Already, my father was a shoemaker for a long time, he was the youngest foreman in the city back then. I started out with the Shoebrand Salamander to do my apprenticeship, together with my head of the craft guild I made my shoemaker confirmation as well as an orthopedics apprenticeship. After 10 years, I finally became a master craftsman. I took over my shop from the predecessor, which is now the oldest shoemaker shop in Cologne for over 90 years in the heart of the South of the city.

My specialization is in welt-sewn shoes out of leather, cowboy boots, and horseman’s boots, as well as the replacement of zippers. I own all of those special machines that you need for double stitching and sewing up leather boots, as well as giving the shoes finishing touches. Necessary to this are also sensitivity and experience.

Challenges are the most fun for me. For instance, when a shoe needs to be constructed totally new at first, the welt comes off and it is then newly constructed, new soles are sewed up and lastly, added up with a new heel - a complete shoe renewal. Yes, I enjoy this the most but of course, I like working on small workings, too.

Dark shoes made out of leather or suede are best cleaned with lukewarm water and a bit of mild detergent. Firstly, gently foam the shoe up with a soft nail brush to then rinse it off with cold water. Next, fill out the shoes with some paper or use wooden shoe stretchers and let them dry but, please, do not place the shoes under a heater! After that, you impregnate them. This procedure works well with normal street filth but with grease spots, you will need special care products. With bright colors, you need to be more indulgent, so let those be cared for by a professional rather than by yourself.

Ellen Admins are amazing shoes, as they are great finished, here every shoemaker’s heart melts every time. Also, Dinkelacker is great for repairs, and meanwhile, even Deichmann’s Graceland shoes can be well repaired, this was not possible earlier. Sneakers are not my specialty, for this, I contact someone trustworthy who I then like to recommend to the customers.

Mostly, the TV is playing in the background. I love listening to the news, so I am always up-to-date. Nevertheless, I also listen to rock music. I like old classics like ACDC or Nirvana every so often.

For me, it is very important to not only live for work but to combine work with life. Of course, the shop is my life but for me a work-life balance is important. In the summertime, I place two tables in front of the shop to spend my breaks outside or I do polishing work there. I enjoy being independent and having responsibility in my hands. Being independent is very important to me.

In my free time, I like to play darts, but also tennis or badminton from time to time. I also enjoy cooking, which is always a good way to relax.