It's a Family Affair
The tradition and heritage of the Western retailer runs deep. When it came to finding our first partners to supply Tecovas boots and apparel, we knew that longstanding businesses with family ties were where we wanted to be. Why? Because nothing is more welcoming than family.
We could not be more proud to partner with these fine establishments—and we’re grateful for the many other respected retailers who bring Tecovas to customers across the country. We asked four of our partners to share a little bit about their businesses and stories. And we learned folks really love The Doc along the way.
Crossville, TN
Over a century ago, Cliff Walker opened a little shoe store on Main Street in the small town of Crossville, TN. In 1935, Esby French came to work for Walker and became so committed to the business he encouraged is five sons to join him at work. His son Tommy eventually purchased the store from Walker in 1972.
Four generations later, French’s has 15 locations across Tennessee and Northern Alabama.
What’s a fun fact about French’s history?
Tommy French was only 12 years old when began shining shoes. His strong work ethic and passion for getting to know everyone that came into the store made him a natural fit for a career in the shoe business. He had a knack for remembering customers by name and an ability to recall the shoe size and favorite styles of his customers.
At 20 years old, Tommy became the youngest person to manage Mr. Walker’s store. And he was just 30 when he purchased the store from Mr. Walker in 1972.
What would you like folks to know when they walk in?
We pride ourselves on giving best-in-class customer service with everyday fair pricing. We never want our customers to feel as if they are being pushed to buy something they do not want and we want them to know they are always paying a fair price with no tourist markups.
What's been a best seller?
Style 10031-TAN has been our top seller. Yep, that’s The Doc.
Charlotte, NC
Sidney Levin founded Lebo’s in 1923, in uptown Charlotte. The name "Lebo's" is a shortened version of his wife’s maiden name, Lebowitz. The store's name and reputation quickly caught on, and the family business was born.
In 1952, Sidney’s son Jerry, who is now 101 years old — expanded the brand by adding a dancewear department in response to customer requests for tap and ballet shoes. By the 1970s, Lebo’s had expanded its offering to include Western and workwear, also driven by customer demand.
Today, Sidney’s son-in-law Mark, and his children Brian and Tracy bring modern expertise to a business that is thriving across greater Charlotte and online.
What’s been a surprising challenge?
With 102 years in business, we have weathered many challenging times. From the Great Depression to COVID, each generation has been able to overcome these challenges by listening to customer's needs and pivoting to prioritize them.
Our company moto is, "Customers always comes First." And that has stood the test of time.
What would you like folks to know when they walk in?
We provide a full-service experience to our customers by selecting and purchasing only the best brands of fashionable, unique, and comfortable footwear for the whole family. The brands we carry set us apart, but the dynamic between our salespeople and our customers is what we pride ourselves on.
What’s been a best seller?
The Annie in Natural suede and The Doc in Gravel suede.
Tampa, FL
Founded in the 1960’s, Russell’s as it is owned today was inherited by Henry Meister in 1992 when his friend passed away. Since then, three generations have worked in the store. Henry’s grandson, Scott started working in the store at 13, sweeping floors, writing sales tickets, and taking on every responsibility his grandfather would bestow on him. So it was fitting that Scott took over when Henry passed in 2006, and he has continued to honor the family legacy every since.
Today, Scott with the help of his family have expanded Russell’s throughout the state of Florida, where they continue to proudly serve boot-lovers all over the contiguous United States through their online store Russells.com.
What would you like folks to know when they come in?
We want people to know that our goal isn’t just to make a sale, it’s to create a real connection. When you walk into Russell’s, we want you to feel welcomed, supported, and part of the community we’ve been serving for generations.
We’re here to help you find what feels right, not to rush you through a transaction. We work hard to understand our customer, both on the sales floor and behind the scenes.
What’s been a surprising challenge?
One challenge we’ve faced is the rise of big-box and chain retail stores for boots. As national chains have expanded and Western wear has become more mass-produced, Russell’s has chosen a different path. We stayed local, personal, and rooted in the community.
What's been a best seller?
The Doc in Cafe goat.
Bastrop, TX
Founded in 2010, The Texas Boot Company began with Marc and Shelly Conselman's dream to pursue something they love by providing authentic styles, superb quality, and comfortable fitting western wear at a fair price.
Marc's family has been in the boot business since 1965, when his grandfather opened a western wear store in Grand Prairie, Texas. Initially Marc took a very different path, one that would have him wearing combat boots instead of western boots, but when he decided to join his family in the boot business, he knew it was a perfect fit.
Located in a small town outside Austin, the Conselmans know they have to continually find ways to make The Texas Boot Company experience special enough for folks to make the drive, and if you ask them, its working out pretty well.
What Made You Want to Open a Western Wear Store?
I've always loved boots. My family has been in the Western wear business since the early 1960's. After my military service, I worked in a few corporate roles that had me on the road a lot. I really craved the opportunity to put down some roots and dreamed of opening a store that was an anchor in the community.
So, in 2010, we started out with a little cash and a lot of hopes and dreams. At that time, we did not even have shelves on the sales floor, we just used the boxes for shelves. But over the last 15 years, we've doubled the size of the store and have really become a destination for Cowboy Boots. We are really proud of the team we've put together and the level of service they offer!
What’s been a surprising challenge?
Our first year, the Bastrop community experienced the largest wildfires in Texas history, and that was certainly a challenge for the community, as well as our store.
In our 15 years, we have faced down 'the Retail Apocalypse' with the advent of the online world, and certainly COVID was a challenge, too. Each challenge teaches its own lessons, and we're proud of the curated products we offer and our ability to inspire our customer's sense of style by seeing how all the products come together to create the look they want.
What’s been a best seller?
The Doc in Gravel is a customer favorite and has really resonated with our base.
