Despite a propensity for wearing athletic footwear, most agree that taking care of fine leather footwear is essential for looking good. Certainly a large number of former military men who live here will tell you that a good shine is de rigueur for daily life. While most such persons might shine their own shoes, many appreciate the work of a professional shoe shine man. Shoe care professionals however, are a scarce resource.

Yet, one such person is now on the Island four days a week at Hedmans Hair Salon at 3022 78th Avenue S.E. Jerry Kimble, 48, who grew up in Yakima, started working a few months ago at the business. Kimble does more than shine shoes. He has more than 15 years as a leather care specialist; cleaning, restoring and preserving fine leather on everything from tall riding boots, to fashionable high heels to mens dress shoes and even furniture.

Kimble also works at Nordstrom in Bellevue Square. He was trained by the legendary Morgan Perkins who worked for the store for decades and whose family continues the tradition for the company.

Kimble came to Mercer Island and Hedmans after a client, Jim Nelson, spoke to Keith Hedman about him. Nelson, a wealth management consultant with an office on Mercer Island said that after he found Kimble at Nordstrom, said he even took his shoes to him on Saturdays. A former Navy man, Nelson said that Kimble is a skilled professional.

“I have a respect for people that work hard and who have a passion for what they do,” he explained.

Wanting to help Kimble find more work and to trim his own Saturday errands, Nelson asked Hedman, where he gets his hair cut,  if he could add Kimble to his services. Hedman readily agreed.

Kimble, who looks like he might easily play professional football, is a humble man who also plays the organ at his church in Renton.

Find him at Hedmans between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and other times at Nordstrom at Bellevue Square.