[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SIMON'S SHOES

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Simon's Shoes of Henderson, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  Operating a small business requires unparalleled commitment and 
perseverance, traits that have been inherited to each successive 
generation of the Simon Family. Jacob Simon immigrated to Henderson, 
KY, from Lithuania in 1910, following his two brothers who made 
Henderson their new home years prior. He began as a peddler selling 
merchandise across the county, but at times found it difficult to 
attract clients due to his lack of English. Insistent on improving his 
craft, Jacob developed a sense of trust with the locals as his career 
as a peddler led him to become a steadfast member of the community. As 
such, it did not take long for Jacob to embrace Henderson as his home. 
In the following years, Jacob mastered English, became an American 
citizen, and opened Simon's Shoes in January 1919.
  In addition to footwear, Simon's Shoes offered a diverse array of 
clothing, and the store quickly became known for carrying any type of 
garment one could desire, from suits to base layers. His childhood in 
Lithuania and initial years in America had taught Jacob key principles 
of saving and being conservative with money, which were integral to the 
success of his business and the store's ability to survive the Great 
Depression. When Jacob's son, Larry, became involved in the family 
business, they decided to narrow the focus of the store to specialize 
in shoes.
  As the store continued to flourish, Larry, who eventually took 
ownership of the business, was able to purchase the former J.C. Penny 
building next door and use this space for the store's inventory. The 
decades of success made Simon's Shoes a destination for people across 
the State and beyond. To this day, residents from Evansville, 
Owensboro, Louisville, St. Louis, as well as tourists traveling along 
the Ohio River make the journey to visit Simon's Shoes. Customers are 
continuously attracted by their wide range of shoes, inclusive of 
varying sizes and widths, and their benefits as a full-service store.
  Three generations of the Simon family have been involved in the 
operations of Simon's Shoes, the latest Simon to take the reins being 
Larry's son Bruce Simon. Even as the store passes down through the 
successive generations, the Simons remain active members of the 
business for as long as possible. In 1975, then 85-year-old Jake Simon 
told local newspaper ``The Gleaner'', ``When I draw my last breath, 
that store will be in my consciousness.'' Likewise, Larry continues to 
visit Simon's Shoes often, stating that he would be in the store up to 
6 days a week for several hours each day at 84 years of age. The 
Simons' passion for their business has grown into a now-century long 
catalyst for its success, as the store that once occupied a fraction of 
the building on First and Main Street now consists of three buildings 
on the same corner. Congratulations to the entire Simon family and to 
the whole team at Simon's Shoes. I look forward to seeing their 
continued growth and success in Kentucky.

                          ____________________