John Michael began working at a shoe store in eighth grade and hasn’t stopped since.

Michael opened J Michael Shoes in 1983 and more than 30 years later, the store has become a landmark business on Marshall Street for generations of Syracuse University students.

J Michael Shoes hosts a wide range of apparel, jewelry and shoes for both men and women. Located just off the SU campus, the store is popular among students, locals and alumni.

Michael aims to keep his store stocked with the hottest fashion styles for students on campus.

“You got to keep your eyes open so you can spot the trend because we’ve always said, ‘If it’s hot, it’s here,’” he said.

In middle school, Michael said he “graduated from the school of hard knocks” and attributes his success to the mentors he had growing up.

Michael added that he wants to do the same things for others — he is teaching his son and long-term employees the ropes of the retail industry.

“I’ve always told people as you’re going up the ladder of success to have one hand up there helping yourself up and the other hand down there helping somebody up behind you, so you have somebody to take your place,” Michael said.

For Michael, seeing satisfied customers with smiles on their faces gives him a sense of satisfaction and is the best part of his job. He said opening the shop every day is “like a big show” and that he enjoys coming to work every day.

His advice to students is to pick a job that makes them feel passionate about going to work every day.

Said Michael: “Having your own store is the way to go. You put love into it and you get the rewards. It’s like mowing a lawn — you get all done and you see it, it looks all perfect — or you wash your car, and it’s all nice and shiny. It’s the satisfaction.”

Published on November 19, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Jacob: jagedets@syr.edu