Circles of Change: Conversations with Dr. Zara Larsen
on Change Leadership and Career Fulfillment
January 28, 2009
“If the Boot Fits, Wear It”
Guest: John Gilbert
Anchoring Points:
- At age 15, I began selling women’s shoes at the first Nordstrom’s store in Seattle, launching a now 40 year career in retailing that led me coast to coast and internationally to work with incredibly talented people. The key is in your work ethic – not just wanting rewards from minimal effort or entitlement.
- In 1972, I started Jonathan Expensive Feminine Footwear in a small, off-the-beaten spot in Redondo Beach, CA, growing it to a five-store, $5 million business. Don’t be afraid to tap on your intuition or spontaneous spirit, but in absence of life experience or research, you can put yourself at risk.
- J. Gilbert Footwear was started in 1989 in Seattle and a second store in Tucson in 2002 to carry fashionable, comfortable footwear for men and women. Our greatest asset is our staff focused on customer service, plus we have the largest selection of unique boots in the country and a unique mix of women’s shoes, handbags and clothing from high quality European designers – lifestyle and fashion lines.
- We added a separate boutique in partnership with top artisans from Lucchese, the iconic name in cowboy boots since 1883. The benchmark boot, Americana, pride in craftsmanship from the pinnacle-of-the-industry factory workers in El Paso, Texas.
- Experimenting with Lucchese to customize a wide range of boots to develop our own style and touch broader market with wardrobe versatility. Special Italian lining, glove leathers, exotic rugged skins, hand tooled and different heels to take on a different look – it’s like wearable art, collectors’ items.
- People are surprised by the comfort and great fit of cowboy boots, the variety of styles. The most beautiful boots are the most well worn, breaking them into the right fit for the owner.
- Our customers are from around the US, with a strong draw from the local resorts and health spas and repeat business from visiting Europeans. We thus carry an interesting collection of multi-season shoes and clothing.
- The Lucchese Trunk Shows spotlight cowboy boots and products you just wouldn’t see elsewhere, with an opportunity to work first hand with representatives to design a collectible boot.
- I learned you can make anything work if you believe in it – and yourself – and don’t be afraid to go against the odds. I have never worked a day in my life, having fun and learning in the process .
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