The Traits that Make a Quintessential Texan

After my studies at U of H, it was 1980 and time to get a job. The summer of 1980 was hot, even by Texas’ standards, so I was grateful to be working inside with air conditioning at Don’s Western Wear in Houston. But, in hindsight, it was truly a blessing to be working with the smell of leather.  The unique fragrant of pristine leather was intoxicating for me; and, to be honest, my life-long love affair for an all leather boot became a reality for me on the floor of Don’s.

At Don’s Western Wear my job beginnings were simple. I started by helping customers find the perfect fit and style of a western boot. Western boots had become very popular, and somewhat overnight. You see, Don’s Western Wear was a stone’s throw away to Gilley’s – the wildly successful and soon to be famous honky-tonk. Not a bad place to be during the time of the newest theater hit, ‘Urban Cowboy’. And now every person, regardless of their background, upbringing, job, lifestyle, age, gender, etc., wanted a pair of western boots.