Episode Details

Jim McFarland, a fourth-generation cobbler from Medulla, is reviving a dying craft—cobbling—by turning his family’s century-old shoe repair shop into a viral sensation. Since taking over his dad’s business in 1986, he’s not just fixing boots and dress shoes, but restoring cherished footwear tied to lost loved ones, helping customers reconnect with memories. During the pandemic, he and his daughter launched a social media presence that exploded, turning him into “America’s Cobbler” with millions of followers. People fly in from across the country to get their shoes fixed by him, while others ship theirs from afar. His kids now run the digital side—his daughter handles social media, his son manages the website—and even his nephew is learning the trade, ensuring the legacy continues. McFarland believes the online boom proves society still treasures craftsmanship and repair over disposability, and he’s using his platform to pass down this ancient skill to the next generation. His shop, McFarland Shoe Repair, is located at 5355 Florida Avenue South, open Tuesday–Friday 9 AM–5:30 PM, and Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM.

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