The Grump

A warm, friendly, grumpy hello to everyone! I'm a Coney Island resident since 1982... and yes, hurricanes do cause lotsa damage in this part of Brooklyn. In fact, we're still rebuilding from the Sandy floods.

Excited to be joining the Etsy community!

Some years ago on a trip to beautiful Arizona I fell in love with cowboy boots. In those days I traveled a lot, I started buying a pair every time I went West. Then summer came, and I quickly realized that NYC is no place for tall boots when you're walking in humid 95 degree streets or waiting for a train in a steamy subway station.

Fuhgeddboudit! I was amazed that no one had anything for guys in the summer.... women have mules, sexy little open boots, and they can wear them in a cute skirt... dudes just have boots and jeans. So I designed a pair, then another, and had them made. Fast forward a few years, and now I'm making my own.

I have degrees in engineering and fine art and for years I worked in those fields, both in New York and in Europe. But I cannot tell you how amazing it has been to finally find my passion at my age (in my 40s). And so much more amazing that it's expanding, getting bigger, more interesting, more challenging and I love it more and more every day. I only regret that I didn't learn this 30 years ago. But I'm really excited to share this with you, and all who are interested. I also feel incredibly lucky that my wonderful wife is so supportive, but I still can't get her into the shop to try some hands-on stuff... maybe soon.

One of my favorite things, is the pride I have in offering a product that is made in the USA. In fact, every single thing I sell is made with my own hands in my shop in Brooklyn.

In addition to footwear I make fun accessories, which I plan to post here little by little. I love working with people so would love feedback!

My favorite activity these days is to hang out with my toddler boy... especially when he's not too grumpy... I wonder where he gets that from...?? In this global sweatshop environment, I would love to one day teach my kid a skill that he can use here, in the USA, and hopefully make an honest living at it.

So, being new to Etsy, I look forward to learning this process better. Any hints, comments and advice are very welcome.

Thanks for your interest and please be in touch.