I love how Ken always brings attention to people in the industry who get it right. Probably why Ken and I work so well together because just as Ken is talking about his customer getting it right, I am talking about him getting it right. haha But it’s true…highlighting and bringing together all the good people out there is only going to allow us to get stronger and support each other more and more.  Ken pushes me to keep at it and I push him and the more that network grows, the more we will be able to accomplish. So I would only offer one tiny little peice of advice for Harry and that is to learn to use the internet just enough to read shoebizness.com so he can see that there are plenty of others out there that relate to him and have his same philosophy! haha :) On those down days when we are feeling like we are gonna lose it…having those around us to encourage us is what it’s all about!  -Julia

Is Longevity Lost?

I am in LA as I write this weekly article and my dining partner at lunch yesterday was the inspiration for this weeks article.   Andy Harris (pictured above on right) is a survivor.    His Dad Harry opened the business in 1949 and when he passed away, Andy took over the stores.  

I came out for the show, but thought it would be interesting to have lunch with Andy(whom I have known for many years), and ask him to what he attributes his longevity.   We had long, long, l-o-n-g lunch…one which I will remember for many years to come.

By Andy’s own admission he is not a “tech guy”.   He has no website, no email address and has yet to figure out how to retrieve his messages on his cell phone.   Is it possible to survive in todays viral world without any of these necessities?   I asked Andy to what he owes his success and he listed 5 items in order of importance:

1. Work really hard:  Pay close attention the word “really”! Andy works 7 days a week and he works on the floor.
2. Engage your customers and get to know them on a personal level: People are loyal to business’s that show an interest in you.
3. Be straightforward with your vendors: Andy will offer product suggestions and do what he can to help make you more successful.  He will talk your brand up at shows but he will not talk about you behind your back.
4. Know what the customer wants: You only learn this by working the floor.
5. Stay optimistic:   Sure, the recession has been tough on everyone and Andy has had to make adjustments in his business strategy.   However, he knows that each recession has a recovery and he is planning for that day.

Andy has the same challenges everyone else faces in the industry.   He is loyal in an increasingly disloyal arena,  he always has a smile, a suggestion, or a kind word for his customers, vendors and staff.

I admire Andy’s gumption, fortitude, and attitude.   He does not whine, he does not blame.   He just does it(sorry Nike)!

Ken Proctor
Front Man
Twig Footwear, LLC
Ken@twigfootwear.com
www.twigfootwear.com
501-276-0140