Introduction
Jim Taubenfeld has spent more than three decades building Me Salvé, Inc. into one of Puerto Rico’s recognizable retail chains, growing it from a single concept into a multi-store department store business. Beyond his retail career, he has also become known for significant philanthropic contributions, including a notable donation to USA Basketball.
This article covers Jim Taubenfeld’s career, the growth of Me Salvé, and his broader business and charitable involvement.
Who Is Jim Taubenfeld?
Jim Taubenfeld is an American businessman and attorney who serves as President and CEO of Me Salvé, Inc., a retail company headquartered in Cataño, Puerto Rico. He founded the company in 1994, originally as a web-based clothing and accessories retailer, before growing it into a broader department store concept over the following decades.
He holds a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law and has practiced in corporate, securities, and real estate law alongside his retail business leadership.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Jim Taubenfeld |
| Role | President and CEO, Me Salvé, Inc. |
| Company Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Cataño, Puerto Rico |
| Education | University of Miami School of Law |
| Industry | Retail (apparel, home, beauty) |
Building Me Salvé Into a Retail Force in Puerto Rico
From Web-Based Retailer to Department Store Chain
Jim Taubenfeld founded Me Salvé, Inc. in 1994 as a web-based clothing and accessories retailer. Over the following decades, the company grew significantly, eventually expanding into a roughly 100-store apparel chain across Puerto Rico.
A Major Expansion Into New Concept Stores
Starting in 2019, Me Salvé began an ambitious transformation, converting its traditional apparel stores into larger department store-style locations covering apparel, home goods, and beauty products. The first of these new concept stores opened at Plaza Centro, and by the time of a 2025 interview, the company had already transformed around 40 of its stores under this new model.
This expansion also involved a significant increase in store size, growing from roughly 5,000-square-foot locations to newer stores spanning 8,000 to 20,000 square feet.
Taubenfeld’s Business Philosophy
In discussing Me Salvé’s growth, Jim Taubenfeld has emphasized a commitment to reinvesting in Puerto Rico’s economy, citing consistent hiring and job creation as the company expanded. He has also pointed to the company’s significant in-house manufacturing capabilities as a key differentiator, allowing Me Salvé to maintain everyday low prices that competitors often can’t match, while also introducing recognizable outside brands to broaden its appeal to bargain-conscious shoppers.
Company Growth Table
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company Founded | 1994, as a web-based retailer |
| Store Count | Approximately 100 locations across Puerto Rico |
| New Concept Launch | 2019, starting with the Plaza Centro location |
| Stores Transformed | Approximately 40, as of 2025 |
| New Store Size | 8,000–20,000 square feet (up from ~5,000 sq ft) |
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Beyond his retail business, Jim Taubenfeld has made notable philanthropic contributions. In March 2026, the USA Basketball Foundation announced it had received a $1 million donation from Taubenfeld, reflecting his broader involvement in charitable giving beyond his core business operations.
A Note on Net Worth Estimates
Various online sources have published estimated net worth figures for Jim Taubenfeld, generally citing figures around $5 million, with some estimates ranging as high as $15 million. It’s worth noting that Taubenfeld is a private businessman, and Me Salvé, Inc. does not appear to be a publicly traded company with disclosed financial statements. As with most private business figures, specific net worth estimates circulating online should be treated as unverified approximations rather than confirmed figures.
Why Jim Taubenfeld’s Business Story Stands Out
Several factors help explain his notable business trajectory:
- Long-term commitment to a single market, building and expanding Me Salvé within Puerto Rico for more than 30 years
- A significant retail transformation strategy, converting a traditional apparel chain into a broader department store concept
- A combined legal and business background, bringing formal legal training to his leadership of a growing retail company
- Meaningful philanthropic giving, reflected in his substantial donation to USA Basketball
FAQs About Jim Taubenfeld
1. Who is Jim Taubenfeld? He is the President and CEO of Me Salvé, Inc., a Puerto Rico-based retail company he founded in 1994.
2. What is Me Salvé? Me Salvé is a retail chain based in Cataño, Puerto Rico, that has grown from a web-based apparel retailer into a broader department store concept covering apparel, home, and beauty products.
3. Did Jim Taubenfeld make any notable charitable donations? Yes, in March 2026, he made a $1 million donation to the USA Basketball Foundation.
4. What is Jim Taubenfeld’s educational background? He holds a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.
5. Is Jim Taubenfeld’s net worth publicly confirmed? No, as a private businessman, his exact net worth isn’t officially disclosed. Online estimates vary and should be treated as unverified approximations.
Conclusion
Jim Taubenfeld’s career reflects more than three decades of steady growth in Puerto Rico’s retail sector, transforming Me Salvé from a small web-based apparel business into a significant department store chain. Alongside his business achievements, his philanthropic contributions, including a notable donation to USA Basketball, reflect a broader commitment to community impact beyond retail.
