“Age 47, Co-Owner of Shoehealer. Left School with no formal qualifications. and went straight into work as a vehicle mechanic. No Children, but very happily married to Michelle, who is part of our business too as Shareholder and Director. I am afraid I do not have a close family, although I am sure they are happy that I have always worked, and had reasonable success in whatever type of work I have done. My working life has been varied over the years. 

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU

Looking for a change in direction, I started to spend some time at my Business Partner ‘Antony’ Shoe Repair Shop. I soon started helping out during busy periods, which led to me starting work with him Full Time, and him teaching me how to Repair Shoes. My interest in shoes developed from then on. There is something about English Traditional Shoes, that most often cannot be replicated by others, and they are also ‘Ageless’. Having said that, I also like the ‘Twists’ on these traditional styles that we make with Tricker’s and Sargent. I like to see something ‘different’.

As a Shoe Repairer, frequenting and spending a lot of time at the Factories, and working with customers in our store, and at the Country Shows and Gamefairs we attend. I have a very simple philosophy too. Whatever type of work I have done, I have always aspired to be the best, no matter what. There is always something new to learn, and my approach to customers and business, is one of total honesty and integrity. I answer many questions each day from lots of different customers. Some of these questions I need to research, in order to provide the right and best answer. I am always happy to take the time to do this.

I am always most comfortable in Casual Dress. I wear several of the shoes we keep but my favourite Shoemaker is Alfred Sargent. I wear several of their models including Dalham, Risby and Hand Grade ‘Milton’. I also wear several pairs of Tricker’s, Church’s Loake and Barker. [My facourite maker is] unquestionably Alfred Sargent, but then again I am always honest and I try to judge with an unbiased opinion. Every Shoemaker we work with has in their products ‘Strengths and Weaknesses’. This is that there are some models that arrive in our store, with a keen eye we might think they could be better, should be better, or perhaps they are as good as the need to be, or as good as they can be. We should always remember that our shoes are largely Hand Made and Finished, and because of that there has to be margin for ‘difference’.

My business Partner Antony has been repairing shoes in his own small shop for nearly 30 years. We actually have two shops, but only one carries a vast amount of RTW Shoe stock. 7 1/2 years ago when I joined the company, a Gentleman brought in a high quality pair of shoes for repair. I discussed with Antony where these shoes may have been purchased, and where would he buy another pair should he wish. In our town, and in most other towns there is a distinct lack of very high quality footwear. Our High Streets are flooded with cheap foreign imports, and of course not everyone can afford the finer things in life. As well, we must purchase every pair of shoes that comes into our store, and we never return stock unless it is faulty. We decided to research different brands, for quality and price, as well as canvassing our customers for their thoughts. The reaction from customers was very positive, so we decided on Loake, Tricker’s and Grenson.

We later decided to drop Grenson, and introduced Crockett and Jones, Barker, Church’s, Cheaney and Alfred Sargent to our Brand Line Up. Shoehealer now carries well over 2000 pairs of England’s Finest in our own stock, and we continue to invest. Shoehealer has a very good reputation in our locality for the vast range and quality of products and services on offer. Because of the rarity of some brands and models on the High Street in general, we find customers will ‘search’ for stockists of their favourite footwear, and many will travel considerable distances to visit our store.

Most people appreciate the quality and product on offer in our store, but some still can not comprehend that a pair of shoes can cost in excess of 200gbp. Imagine the shock when we show them some models we have on display that cost in excess of 700gbp ! In the best possible way we try to educate customers, about the quality of Materials and Build, in the differences in Fitting, and the Life Expectancy of a great pair of shoes. My work in store would be so much easier if everyone knew this. Until they do, I am always happy to help and advise. 

Nowadays at home I enjoy to watch a great game of Football, with a nice bottle of Red Wine. I also enjoy good food and cooking with my Wife Michelle. Shopping is also a great way to chill out. I hold a 3rd Degree Black Belt in the Korean Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do, but I haven’t trained for many years now. As much as I would like to return to training, time and energy is a problem.

A young good looking Gentleman came into our store today, wearing a smart pair of Trousers, Nice Shirt and a Neck Tie. His shoes were ‘High Street Rubbish’. In my opinion, and for what it is worth his shoes cancelled pout the rest of his outfit. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Start with the best quality shoes you can afford, and build the rest of the outfit around it. With an expensive pair of shoes, you can get away with an inexpensive outfit. An inexpensive pair of shoes will ‘let down’ and in some ways ‘Devalue’ an outfit.”

http://shoehealer.co.uk/

Picture: © Richard Smith