HOW IT STARTED

From 1956 to 1961, Reginald Howard worked as a sales representative for Edward Shoe company, today known as StrideRite Corp. With a wife and three little boys at home, it was hard for Howard. So, with his knowledge, expertise, and the help of his wife, Marie, he started his own business and named it Howard's Shoes for Children. Soon, the Howards were blessed with five more children, making it a family of TEN! Marie started to stay home with the younger children and the eldest, Peter, Andrew and Thomas joined the work force and helped their father manage the store. As the eldest brothers grew, Howard's Shoes for Children grew, and each had their own store to manage. In 1996, Reginald was set to retire. Seeing how hard their father worked to establish the business and having acquired enough knowledge themselves, Peter, Andrew and Thomas bought the business from their father. All three brothers are proud to be a second-generation family owned and local business.

After 23 years as owners the Howard brothers were ready retired. However, they could not imagine seeing the store doors closed permanently. They instead decided to sell the business to Elsa Sandoval-Anguiano.  Elsa started working at Howard's her junior year of high school and after almost 21 years she was still fully devoted to the business.   In December 2019 the Howard brothers officially retired and Elsa became president of the company.  Elsa wanted to keep the same business essence and brought her sister, Karla Contreras-Sandoval, along for the ride. Together they continue to implement the company's fine tradition of excellent service and high-quality products.

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