Store walks successful path

In May of 1975, Ron and Dodie Robirds of Sterling started their own business in a 10'-by-14' area of the Watkins' Clothing Store in the 300 block of Main Street. They re-designed and redecorated their area to fit the needs of the new shoe store.
In 1980, they purchased their current location, which housed Radio Shack and Smugglers Cove at the time. They remodeled the space in a two-week span and with the help of New Era Design and local contractors, added track lighting, custom designed fixtures, put in partitions and opened for business in their new location.
 
At the time, Ron was the manager of the Sterling Country Club, and as most aspiring entrepreneur couples, he kept his job. Dodie, with the help of long-time employee, Donna Artzer, managed the store and instead of paying themselves they worked putting money back into the business to make it successful.
 
The strategy worked because in 1983, Ron left his private club job and went into the shoe business full time.
 
In 1980, they added men's shoes and in 1990 added work boots, which now include Timberland, Wolverine and Bates brands.
 
In 1996, they purchased the building that was originally the Security State Bank and continued with their store on the west side of that building until last spring.
 
It was then that they decided to take out the middle wall and enlarge the store, adding a number of new areas for their customer's shopping convenience.
 
This past summer they added a line of children's shoes brands such as DC, Skecher, Merrell, K-Swiss and New Balance.
 
Throughout the years, The Shoe Tree has stayed on top of the latest in fashion, comfort and work shoes as well as carrying accessories such as handbags including Ameribag (the healthy back bag), socks and more.
 
One of the favorite accessories right now is the Smartwool Socks that have been going out the door by the dozens, said employee Petra Schreiner. Also employed at the store is Cody Antall.
 
There are also slippers to choose from and lots of shoes from Clarks, Shoes-n-Stuff, Famolare, Klogs, Dansko, Ugg, Ras Hommerson and more.