Mar 26 2010
Justin Boots
Photo Courtesy of the New York Times
H.J. Justin of Justin Boots started his career as a boot repairman. Leaving his Lafayette home in Indiana, he ventured to Spanish Fort, Texas to start his own company. His wife was supportive of him and by the early 1890s he made kits for custom boots measurement. The boot maker’s sons later on joined his crew and the company was renamed from H.J. Justin to H.J. Justin and Sons. Two years later, the family sold boots in 26 states. These boots were also transported to Canada, Cuba and Mexico at $11 a pair. In 1918, H.J. Justin died and his sons Earl, John and Avis inherited the business. A few years later, the boys moved their father’s company to Fort Worth.
John Justin, Jr. son of John Justin purchased controlling interest in his grandfather’s company in the year 1948 and the company grew bigger. 20 years later, the company partnered with Fort Worth company Acme Brick to form the now renowned Justin Industries. Later on, Justin Industries purchased shares from other companies and even bought one of its major competitoes –Tony Lama. However, by the year 2000 the company was bought by Berkshire Hathaway.
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