Appreciation of You

Waikiki

June 30, 2010

Mahalo. Without you, I would not be where I am today. Back in 2000 when I was a bright eyed college student working part time at Xavier Shoes, I had no idea that ten years later I would own my own “Xavier” and have a store on the mainland US in addition to Hawaii. I told the Alden rep at that time, Nate Humble (who is my Alden rep today), that one day I would open a shoe store of my own. He didn’t take me seriously at the time, but four years later he did and the rest is history.

Throughout the past 6 years I’ve come to realize that I don’t love shoes. I like shoes. What I love is the relationships I have made and the enthusiasm for shoes I believe I have sparked in people who didn’t take shoes seriously in the past.

Without taking more of your time, at this time of expansion for my business, reflection on what got me here has really made me realize what was the most important factor involved. The support, friendship, and trust you all have placed in me. For that, I say Mahalo.

– Tom

25 Responses to Appreciation of You

  1. Tom,
    Count me as one of those you inspired! Thank you for introducing me to Alden and all the other fine brands. Most important of all, a big Mahalo for your friendship and patience. More power to Leather Soul!!!

  2. Aloha Tom
    Congratulations on the opening of the new store. I greatly appreciated your outstanding service.
    Mahalo,
    Michael

  3. Tom,

    Congratulations on the new store and the new opportunities to grow. Nearly anyone can make a onetime sale of a product..truly successful people understand its the relationship formed, the trust gained, and the service extended to a customer that seperates you from the rest.

    Your success isn’t deserved, you and your staff earned it!

    Congratulations again and best regards–

  4. Thank you very much Michael.

  5. Tom,

    You sold me my first pair of Aldens (the Ultimate Indy) a little over two years ago and changed my perspective of what a really great shoe ought to be. The three more pairs of shoes you’ve sold me since then speaks highly of your character and willingness to really communicate and care for your customer. All of your success is truly well deserved.

    Congrats on the new location. Can’t wait to shop with you in the future.

    Mahalo,
    Kalani

  6. Kalani,

    Thank you, I appreciate your comment. I’m glad to have turned you on to great shoes. I hope to meet you in person one day soon.

    Aloha,

    Tom

  7. Tom,

    Congratulations. Please post pictures of the store opening when they become available.

  8. Congrats Tom! You and your associates offer unique and quality products with great service. That is a recipe for sucess. Best of luck on the mainland!

  9. Congratulations and mahalo!

  10. Go Tom Go !!!! Congratulations!

  11. Thanks Patrick! I’m going!

  12. Wonderful post Tom. I like your store and service more than the shoes I’ve gotten from you. Here’s to outstanding success for your BH and other future stores.

  13. Thank you Sri. I hope to meet you in person one day.

    Aloha,

    Tom

  14. It was great meeting everyone at LSBH yesterday. Hands down, you guys have the single best shoe shop in Los Angeles, if not the entire mainland. I am very excited about my new Ravello NST Monks!!!

  15. Jeremy,

    Thank you so much for visiting us at LSBH. We were all glad to meet you and also glad we had a Ravello NST Monk Strap in your size! Wear them in good health. Please feel free to contact Bryan anytime you need anything at all.

    Aloha,

    Tom

  16. Will B. (Texas) on

    Tom – thanks for providing such great service – your success is much deserved. When nobody else had the EXACT Alden I wanted you offered to have it made….that is what sets you apart and why I will continue to be a loyal customer. I hope I can actually visit your store one day but it is a long way from Texas!!! I will definitely be checking out the store in BH next time I’m in L.A. Thanks again…

    Will B.
    (Dallas, TX)

  17. Thank you Will! Look forward to meeting you someday soon.

    Aloha,

    Tom

  18. Tom-

    Great meeting you at the BH store – which looks very sharp!

    Hope to see you again soon.

    Take care,

    Rob

  19. Rob,

    Thank you very much! See you again!

    Aloha,

    Tom

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