Long ago, in a galaxy right here, one very brave man accidentally started shining shoes. Since it proved to be so interesting and entertaining he found some fellow accidents waiting to happen and recruited them. Kevin Tuohy, Tommy Daly, Seamus McDonaugh and Lara Krisst started shining shoes at conventions and special events in 1996. April 1st (no foolin’) 1999 “A Shoeshine and Company” made its debut in the Crocker Galleria at 50 Post St in downtown San Francisco with Kevin as its sole proprietor. Within a few months one of the shiners Rachel (Petty) Leamy joined Kevin as a partner. They had a long term affiliation in a mutual passion for sobriety, both being recovered alcoholics. They saw in their little shoeshine stand the potential to provide employment to others like themselves; recovered alcoholics who are entertaining, fun loving and experienced in customer service. Shoeshining proving to be the new foodservice for these fellows, not including alcohol! How perfect!
In 2001, we opened at the 555 California Building with Meghan Scanlon at the helm. With her professionalism paired with girlish charm the new stand brought customers galore. We were doing so well, we opened at the end of the year in the Russ Building with full service shoe repair. The San Francisco Giants knew their luxury suites would not be complete without our bedazzlement, so in 2002 we set up courtesy of the Giants at day games offering complimentary shines to their suiteholders. In 2003 we opened in Macy’s Men’s store. Oakland’s downtown building project needed new life and some polish so 2005 brought us to Frank Ogawa plaza with a newspaper stand and gift shop to accompany our shines.
We have 4 locations where you can sit and receive the best shoeshine in the world (possibly universe but that is as yet unexplored). You can drop off shoes, briefcases, purses, jackets, belts or any other leather item for repairs or reconditioning. Our shiners are trained on a reality show that hasn't been aired yet called "you're hired." They undergo an intensive 4 week blunderfest where we present them with every shoe problem you could ever imagine and they have to shine their way out of peril. Sometimes we hold family members for ransom, or we make them marry each other, but either way its really funny and in the end we tell them that the whole million dollar thing is a hoax but if they want a job with us they can have one.
It's surprising but after all we've been through together after the 4 weeks they usually opt to stay on. Donald Trump stole the whole "your fired" thing so we just have to keep opening up more shops as the laugh riot continues. With such high stakes, the shiners develop a truly miraculous shine, and our customers get to laugh along in our every day reality show. You can view our shine online.
