Schuler Shoes, the oldest family-owned and operated shoe retailer west of the Mississippi, is a surprising success story. Now one of the top independent shoe retailers in the country by sales volume, the company recovered from near bankruptcy to grow and thrive during an era when the majority of the country’s independent shoe retailers went out of business. This growth has been built on the foundations of measuring feet in detail, spectacular customer service, depth of inventory, a conservative financial approach, and taking care of employees..

John Schuler took over Schuler Shoes in 1973, when Big Box stores and enclosed shopping malls were driving many small retailers out of business. After facing bankruptcy in the late ‘70s, he helmed a turn-around which led to rapid growth into the 21st century, increasing sales by a factor of fifty. Along the way, Schuler also established several initiatives focused on giving back to the community. This is his first book.