Michael Jordan Helps Entrepreneur’s Dream Unfold

Not everyone gets to have their dream come true but that is what will happen for Angelo Turcanu of Highland Park next month.

That is when Turcanu opens Defining Moments, a business he describes as a “sneaker boutique,” on First Street just north of Central Avenue. One thing unique about how his dream began is the inspiration he got from his grandfather and former Chicago Bulls’ Hall of Famer Michael Jordan when he was 6.

“My granddad bought me my first pair of Air Jordans when I was a kid,” Turcanu said. “He took me back each time a new pair came out and bought it for me.” He has been enthralled with basketball and athletic shoes ever since. He also loves retailing.

After experiencing the joy of both sports and the items that go with it, Turcanu wants to help other youngsters—and adults—experience the same feeling. “It’s been my dream to own a store,” he said.

Turcanu also has a definite idea about how to merchandise his new shop which will carry not only shoes but apparel like T-shirts, jerseys and hats which are designed to go with the footwear. He wants to be the first to have the latest shoe and the clothing to go with it.

“Kids want to be like the next superstar,” Turcanu said referring to athletes like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and the Chicago Bulls’ Derek Rose. “When the shoe is ready we want have the shoe.”

Not wanting to stop with shoes, Turcanu plans to have shirts, jerseys and hats designed to go with the shoes. “See this,” he said pointing to a shirt hanging in the store he plans to open in October. “It was made to go with the shoes,” he added referring to merchandise related to James.

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