Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Sorrentino.
Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The store has been in my family since 1938. I’m a third generation owner. I’ve spent the last 7 years learning, updating and changing the business operations. I’m now focusing more on industry needs as a whole because the shoe repair industry is very unknown to Americans and therefore close to extinction as immigrant generations aren’t interested or aren’t there to continue the operations.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has been a shortage of workers for over a decade and that gets harder ever year. There is no standardization in the industry, just many personal opinions on how things should be done. Therefore, it’s very difficult to learn the business and know if what you are learning is right. There is no school, license or certification for the industry. It’s an unrecognized trade. But, shoe repair is a beautiful service and so multi-faceted. It’s amazing to see what can be done by an experienced worker who knows how to make good quality decisions.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mont Clare Shoe Repair – what should we know?
Well, this sounds basic but we use a computer where most shops don’t. We have a price list. We service jobs on a first come first serve basis. We allow customers to put a rush on a job if the customer needs it finished by a particular date. All of this makes us much more efficient and organized than most shops.
We strive for three elements in our work, hearts and minds: high quality workmanship, honest communication and equal treatment among workers, customers, suppliers.
We guarantee our workmanship forever.
I personally am learning skills to complete jobs daily, managing the store day to day, training and planning for the continued existence of the trade.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’d have to say the previous owner, my father, who truly loves shoe repair as I do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7181,W Grand Ave.,
Chicago, Il 60707 - Website: Montclareshoerepair.com
- Phone: 773 637 3872
- Email: shoerepairsolutions@gmail.com
- Other: SolelyOrthopedicLifts.com
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