Our History
While enrolled in The Ohio State University’s MBA program, Nate DeMars was tasked with building a business plan for an entrepreneurship class.
After struggling to find a well-fitting suit and a store he felt comfortable shopping, he decided there was a hole in the marketplace—a retailer offering stylish, affordable suits with approachable advice—and created the idea of a different type of a suit store, an idea that quickly became Pursuit.
A few months after graduating, Pursuit was brought to life by opening a pop-up shop on Ohio State’s Campus. With a strong response from the Columbus community, Pursuit remained in its original location until relocating in the summer of 2015.
Along the way, in 2014, Pursuit launched the Suitmobile, the world’s most unique mobile suit store, which roamed campuses and events around the region. Upon opening the permanent location in the Short North, Pursuit also launched its own line of Pursuit Suits which has now expanded to include Pursuit custom suiting and shirting.
From the original idea to the established business of today, Pursuit has stood as a modern suit store with old-fashioned customer service, passionate about outfitting our customers for life's biggest moments.
About Nate DeMars
Born and raised in Northern Wisconsin, Nate DeMars grew up in a small town of about 8,000 people. His interest in entrepreneurship began at a very young age. Growing up, his father owned a manufacturing company, which ultimately inspired him to study marketing in college. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Nate landed his first corporate sales position and was transferred to Columbus on a job assignment. He was then enrolled in Ohio State’s MBA program, where he was tasked with building a business plan for his entrepreneurship class.
Nate noticed a hole in the marketplace—stylish, affordable suits for college guys and young professional men.
After experiencing poor customer service at a big box suit retailer, Nate knew something could be different. And even though he felt he had already mapped out the next phase of his career in real estate, that was about to change. Seven years in, Nate has established Pursuit in the Short North, offering young professionals an alternative suit shopping experience.