Shoe Guy Available Online

My indie documentary short Ralph Rotella: The Sole of Syracuse, co-directed by my Syracuse University colleague Shane Johnson, has been selected as part of NewFilmmakers NY’s Spring 2024 Screening Series. Click on this link to watch the full film (until May 31).

Since emigrating to the U.S. from Italy in the 1970s, Ralph Rotella has owned Discount Shoe Repair in downtown Syracuse. Each day he opens the store, fixes shoes, works with his hands using antiquated equipment, and converses with customers.

Photo Credit: Shane Johnson

In his daily interactions with people, Rotella reveals himself to be a witty, beatific, George Bailey-type figure who draws people to himself, building a sense of community with his shoe repair shop as a hive of activity. The film examines the value of work and what constitutes happiness, while also honoring an unsung hero in the Central New York community.

Ralph’s work bench. Photo Credit: Shane Johnson.

What Does it Mean to be Successful?

While on location at the Whitman School of Management at SU for a video shoot yesterday, I spotted this easel pad with some bullet points around the topic, “What does it mean to be successful?” I imagined a group of young entrepreneurs huddled in a brainstorming session throwing out ideas, prompted by their professor. It’s a good question to spark personal reflection. I think “leaving world better place” is the most important goal to pursue. I think if you can manage that, you may achieve all of the other goals on the list.

What does it mean to be successful?

Books on James: A Feature Story

I just wanted to point out that a feature story I wrote about two independent bookstores in Syracuse has been published on LivableCNY.com, a website that celebrates the people, places, businesses and leaders that make Central New York a special place to live and work. You can read the story here.

The story includes some photographs of the two stores, and I have added a few extra shots here. Thanks for taking a look.