Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigha Morgan.
Leigha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Old Nocona Boot Factory DBA Old Boot Factory is a brand that believes in generosity, quality product, and superior customer service.
My husband (Craig Carter) and I bought the abandoned Nocona Boot Co. factory in September 2016, and have invested millions of dollars to restore the building to its former glory. The history of leather goods in that town dates back to the 1880s when H. J. Justin and his family began a small company in Spanish Fort (a couple of miles away from Nocona, TX) that would later revolutionize the retail industry as Justin Boots and Nocona Boots.
Old Boot Factory began as an answer to a niche market of loyal Nocona Boots customers inquiring about Nocona Boots as we were busy building during the rehab phase. We had no intentions whatsoever of opening up the retail side of the factory once again, but that is just what came to pass. February 11th, 2017 was the first day of business for the company, and the reception was overwhelming.
About a year later, the Craig and I had the vision to scale the company and give everyone a taste of Nocona, TX while providing a financial solution for operating our food bank and outreach center, also located in the Old Nocona Boot Factory called Hope 2911. Hope 2911 stands for the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, stating that God has a plan for all of our lives, a plan to provide a hope and a future.
Within a year’s time span (August 2018 – Present), the company has expanded nationally to 10 locations throughout the DFW and OKC. The goal of the company is to reach at least 100 locations within the next 2-3 years. Why? We feel strongly that for every 20 locations we open, there should be at least one food bank and outreach center opened within the radius of those particular stores. Craig and I feel that there is a huge need for privately funded assistance, especially in feeding the hungry. Why privately funded? Because our food bank is open to the public, there are no rules, no stipulations, no organizational or governmental involvement dictating what can and cannot be given. We feel strongly about giving and pour out our hearts to those in need regardless of financial, mental, or health status.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been moments of smooth, but mostly if you can imagine getting on the craziest roller coaster the world has ever known–that’s what it has been like.
The biggest struggle always seems to be finances. With rapid growth, expansion is an impossible feat without landing on “free parking” now and again. To be clear, we haven’t landed on it, but we have been fortunate to work with some banks who believe in small business.
My best advice to others who are struggling to make it happen is to go out there and put a lot of sweat equity (working for free) into whatever it is you are pursuing, ask questions from those who are in your same market, and get funding! We all operate best when we are confident. Money (funding) helps us be more confident in decision making and growing your business. Remember, the hardest part of starting something new is taking the first leap of faith. If you don’t jump into the abyss, you will never know if you have wings to fly.
We’d love to hear more about Old Boot Factory.
The Old Boot Factory is a western boot store retailer and growing brand. We focus on providing exceptional customer service to every customer that walks through our doors. We believe in educating people on boots, how the boot should fit, and why boots are so awesome.
We carry brands like Corral Boots, Old Gringo Boots, Lucchese, Twisted X and Ariat to name a few. I am the sole buyer for the company, so every boot, every sock, every piece of clothing is all hand-picked by myself. Buying seems like a super fun non-job but its very stressful. Pulling reports on what sells and what doesn’t, why it sells in one store and not another and then deciding on something brand new?!? Are you kidding me? One of the hardest things to do is to believe in yourself and your picks for your customers. It’s a complete guessing game if customers will like it enough to buy it, but hey, rule of thumb is always to go with your gut. If you love it and want it for your closet, it’s probably a winner.
Recently, we just rolled out our private label boot brand Old Boot Factory Boots, made by the Old Gringo Boot Factory in Leon, Mexico. I am very proud of these boots because I designed each one with the help of Fred Gibbon and my husband Craig Carter. Each boot has a very strong timelessness to it, being made with quality leathers and a splash of uniqueness. It’s all about the smallest details that make a boot amazing. But the biggest and by far best compliment to a designer is when your designs begin to retail (begin to sell). Watching customers gravitate towards the boots that you designed is one of the best feelings in the world. The next best feeling is watching the sales numbers go up!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mom has been one of the driving forces in my life since I was little. She has always spoken good things over me and has motivated and inspired me to go out into the world and do something great. She always put the fear of God in me and taught me to trust His judgment and to put my trust in Him. Well, one day, six years ago, I did and it changed my life forever.
Pricing:
- Western Boots range from $99 – $895 with the average boot being around $250. Exotic boots start at $395, depending on the hide.
- Brand Merch – ball caps, super soft tees, and hoodies are in the $28-$49 range. Represent!
- Western and Fashion Hats from $35 – $265 with the average hat being around $55. We have wide brim hats!
Contact Info:
- Address: The Old Nocona Boot Factory (TANGER FT WORTH)
15841 N Freeway Suite 1135
Fort Worth, TX 76177
(817) 567-3122The Old Nocona Boot Factory (GRAPEVINEMILLS)
3000 Grapevine Mills PKWY
Ste 104
Grapevine, TX 76051
214-285-9997The Old Nocona Boot Factory (Southlake)
234 State St
Southlake, TX 76092
8173299960The Old Nocona Boot Factory (OKC Outlets)
7654 W Reno Ave., Ste. G750
Oklahoma City, OK 73127
(405) 495-8636The Old Nocona Boot Factory (HULEN MALL)
4800 South Hulen St. Ste. 2310
Fort Worth, TX 76132
817-292-7777The Old Boot Factory (Stonebriar Mall )
2601 Preston Rd suite 1068
Frisco, TX 75034
469-294-8845The Old Boot Factory (North East Mall)
1101 Melbourne Rd. Suite 3059
Hurst, TX 76053Old Boot Factory (Willow Bend)
6121 West Park Blvd Ste D105
Plano, TX 75093
469-814-8641Old Boot Factory (Fire Wheel) Store#10
320 Cedar Sage Dr
Garland, TX 75040-7720
972-496-0775 (store phone) - Website: www.oldbootfactory.com
- Phone: 8175673122
- Email: leigha@oldbootfactory.com
- Instagram: @oldbootfactory
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldbootfactory/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/oldbootfactory/
Image Credit:
Alix cave, Tirzah McFarland, Jessica Isaacs, Leigha Morgan, Brooke Loren Adams
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