We had the good fortune of connecting with Ward Carson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ward, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“Good things come to those who wait” – Wrong! So much of success in life comes down to taking chances. Most people simply will not take a risk in almost anything: approaching someone they are attracted to, trying a new type of food, standing up and making their opinion known and of course the financial and lifestyle risks associated with starting a business. Every self-made successful person I know has a story about taking a chance, often when everyone told them not to do it.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Pearce Bespoke Charlotte, we are changing the way people experience custom clothing. Our focus is simple: providing high-quality, perfectly tailored garments that help our clients look great and feel great. From bespoke suits to tailored pieces for both men and women, we deliver luxury and convenience in every detail.

My journey to launching Pearce Bespoke Charlotte started in a completely different industry. I have spent over 25 years in insurance, running my own agency and later moving into corporate distribution. Those years taught me the importance of relationships, attention to detail, and delivering a great client experience—skills that I’ve carried with me into this business.

When I launched Pearce Bespoke Charlotte, I wanted to offer something different. Our mobile clothier model allows us to meet clients at their home, office, or club, providing a personalized experience that’s both convenient and unique. We take pride in every piece we create, with details like handmade buttonholes, functional sleeve buttons, and a perfect fit guarantee. Having top rate clothiers on our team is a key to what we do. As a result, we offer the best clothier compensation model in the industry.

One of the highlights of this journey has been securing our partnership with the Carolinas Section of the PGA, giving us the opportunity to serve golf professionals and club members. We’ve also recently launched a women’s line, expanding our reach and helping more clients feel confident and stylish in their custom wardrobes. More strategic partnerships are on the way.

Building Pearce Bespoke Charlotte hasn’t been without challenges. Educating clients on the value of custom clothing versus off-the-rack options takes time, but I’ve leaned on the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career: relationships come first, quality matters, and providing value always wins. By focusing on the experience and helping clients see the difference bespoke clothing makes, we’ve been able to build something special.

At the end of the day, Pearce Bespoke Charlotte is about more than just clothing. It’s about helping our clients own their style and feel their best. Whether it’s for business, weddings, or everyday life, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far and excited about what’s ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Uptown Energy

We’d kick things off Uptown with breakfast at Amélie’s French Bakery & Café—the perfect spot for incredible pastries and coffee. From there, we’d visit the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for a bit of culture. Lunch would be at Mizu, where the rooftop views and fresh flavors never disappoint. To wrap up the day, we’d head to The Cellar at Duckworth’s for craft cocktails in a speakeasy vibe. Then, it’s off to Protagonist Bar in LoSo, owned by my good friend Mike Salzarulo, where the beer list is as impressive as the atmosphere.

Day 2: South End Exploration

South End is one of my favorite parts of Charlotte for its mix of art, food, and energy. We’d start with brunch at The Suffolk Punch, then walk the Rail Trail to take in the street art and unique shops along the way. For dinner, Barcelona Wine Bar is the go-to for shareable tapas and lively vibes. Afterward, we’d make our way back to Protagonist Bar for a nightcap and some of the best local craft beer Charlotte has to offer.

Day 3: Golf and Good Times

Charlotte’s love for golf means a day on the greens is a must. Whether we hit TPC Piper Glen or keep it casual at Topgolf, it’s guaranteed fun. Lunch would be at The Crunkleton, where the elevated Southern dishes always deliver. Later, we’d relax with a peaceful walk through The Duke Mansion’s gardens, soaking in the classic Charlotte charm.

Day 4: Lake Norman Getaway

A day trip to Lake Norman is non-negotiable. We’d rent a boat, spend time on the water, and enjoy the scenery. Lunch would be at Hello, Sailor, where the seafood is as good as the waterfront views. Afterward, we’d head back to Charlotte for dinner at Kindred in Davidson, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the area.

Day 5: NASCAR and BBQ

For a taste of Charlotte’s racing history, we’d visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame—a must-see even for non-racing fans. Lunch would be BBQ at Midwood Smokehouse, a local favorite. For the evening, we’d dive into the music scene at The Evening Muse in NoDa or Middle C Jazz in Uptown, both offering incredible live performances.

Day 6: Sports and Breweries

If there’s a Carolina Panthers or Charlotte Hornets game, we’d make sure to grab tickets and enjoy the electric atmosphere. Pre-game, we’d explore Charlotte’s brewery scene, starting with NoDa Brewing Company, then heading to Heist Brewery, and finally back to Protagonist Bar in LoSo for a perfect end to the day. Dinner would be at Fahrenheit, offering stunning rooftop views of the skyline.

Day 7: Relaxing Finish

For the final day, we’d slow things down with breakfast at Café Monte in SouthPark, followed by a little shopping at SouthPark Mall for some luxury finds. Lunch would be at The Capital Grille, perfect for a polished send-off. To cap off the trip, we’d hike at Crowders Mountain State Park for breathtaking views—a peaceful end to a packed week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife Kelly. She has always been 100% supportive of my career. While much of my life has been planes, trains and automobiles she has kept things under control at home, all while having her own successful career in banking. She is always willing to listen to all my ideas, no matter how crazy some of them are. She is my sounding board and helps me stay focused on the main thing.

Website: https://Www.pearcebespokecharlotte.com

Instagram: @pearcebespokecharlotte

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearcebespokecharlottenc

Twitter: @pearcebespokeNC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearcebespokecharlotte/

Image Credits
David Veach

The Carolinas Professional Golf Association

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