studies in a school setting because teaching is what I love to do, and Judaism is my passion in life.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning this contest will give me a great advantage in the work environment by advancing my ability to present myself in front of groups of other people upon whom I wish to make a positive impression.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: The one article of clothing I can’t live without is my Michael Kors two-button suit I bought at SYMS for it never fails to impress when it counts most.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #6

NAME: Ashraf E.

AGE: 45

HOMETOWN: Bronx, New York

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job is to continue succeeding in my current profession as a physician.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: It means I have good luck!

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: I love all men’s fashion.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #5

NAME: Aaron H.

AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: Norwalk, CT

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job as a child was to be a professional basketball player, but that didn’t quite happen. Today, I still want to work in the sports industry, but as a sports agent instead. I love sports!

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: Winning this contest is very exciting. Not only do I get a free suit but I’ll receive interview training and style coaching from people who are at the top of their field. Like many people, interviewing is not exactly my favorite thing, so in the event that I leave or get laid off from my current job I’ll be much more confident and prepared for future interviews.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: Jeans because they are so versatile. I’m fortunate enough to wear jeans at work, church, pretty much wherever I go.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #4

NAME: Caroll P.

AGE: 38

HOMETOWN: Bridgeport, CT

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: My dream job is to be a model. I was born and raised in NYC and fashion was everywhere you turn. Whether it was on TV or in a magazine you couldn’t escape it. Growing up I would always change into different outfits for different occasion, because I wanted to be the center of attention; which I like. I’m at that age where the young gets younger and the old gets older. If I can have that one chance I would take it.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: I never won anything in my life. This was such a surprise. I have chemotherapy twice a month due to colon cancer. Winning this contest lifts up my spirit. I never thought that good things can happen to good people. I guess I’m one of them, because I’m living proof. I’ll be going back to work real soon, and I can’t wait to show them my new suit.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: A tailored two-piece suit

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #3

NAME: Dan K.

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: Westwood, MA

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: Starting my own engineering firm, because it combines what I’m good at and what interests me.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: I get to look really good.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: A comfy sweatshirt.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #2

NAME: David L.

HOMETOWN: Cortland Manor, NY

AGE: 30

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? AND WHY?: It would definitely have to be a restaurateur because I love entertaining people, cooking and the pressure to be the best in the business like a Danny Meyer.

WHAT DOES WINNING THIS CONTEST MEAN TO YOU?: It adds excitement to my future being able to sit with professionals to guide and teach me how to reach my goals while dressing great.

WHAT’S THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?: My plain white cotton t-shirts. You can where them whenever, wherever and with anything.

SYMS SUIT CAMP WINNER #1

NAME: Andrew P.

AGE: 47

HOMETOWN: Suwanee, GA

DREAM JOB:  Six Project Manager

WHAT WINNING THIS CONTEST MEANS TO HIM: Winning this contest means that I am able to succeed. It gives me the inspiration to continue to look for that perfect job and improve myself.

THE ONE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: My brand new SYMS suit. I love dressing professionally and showing people I will be able to get the job done!

You can still enter the SYMS Suit Camp Sweepstakes online at www.unclesyms.com until Sept. 19 or at your nearest SYMS location until Sept. 2.