Our next trip is to Savannah, GA, so here's a wholesome Savannah story!
Wilbert Boyce, 78, known to be the last shoe shiner in Savannah, GA finally retired in September. The end of an era...
Wilbert shined shoes at the Barber Pole, a local Savannah barber shop for 25 years!
That's CRAZY to think about... I was in the womb then!
His passion for shoe shining arose when he was just 15 years old. Wilbert stated, "I walked by one day and saw the shoe shine stand (at Barber Pole). And I came in and asked if anybody was shining shoes. Wasn't nobody shining the shoes. So, he gave me the job."
Oh to look for work in a time where you don't need resumes or cover letters. Must be nice!
Business has declined for shoe shiners over the last decade, especially as we've transitioned to more casual looks. But, what hasn't declined is Wilbert's dedication to his craft.
To be so passionate like Wilbert is something we should aspire to be like. He was always there, in the shop, ready to go...even if he went days without a single customer.
And that passion combined with his expertise was a key to him staying in business for so long. He was able to build enough customer loyalty, even working alongside Van Johnson, the mayor of Savannah, to create a $100/year deal for unlimited shines.
Wilbert, you are an absolute inspiration and we wish you the best of luck with retirement. We'll be in Savannah in November and hope to get the chance to talk!
Full article here
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