Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce and Brett Teilhaber.
Bruce moved to Atlanta in 1957 from Brooklyn – he married Davida Friedman and went to work for his father in law Phil Friedman. He purchased the store in 1972 from his father in law. The store had 6 shoe repairman and sold factory blem’s and used shoes while operating from 2 floors @ 209 Mitchell St.
Bruce was convinced that superior service and offering the best price in town would be part of the recipe for a business that he could share with his family members for many years to come. In the late 70’s he started developing what would be the store’s niche by being one of the first in the shoe business to cultivate sizes over 13 for men. In the late 70’s he experimented with sizes 14 and 15 to fit the Ga Tech football players that were having a tough time finding shoes; by the 80’s Friedman’s was carrying up to size 22 and servicing the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball players. Friedman’s expanded to operating out of 4 floors and purchased the building which spans from 201 to 209 Mitchell St.
By the early 90’s Bruce was in business with all 4 sons – Dean Teilhaber was in charge of the Ladies business; Randy, Lane and Brett help manage the Men’s side with Lane taking over the sales floor, Randy designing the latest and greatest men’s styles and Brett spearheading both the catalog and internet business.
He has kept Friedman’s Shoes in the same location as it started 79 years ago and continues to grow Friedman’s brand via the internet – www.largefeet.com – and mail by sending a full 24 page color catalog to his customers located throughout the United States and Europe.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As in all businesses there are good and bad times; Friedman’s Shoes suffered from the economic blow in the 80’s that resulted from the housing crises. The banks who caused the issue in the first place decided that all money lines to small businesses be transformed into loans so they could prove the United States government that they were limiting their liability. Friedman’s Shoes had gone from being able to purchase as many shoes as they ever wanted (millions) to now having to pay off all money lines with vendors and banks.
The dollar was quickly loosing value to the euro through the late 80’s – early 90’s which turned shoe prices sky rocketing. A beautiful handswen Alligator shoe that used to sell for $550.00 was now almost double to $950.00. This rocked the shoe business as a whole and Friedman’s was included in the sudden dollar turnaround making it a death sentence for those that purchased too much inventory.
All 4 sons and Bruce tightened their belts and did what needed to be done – worked more days for less pay and getting rid of all extra’s including staff. After a decade of surviving tough times Friedman’s expanded into warehousing shoes for companies around 2010; expanded their catalog and internet presence and thus began to
flourish once again as the leader in both the Men’s and Ladies shoe markets.
Friedman’s Shoes – Largefeet.com – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Friedman’s Shoes is a family owned and operated business that treats every customer like they were a superstar athlete. Friedman’s sells ladies shoes from sizes 8-14 and men’s sizes from 7 to 22. We specialize in men’s sizes 14 to 22 making Friedman’s Shoes the place where both professional athletes shop as well as local’s shop to find quality, fashionable shoes they are proud to wear.
Bruce is most proud of his legacy to bring his name both honor and respect which yields his 4 son’s the unbelievable opportunity to grow and flourish its business. As of 2017 most independent shoe stores have gone to clothing or out of business altogether.
Friedman’s is unusually lucky to have a management team that all have the same last name and during any day the store is open one or more will be on location to meet, greet and wait on customers’. Having expert knowledge of the product and fitting is what separates Friedman’s Shoes from other stores. Friedman’s is also one of few independent shoe stores that operates a brick and mortar, catalog and internet site.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by how happy both my family and employees are – I am proud that most of my staff has been here for over 30 years.
Pricing:
- Men’ shoes from $25-$1200
- Ladies shoes from $40-$350
Contact Info:
- Address: 209 Mitchell St
Atlanta, GA 30303 - Website: www.largefeet.com
- Phone: 404-524-1311
- Email: support@largefeet.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LargeFeet/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @menlargefeet
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/friedmans-shoes-atlanta
- Other: www.friedmansshoes.com
Image Credit:
Shaquille O’Neal, Randy, Lane, Dean, Brett, Murray Teilhaber; Hawks Cheer Team
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