EVERETT - Everett Shoe Sales and Repair is the sole survivor in Bedford County.
"When we opened in 1980, there were five shoe repair shops in Bedford County, and we are the only one left," said Don Sylvester, who owns the 18 E. Main St. business with his wife, Ruth.
Sylvester started his shoe repair business in the old Konard building but has been at the present location since 1984.
Ruth joined the business, and the Sylvesters added shoe sales in 1982. Today they offer national brands such as Naturalizer, Hush Puppies and Red Wing, as well as P.W. Minor orthopedic shoes.
Sylvester, who was employed as assistant vice president and senior loan officer at First National Bank of Everett, was looking for a second source of income so he opened the repair shop.
"I thought this would be something different and a challenge," said Sylvester, who learned the trade from Ross Cerra, whose Bedford shoe repair business closed about 15 years ago.
While the other shoe repair shops fell by the wayside, Sylvester's shop prospered.
"We pride ourselves in doing quality work, and we lean towards shoe restoration. When someone brings in their shoes to us, we fix them and preserve them," Sylvester said. "We try to give customers back a product they can wear with pride."
Sylvester said shoe repairs make up about 30 to 40 percent of their business.
"In economic times like these, it is higher because people can't afford to buy," Sylvester said. "Tough economic times can be beneficial to the shoe repair man."
While Don Sylvester handles the shoe repairs, Ruth and Grace Barton take care of the daily business operations. Don also is a financial adviser and runs D.H. Sylvester Financial Services.
"We fix purses, we have done boat covers, saddle bags and motorcycle gear," Ruth Sylvester said. "I do anything I can do with a little stitcher. I don't go near the sole stitcher."
"We do make some custom leather products, but the demand is not as great," Don Sylvester said.
He said he is optimistic about the future of the business.
"We don't have as much repair work as we had in the past, but there will always be a market for shoe repair. People are still willing to buy good footwear," he said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.
