Jerry Rubsam

Jerry Rubsam, owner of Jasper Clothiers and a member of the Newton Community High School class of 1978, proudly states that he doesn’t know a stranger. “My son-in-law and I can be walking down a beach in Florida, and I’m talking to people. He’ll say, ‘You just can’t shut it off, can you?’” Jerry answers himself with a resounding, “Nope. I don’t know a stranger.”

Though he’s too modest to admit it, Jerry’s reputation precedes him. His high level of care matches his outgoing nature. People come from far and wide to visit Jasper Clothiers, often hearing about the store through word of mouth. Jerry admits he doesn’t advertise because the customer satisfaction he cultivates provides all the advertising he needs.

The store has an impressive legacy, and as a natural storyteller, Jerry seems delighted to explain it. Frank Albright founded it in the 1890s. Originally named Albright Clothiers, Frank eventually sold the business to his son-in-law, who owned and operated the store until 1965. In that year, Jerry’s parents, Frank and Marilyn Rubsam, purchased it and rebranded it as Jasper Clothiers.

Jerry confesses that it’s easy to stay busy when a customer enters, as a task always needs to be completed. “But let’s raise our heads and say hi to somebody,” he suggests. “And you know what? You’re going to get a response back. You’ll probably get a ‘hi’ back. And you know what? You might need that person someday, and they’re going to say, you know what, he was all right; I’m going to help him.”

Jerry’s connection to the store runs deep, with his childhood intertwined with its operations. He learned from a young age through his father’s lessons and examples. “That’s the way I was brought up. My dad taught me that when somebody comes in that door, they’re here for a reason, and you take care of them.”

These lessons were passed down from father to son, and Jerry sees similar and reinforcing examples throughout the community. He adds that in Newton, “Everybody knows everybody, which really helps you out. It’s a good place to raise your kids. We’ve got a wonderful school district. I mean, it’s just—it’s a small town with hometown pride. Everybody watches out for everybody. If somebody needs something, they’ll help them.”

Jerry and his wife, Vicki, proudly continue the family legacy, having purchased Jasper Clothiers from his parents in 1989. Now a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business, the store is a testament to the Rubsam’s commitment to providing a wide range of quality, modern clothing brands while maintaining the charm of an old-time, small-town store.

Jerry remembers years prior when the town square was vibrant, filled with rows of dime stores, furniture stores, hardware stores, and jewelry stores. He sees the change as both a blessing and a curse. While people sometimes have to drive to get what they need, he meets first-time customers who express visible relief and gratitude, noting that he’s the only person within 25 miles who has what they were searching for in stock.

“It’s been many years for a men’s clothing store to be open in the same location,” says Jerry. “A lot of people come in and ask, how long have you been here? I’ll tell them I’ve been here for forty-nine years, and they’re like, wow. Then I start telling them a bit of the full history, and they’re impressed.”

As we chat, I notice the store has a unique, nostalgic smell. Struggling to describe it, I ask Jerry. He smiles knowingly and explains that it’s a common topic of conversation, often referenced by older customers who have memories of simpler times when brick-and-mortar, mom-and-pop stores were the norm in our community. Turns out, it’s just the small of new clothing, the fabrics, belt, glove, and shoe leather, the rubber soles of boots and a cacophony of memories they all conjure. I think to myself, then say aloud, “You don’t get that with Amazon!” “True enough,” Jerry smiles.

Over the years, countless customers have commented on the store’s uncanny ability to transport them back to their childhood memories. Jerry shakes his head and admits that after decades of opening the doors every day, he no longer notices the smell, but loves his store’s ability to help others reminisce. After one hundred thirty years in business, Jerry has thirdgeneration customers visiting his store with their grandchildren, who are always quick to remember.

“It’s because of the generations,” says Jerry. “I’ve seen kids come in for prom tuxedos; then they’re coming back for wedding tuxedos. Next, they’re coming in carrying infants in car seats! Then those kids are coming in for tuxedos, and the next thing you know, the next generation is coming in to get married. And I’m like, I’m getting old.”

Jerry finishes our conversation with one last piece of wisdom. While it’s meant for Newton’s younger generations, it’s great advice for anyone, regardless of circumstance. Jerry’s recommendation is to follow your heart.

After decades of prospering and with no sign of slowing down, Jerry says, “If you have an interest, if you have something that really grabs you by the tail, something you want to do, go for it. Don’t let someone else direct you. Don’t let them tell you, well, you really need to do this. No. Because you’re not going to be happy.”

“Find something that makes you happy and work with it. It’ll take you in the right direction. And if it doesn’t, then you go to plan B. But always start with plan A.”