Luis Rodriguez is quick with his hands as he replaces the sole of a man’s leather Oxford shoe. Filling his workspace are shoes that he has repaired or polished. These are shoes that will last many more years.

“I think it’s important for people to think twice before throwing out their shoes because the heel cap broke off or the soles have worn out,” Rodriguez said. “Some people think it’s impossible to repair, but it’s possible.”

Rodriguez—or “The Shoe Guy” as he calls himself—owns Shoe Care Center in Frisco. He has been in the shoe repair business for nearly 30 years.

Since he was 16, Rodriguez—who is originally from Hidalgo, Mexico—said he has worked in different shoe repair shops learning from shoe repairmen from countries such as Italy, Peru and Korea.

In his late 20s, Rodriguez started working at Shoe Care Center, an already established business in Plano. Several years later, Rodriguez bought the business and has owned the Plano store for 17 years. Seven years ago, he opened a Frisco location at Stonebriar Centre, which he recently moved to Frisco Village shopping center near Lebanon Road.

He also brought his family into the business. His right-hand man is his son Luis Jr.

Luis Jr., 21, has helped out at the shop since he was a child by working the cash register or cleaning. As he continued to work with his father, he said he developed a passion for working with leather.

Luis Jr. is a student at the University of North Texas studying business management. He works part time at the shop.

Rodriguez’s wife helps with the bookkeeping, and his daughter helps create the shop logo designs.

“I came to this country for a better future for my family, and they’ve continued to support me,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve never been without a job, and that’s why I chose this craft: because it’s something the whole world will always continue to need.”

Shoe Care Center 4760 Preston Road, Ste. 248 972-377-1850 www.shoecarecenters.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sun.