I graduated from Bucknell University in 2011 and started my career in finance at Goldman Sachs in NYC. I left there after two years to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams and started several different companies with varying degrees of success but without any massive wins. In 2017, I shook things up in my life and booked a one-way ticket across the pacific to explore the world. Over the next three years I lived in five continents, 14 countries, and had countless adventures – all while running my consulting business. I eventually began dabbling in e-commerce, where one of the brands I ran was a low-budget custom suit brand. That brand began to grow rather quickly, but I wasn’t satisfied with the quality of our products. Faced with the realization the only path forward with it would have been to move to China where production was located, I decided instead to fly to Vietnam in early 2020 to take what I had learned and setup a 2.0, much higher quality version of that brand. That became SARTORO, and I haven’t looked back since.
Company: Sartoro
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Andy Fine: Sartoro: Sartoro is revolutionizing the bespoke suit experience by bringing it entirely online. Combining traditional tailoring with modern technology, Sartoro makes it easy, convenient, and affordable for men to design and order premium custom suits from the comfort of their homes. With a focus on fit over fabric and cutting-edge digital tools like their Digital Tailor and 3D suit designer, Sartoro offers high-quality garments at prices far below traditional bespoke suits. Their suits are available at competitive prices without sacrificing style or craftsmanship, and they offer industry-leading shipping times. Sartoro has also partnered with renowned designer Neil Lane to introduce the Neil Lane Signature Collection, offering a curated selection of luxurious fabrics and timeless designs.
Don’t Be A Little Pitch (DBALP): Don’t Be A Little Pitch specializes in strategic publicity, reputation management, and media relations. Known for its creative approach, the agency helps brands stand out in competitive markets through bold storytelling and innovative PR strategies. With a client base spanning sectors like eCommerce, fashion, and technology, they offer services including media planning, crisis management, and SEO, while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere. The agency emphasizes transparency, open communication, and results-driven campaigns.
What emerging technology trends do you believe will have the most profound impact in the next 5-10 years?
Andy Fine: In the next 5-10 years, I believe that AI and machine learning will continue to revolutionize every industry, and notably custom clothing. These technologies can personalize the customer experience at scale, streamline production processes, and enable predictive modeling for precise sizing for any body shape. Additionally, the advancements in AR and VR will fundamentally change how consumers shop online, allowing for virtual try-ons and immersive brand experiences. At Sartoro we’re all about bringing the traditional bespoke experience online in streamlined, user friendly, enjoyable ways. These new advances in AI will help us continue to deliver a better and better experience every year.
Can you share a specific technological breakthrough from your company that has the potential to reshape your industry?
Andy Fine: At Sartoro, we have developed a proprietary system that merges AI-driven body measurement algorithms with user data to create custom-fit suits. This system dramatically reduces the need for in-person fittings, making bespoke suiting more accessible to customers worldwide. By integrating machine learning, we’ve been able to refine our fit accuracy over time, using customer feedback and fit data to enhance our algorithms. This breakthrough not only streamlines the process for customers but also addresses a significant pain point in the custom menswear market—getting the perfect fit remotely on the first try. It’s a game-changer for scaling personalization in fashion.
How do you approach innovation while balancing the need for practicality and market readiness?
Andy Fine: Our approach to innovation is rooted in listening to our customers and understanding their evolving needs. While it’s exciting to explore cutting-edge tech, we prioritize developments that align with our brand’s mission—delivering an exceptional products and an equally impressive customer experience. We test new technologies internally and roll them out in stages, ensuring that each step adds value and is market-ready before expanding it further. This iterative approach allows us to learn, adjust, and adapt without losing sight of what our customers want. It’s a balance between pushing boundaries and ensuring we’re solving real problems effectively.
What challenges do you face in integrating cutting-edge technology into existing business models?
Andy Fine: One of the biggest challenges in integrating new technologies is ensuring that they complement, rather than disrupt, our current processes. For a business like Sartoro, which values craftsmanship and quality, introducing automated solutions requires careful consideration to maintain the bespoke nature of our brand. Additionally, the initial investment in training, software, and hardware can be a barrier, especially in an industry where margins are tight. Convincing all stakeholders—both internally and externally—that the benefits of new technology will outweigh these initial challenges is critical. Our approach has been to integrate incrementally, based on the data and results we see, and from the feedback of our customer base.
How do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization to stay ahead in the tech race?
Andy Fine: We encourage a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning at Sartoro. Our team is empowered to explore new ideas, experiment with new technologies, and challenge the status quo. Regular workshops and brainstorming sessions help surface fresh perspectives, and we make it a point to stay connected with industry trends. Additionally, we prioritize an open feedback loop with our customers, as their input often drives the next wave of innovation. By fostering a collaborative environment and rewarding experimentation, we create a space where innovation isn’t just encouraged—it’s a core part of our DNA.
