T. Don's Shoe & Saddle Repair Shop

After West died in April 2002, Hughes said he convinced West's son, Terry Don West, to keep the business open.

"We agreed that I would run the shop and [Terry Don] West would receive a percentage of the profits," he said.

Today Hughes continues to make knife scabbards, but the shop also offers repairs on jackets, wallets, boots, saddles, purses and shoes.

In addition to repairs, the store also purchases used saddles and boots to resell.

Barbara Rodriguez, who has worked at the shop for more than eight months, said Hughes is now teaching her how to stitch elastic on high heels, but the process is slow.

"I mean, it's the miracles that he does on the stuff he's repaired," Rodriguez said. "I wish I could do that."

Hughes said it could take about five years for Rodriguez to gain confidence in repairing shoes.

Although he's worked at the store in Georgetown for more than 16 years, his lifetime of leatherwork is a family trade. Hughes began learning the craft from his father in Kempner, Texas, more than 40 years ago.

"The last thing I ever wanted to be was a shoe repair man," he said. "But I could work for my dad, I could rodeo and go to livestock sales."

His work allowed him to compete in bull riding from 1968 to 1980. He walked away from the sport with a belt buckle—a prize given to rodeo winners—from Mason, Texas, and no serious injuries.

"I was knocked out a few times, but that's about it," he said.

The store doesn't advertise, have a Twitter account or even own a computer. Business is based on reputation.

"Our business is better than it's ever been," Hughes said. "Repair businesses are always good when the economy's bad."

In the future, he is looking to pass the business on to a younger man.

"I'm just waiting for retirement, I don't know," he said. "When I get to be 62, I'll figure it out, but I'll probably never close."

T. Don's Shoe & Saddle Repair Shop, 2803 Williams Drive, Ste. 103, 863-5918