By Stephanie Antonian Rutherford
The Enquirer
| PORTAGE — Robert Copprue makes a lot of friends in high places — think top executives at Stryker and Kellogg Co. — while shining shoes at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International airport. He says he loves to tell his clients stories and make their days, and loafers, a little bit brighter. How did you get started shining shoes? |
How do you get customers over to your stand?
"Well, you have to catch them when they walk. Say something to catch them. I like to say 'Sir, let me dress 'em up for you,' or 'Let the shoe shine man put a whoopin' on your shoes.' "
Ever have a really slow day?
"In the summer, it's very slow, and people are wearing a lot of sandals, not actual shoes. But in the winter, I stay real busy. People get all kinds of snow and salt and junk on their shoes, and they need sprucing up."
Why is it important to keep your shoes nice?
"In the business world, you have to look presentable. Even your feet. People notice your shoes."
I noticed you have a lot of different polishes; why is that?
"These are all different colors, you see. My most popular is black and dark brown for dress shoes. But I have blue, purples, reds — for the ladies shoes. I also have white, because I shine a lot of golf shoes."
How much is a good shine?
"Five dollars, plus I get tips. I do a real good job and get them looking like new.
I have to say, I love the money."
What's the best tip you've gotten?
"Well, one man sat in my booth, and you know when you can tell that something is wrong with someone just by the expression on their face? I could tell he had troubles. So, I started telling him some funny stories. Things that would be uplifting to him and got him to smile and start laughing.
"When I was done, he gave me a $20 tip and told me 'You have no idea how you just helped me. Thank you so much'. That made me feel real good, to know that I helped someone feel better about their problems."
So you are a shoe shiner and a therapist? Got any regular customers?
"Well, you know the Stryker CEO John Brown? He used to come every week to get a shoe shine. I guess he took a liking to me because he got me my own new shoe shine stand at the Stryker building, and now I shine shoes there every Monday."
Why do you love your job so much?
"I love meeting new people and I get to do that here everyday. I like to chat with them and tell them stories. I got lots of stories, and I like to hear other people's, too. I believe that everybody has something interesting about them. They all got their own story to tell."
Stephanie Antonian Rutherford is a general assignment reporter. She can be reached at 966-0665 or srutherford@battlecr.gannett.com.
Topman
"Wear your shoes the right way"
http://www.topmanshoes.com
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