Isaac James Ross, Jr.
Isaac James Ross Jr. is the founder of Stitches 4 Success, a non-profit that’s target is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged young men by providing professional attire, a network of support, career development tools and ethics to help them thrive in work and in life.
Born in Wicomico, Maryland and raised in Newark, New Jersey where his strength was seeded by his family. He credits his life and success to his parents Ruth Virginia Wise and Isaac James Ross; step father Walter T. Price who became the father figure he needed; and names his one and only daughter Jenell Ross as the source of his drive.
At the early age of sixteen, Isaac participated in a work study program obtaining his first retail job at Bun-al Army and Navy store in Newark from there he went to Larkey’s in Newark. There he worked under the tutoring of Luis Larkey and another gentleman named Clavin who in those days were among the first men of color to work in the clothing department.
Through his teenage years Isaac continued to study, apprentice, play baseball, and learned to DJ [courtesy of patient parents]. Isaac’s diversity led him to play semi-pro for the Newark Bears during college; become a desired DJ and an award winning sales professional in the men’s fashion arena. A career that led him to become one of the first million dollar sellers at Rochester’s Big and Tall; to JC Penny where he was an award winning team member, Manager, buyer. He was one of the first person of color to be on a national publication with his picture as a center fold as well as a center spread inside the catalog; then finally 15 years ago he landed in Hugo Boss where he’s continued to maintained a successful service driven career.
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Some of Isaac’s programs include a meet and greet program sponsored by Hugo Boss. The event allows kids to meet with the players.
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He’s run countless mentorship and suit donation workshops, coaching young men how to successfully navigate the process of applying for jobs and entering the workforce.
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In 2010 he decided to start his non-profit and Stitches 4 Success was born. He was honored to have the opportunity to go back to Weequahic High School to help share his knowledge plus dress some of our future leaders. Working with his alma mater and several community organizations, Isaac’s found an outlet for his passion.
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Paying it forward has not just been a tag line, through Stitches 4 Success Isaac found a way to spend his bank of blessings and wisdom on young men the way so many people invested in him. He was guided to value his life and career. He’s enjoyed his work and has been honored to meet countless celebrities, officials and even royalty through his positions.