We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Danklefs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t really have one. It started with me just making custom shoes for fun, then people started requesting and buying them and it snowballed to me making more money than I was at my full time job. I quit my full time and I haven’t looked back since.

What should our readers know about your business?
One thing that sets us apart is that we do everything in house from paint work to fully hand made pairs. We are very well rounded in that sense because we incorporate many strengths into each pair. The other thing is our #1 rule. We do not duplicate anything unless the original buyer buys more than one. We do this to ensure exclusivity for a our clients. This drives people crazy and pushes them want a one of one for themselves. Our social media hits are alarming because people love the pieces and then find out they cant get them. Elevates the want for our product.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I was home here in SA? I would take them to the Gino’s Deli! Its in a gas station and its the #1 voted food spot on yelp for the city! I would hit a lot of hole in the wall spots like that. The older and smaller hard to find spots are always best. The Pearl is a great place to take people too. Especially on a nice day, you can park and walk around all the shops and restaurants, check out the Hotel Emma and the river and have a nice time. If time persists, breakfast road trip to Bandera, Texas to OST for a breakfast enchilada. If I was in Dallas? Panchos!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have alot of people to thank. First of all, my Pops, he saw a vision in me I didn’t even know I had and supported me until the day he passed away. My mom and my brother as well, both are huge artistic influences in my life. Phil Macias, my #2, ride or die, he makes this work. I would like to thank all the people that follow and support us, whether its with a like on instagram or dropping major cash with us to get a custom pair of kicks, either way we couldn’t be where we are with out them!

Website: https://www.dankandco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwdanklefs

Image Credits
Emilio Zuniga (@pkzuniga)

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