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Cobbling man

How a simple trade became a Preston Hollow institution

Step into the shoes of Preston Hollow cobbler George Nikolopoulos, and you’ll be immersed in decades of trade experience with some star-studded appearances along the way.

Nikolopoulos owns The Cobbler, a shoe repair shop that has been a fixture in the Preston Royal Shopping Center for more than 40 years and is one of the original tenants. The Cobbler also fixes bags and belts and even makes custom items such as wallets made from exotic animal skin.

Nikolopoulos learned to cobble when he was growing up around the family trade in Greece. He moved to Dallas in 1974 to organize the school at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

“I have two professions: I’m a cobbler, and I’m also a schoolteacher,” he says.

Nikolopoulos says that when he saw the shop was for sale, his cobbling skills “came in handy.” He worked both jobs until 2005, when he retired from teaching to focus on his role as The Cobbler.

“I love whatever I do, whether it’s school or shoes, and I will do it the best way possible,” he says. “That’s why I retired from the school. I got older and couldn’t do both jobs with the same force, the same strength, so I had to give up one of them.”

The Cobbler has a handful of celebrity customers from our neighborhood, including former president George W. Bush, Ross Perot, the Dixie Chicks and country singer

Charley Pride.

“I remember Charley Pride was giving a concert in Sydney, Australia, and a few hours before he left for Australia he came to have a quick fix on his bag. I said, ‘I will do that if you invite my brother and his family to your concert.’ They were living in Australia. He went there and called them personally, and we took a picture to prove it to my brother.”

As for the most popular item that comes in for repair? Nikolopoulos says it’s the Christian Louboutin shoe, hands down. Customers often ask him to fix the signature red sole.

“My favorite part of the job is getting a shoe, and in the beginning thinking that it can’t be repaired,” he says. “But then you think it over and find a way to repair them and give them back to the customer, and they say, ‘Oh! It’s a miracle!’ I like the challenge.”

Although business has been booming, Nikolopoulos worries about what will happen to his shop after he retires.

“It’s very important, but this type of business is fading away. I would like to train some people, but nobody wants to learn. So, if I retire, I’m afraid this business will be lost. It’s not an easy business to step into.”

His customers have remained loyal, though — one of the things Nikolopoulos loves most about being The Cobbler.

“It’s wonderful for me to see kids [whose] shoes I’ve fixed back in the ’70s and ’80s, and today they bring their own kids,” he says. “The generations, they remember me.” —Valirie Morgan

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big di erence for nonprofits

Hug a tree

Learn how to protect and preserve trees in Dallas by joining the Citizen Forester Program, which teaches participants basics such as tree identification, planting and pruning, and various diseases and pathogens. The course includes classroom instruction as well as field training with experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Graduates of the program must complete 15 volunteer hours annually and six hours of continuing education, working with the city on tree planting projects. Eventually, they may serve as tree advocates, speaking to homeowners’ associations, schools and clubs. The program costs $75. Registration ends Aug. 15, and classes begin in September. Visit dallastrees.org.

Cook for the hounds

The Mercury’s celebrated executive chef, Chris Ward, opens his kitchen for a cooking demonstration benefiting The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. GALT is a nonprofit that works to place retired racing dogs into loving homes. Tickets to the event, which runs 2-5 p.m. Aug. 16, start at $60. Guests can sample some of Ward’s favorite dishes and bid in the silent auction for artwork, gift certificates, custom jewelry and other items. For details, call 972.960.7774 or visit greytstore.com.

Pay it forward

To help the Dallas Holocaust Museum spread its message of tolerance and education, take advantage of the new “pay it forward” program, which allows museum patrons to pay additional admission. The money goes toward granting free entry to other visitors. For more information, email communications@dallasholocaustmuseum.org.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.