Early in my finance career, when the loss of some local business to the “experts from out-of-town” was visibly gnawing at me, one of my mentors said, “Paul, don’t let it bug you so much. It’s just business. It’s not personal.” For better and for worse (mostly better), I’ve never been able to follow that advice. To me, business involves people and people are what it’s all about in life – so it has to be personal. I’ve always believed in taking a personal approach to business, particularly when it comes to management and customer relationships.

So, when one of our biggest supporters in the web-community AskAndyAboutClothes.com asked to see us make a pair of shoes for him -- I jumped at the chance. When he asked to bring his young son along for the experience, I was doubly enthusiastic. Our guest, Gerard Toohey, who drove up from Chicago for the tour, turned out also to be an excellent writer as well as a big fan of our shoes. He chronicled his time in Port Washington better than we ever could have anticipated. If you’re at all interested in how shoes are made, I encourage you to click here to read Gerard’s terrific web journal.

Gerard seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people. Over 8500 people have logged-on to the “thread” and experienced Gerard’s photos and writing. For many Allen Edmonds customers, their shoes are highly personal and the reasons they purchased them are as varied as our many styles. They may wear AE shoes because the superior fit has a custom-made feel or because they remember how their dad or a trusted mentor may have unforgettably introduced them to AE. Wearing Allen Edmonds shoes may be a part of their professional image, or they may have a special pair that they bought for their wedding day and still enjoy after years of wear and a few recraftings. For some it’s just the value found in supporting a great American product with an authentic and rich American heritage.

That day with Gerard was a real business highlight for several of us here at the plant. We enjoyed having the two of them here as much or more than he and his son enjoyed the visit, I’m sure. Having only interacted with him via email before the visit, it was great to put a face, a life story and a name together. He’s a good man and now a friend. It may be business, but it’s definitely personal.

Best wishes,


Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

The Fourth of July

The "Fourth of July” and “Made in the USA” are two weighty phrases for Americans. I’m a bit of a history fanatic, and in the past couple of years I’ve read some of the outstanding newer books about the founding of our country and its early years. Among the slow-moving pile on the nightstand, David McCullough’s John Adams and his 1776 have both offered fascinating revelations about how the United States of America came into being, guided often miraculously by Providence. In addition to the horrific wars fought, lives lost, twists of fate, sudden changes in weather and heroic feats that created our country and then, ever since, defended it, I find it also amazing to read of the learned debates, the personal perseverance and the incredible wisdom that were required to create a nation so well worth preserving.

American industrial achievement is also a huge factor in our history. Like so many of you, I’m stunned by the number of great U.S. manufacturing companies that no longer actually manufacture anything in the U.S. We all understand the cost advantages of low-wage countries, but we also know that there’s much more than low wages that go into being successful in business. Creativity, ingenuity, commitment to excellence, common employee dedication and, most important, listening and delivering what customers want and need are what drive success. That’s what we’re all about at Allen Edmonds today. While 90% of all shoes bought in America are imported, we still offer Made in the USA. We intend to continue earning our customers’ faith and support by delivering what they want and need – authenticity, superior value, long-lasting quality, diverse product offerings and excellent styling.

Don’t you sometimes wonder what Washington, Adams and Jefferson would think if they could see the USA now? I’m sure they’d be immensely proud of American successes over the 12 generations since those scorching summer debates in Philadelphia. They would indeed see the “shining city on a hill” that has done so much to advance humankind in that time frame, and they wouldn’t expect anything like perfection. But I think they’d look at our economy today and want to give us a good swift kick.

We feel that kick here at Allen Edmonds. We greatly appreciate the guidance and support of our customers, who are the whole reason we’re here. To them, our suppliers, our other business partners, our communities and our employees…Happy Fourth of July! and Thank You! for your dedication. We are so fortunate to live in this country.

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend!

Best wishes,


Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation