MASTER DESIGNER

Kevin A. Koch

At the age of 21, after spending four years sewing band uniforms in a factory, I began my apprenticeship under master tailor Enrique San Juan—known locally as “Henry the Tailor.” Henry had immigrated to the United States around the time of WWII and settled in Goshen in 1956.

Earning his mentorship wasn’t easy. It took a year of persistent inquiries before he finally agreed to take me on. At the time, he said I was already "too old" to start training, and he was "too old to bother with yet another apprentice." But my passion for the craft eventually won him over.

Our relationship lasted 22 years until Henry’s passing in 2004. His knowledge, patience, and dedication to the trade left an indelible mark on me. In the mid-1990s, Henry passed his shears to me, symbolizing my role as his successor. Each time I use them, I am humbled by the responsibility and legacy they represent.



Today, I am honored to carry on this tradition. Working full-time in the studio, I continue to practice my craft and share it with the next generation, preserving the art of tailoring for years to come.