
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny
Al Torres
Oct. 8, 2024
Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER
How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.
Whom do you credit? MP: I guess I could say that retail is in my blood. My grandfathers on both sides owned men’s clothing stores and my dad opened M PENNER in 1974, so a great deal of credit goes to them. Dad had incredible vision and created a unique niche in Houston’s menswear landscape in the mid 1970’s by focusing on European fashion brands and styles. He quickly became known as a maverick in the industry, bucking the predominantly “American brand trend” of the time. A great deal of credit also goes to the people who work with us, from the sales team to the tailor shop. I also credit Karen and my son, Jeremy, whose dedication keeps us grounded and focused.
What is it like running a family-owned business? Chaos. But seriously, through ups and downs, for us, it’s the best of the best. We get to set the tone and define the culture of the business. Our employees are our family and we treat our clients like family, too. There is a noticeable warmth that permeates the atmosphere at M PENNER and we love that. When you run a family owned business, the bottom line is clear - the buck stops with us.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? While running a family business certainly can be chaotic, the truth is that it is also very gratifying. And that’s because we have learned a few important lessons. Have clearly defined roles and be clear about who makes the final decision. Find your niche in the market and stay in your lane. Clarify your goals and refer to them repeatedly to stay on track. Hire great people; trust them and let them shine. Stash the cash - in our 50-year history, there have been great years and there have been tough years. Keep enough money in the bank to help get through the tough years. Pay attention to the details. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What is your biggest accomplishment? MP: It goes backwards and it goes forwards - being in business for 50 years and carrying on the legacy of my dad’s vision and now working with my son in the store. Being known in the men’s specialty store industry as one of the best stores in the country is extremely gratifying. We can’t wait to celebrate our 50th in December!
Keep Reading
Show less
Escape to Europe Without Leaving Houston: Heights & Co. Hosts Al Fresco Wine & Movie Nights
Apr. 4, 2025
The patio at Heights & Co.
IT'S ALMOST TIME for summer vacations, but Heights & Co. is offering escapes on its newly redecorated patio in the form of wine and movie nights — no passport needed! Visit France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and more through wine pairings and tasting menus, all complemented by movies set in each location.
The next destination is France on April 9, featuring the movie Ratatouille and a tasting menu that includes Lyonnaise Salad, Duck Confit, and White Fish Provençal. Other movies include Under the Tuscan Sun on April 23, My Big Fat Greek Wedding on May 8, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on May 15, and Clueless on May 29!
The Heights cocktail bar has partnered with EveryWine, a wine club and tasting room that opened during COVID, to select the wine pairings. Each event begins with a complimentary welcome cocktail — also themed to the movie! — and time to mingle before the movie starts at 7:30 PM. As a sweet touch, a S’mores Board will be available as a standing dessert offering at every event.
“As with all of our events at Heights & Co., our goal with Vacation by the Glass & Co. is to transport our guests with a sensory experience—great wine provided by our friends at EveryWine, delicious food, and a classic film to match the theme,” said Brian Doke, owner of Heights & Co. “It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a little escape without leaving Houston.”
Tickets are priced at $35 per person, covering the curated wine selection and welcome cocktail. Food will be available for purchase separately on the night of the event.
Keep Reading
Show less
All That Jazz: With ‘Moonlight’ Theme, Mercury Mixes Up Musical Medley, Goes Glam for 2025 Gala
Jacob Power
Mar. 31, 2025
Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk
BLAME IT ON the Moon! Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 gala at the Thompson hotel — themed “Moonlight Serenade and chaired by Ally Shell and Martijn Van Koolwijk — was a night of glamour and big band vibes, raising more than $350,000 for the company.
“The event featured a spectacular night of live music, exquisite dining and generous philanthropy,” said a rep for the orchestra. “Mercury musicians, along with performers from Houston Jazz Orchestra, delighted the crowd with a unique fusion of classical and jazz influences, bringing fresh energy to the orchestra’s signature style.” The theme was a nod to Glenn Miller’s iconic “Moonlight Serenade.”
Johnny Bravo led the auction, scoring big bucks for items such as golfing adventures and a fabulous Mexico getaway. A yellow gold necklace with diamonds and yellow beads was raffled off.
“This year’s gala was a true testament to the power of music to unite and inspire,” said Antoine Plante, Artistic Director of Mercury.
Bucks raised at the posh affair will support Mercury’s concerts, community engagement programs, and educational initiatives, which reach thousands of students across the Greater Houston area each year, Mercury says.
Jen Grigsby, Kimberly Rawlins, Anna Winter, Vanessa Weeke and Sherry Weiner
Shane and Marissa Gilroy
Antoine Plante
Kim Padgett, Sarah Leftwich and Donae Chramosta
Mary Foster and Don DeSimone
Brian Ritter, Steve Barth, June Barth and Antoine Plante
From Your Site Articles
- Mercury Orchestra Blasts Off, with Fun Retro-Space-Age Gala and Supporters Like Lynn Wyatt ›
- Lynn Wyatt and Elton John Ditties Among Highlights at Mercury’s First-Ever Opening Night Dinner ›
- 'Arabian Night' Christens Thompson Hotel, Breaks Fundraising Record for Mercury Orchestra ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less