Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodrigo Restrepo.
Hi Rodrigo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 1995, Don began operating the Shoe Mobile – a mobile shoe repair that serviced many businesses in the DMV area. In May of 1996, however, Don opened a brick-and-mortar store at 726 King Street, naming it Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair. Don and Jenny recall fondly the support received from the Old Town community in the early days of their business – a support that has been unceasing through 30 years of business.
Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair began doing contracted work for various businesses in the area in 1997, beginning with Nordstrom. The dedication, precision and fairness of pricing that Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair provides to customers resulted in the business further expanding its client base to many of the area’s favorite performance venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington National Opera, Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, National Theatre DC, Signature Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.
Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair’s customer base continued to grow exponentially in 1998, when they began working with additional retailers, such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bottega Veneta, Bloomingdale’s, Stuart Weitzman, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, and Joan & David. Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair began contracting with many local dry-cleaning companies around this time, as well. Additionally, Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair contracts with various Federal agencies, such as the Coast Guard (c. 1998), Navy (c. 1999), Air Force (c. 2001/2002), and Fort Myer (c. 2007/2008).
Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair moved into its current location at 824 King Street in 2010, moving only one block in its 30 years of business. Don and Jenny frequently express their appreciation for the Old Town community and their customers – both new and returning. They have always been concerned with the happiness and success of their employees, as well, which is evidenced by the fact that most of their employees have been with them for more than 10 years. It is family-owned and -operated businesses like Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair that give Old Town Alexandria its unique personality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road, but with enough hard work and perseverance you find a way to make it work. There were a lot of financial struggles at the start. But with experience you learn to make smarter financial decisions and manage long term goals better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a cobbler by trade and really enjoy the opportunity to create custom work for customers. I receive a lot of business as being a trusted problem solver. If you have a complex project or just want to alter something you already own, come by and we can talk through it. I’m most proud of my work when I can be creative and offer you multiple solutions to your projects.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Customer satisfaction is what matters the most. It is the only reason any customers returns to the shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Donshoe.com
