NYC businessman, 77, shines in second career
By any logical standard, 77-year-old Melvin Flowers should be relaxing, kicking his feet up and getting his shoes shined. Instead, the roles are reversed.
"I was a guy who wore a suit and tie every day. I never would have imagined it," Flowers told CBS News. "I used to be a general manager of a clothing store in Rockefeller Center and I retired in 1990, I needed something to do."
Flowers shines shoes in the heart of the Big Apple and he's now a 21-year veteran of the craft. More than two decades ago, he bought wood panels, cushions, and screws and built his shoe shine shop from scratch. Five days a week, he sets up his self-made store on 7th avenue. The idea came about when Flowers was the "suit-and-tie guy" and visited John, his shoe shiner twice a week at 50th street.
"It's really not about the money, I love doing it and you meet a lot of nice people," Flower said.
Flowers has become the endearing neighbor to the stores along 49th street and its commuters. Hearing "Good morning, Melly Mel!" is a familiar greeting when walking by his shop.
"There's a culture in shoe shining, and it's like catching up on the news but with a friend," Flowers said.
So how does he manage to do this job every day? His answer: patience.
"You have to have a good disposition to work out here and everything has to roll off you," he said.
Patience, listening and enjoying the company of others has become Flowers' business model. When his customers stop by for a shine, speak to him and thank him, he says he's never felt more appreciated for his work.
"Shoeshine is like a barber, when you get someone to shine your shoes, they like you, they keep coming," Flowers said. "When somebody listens to you, that's all people want."
His rate is $3 per shine, but sometimes he doesn't charge at all. Flowers says he doesn't plan on retiring soon.