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we go back...way back
Redman's shoes' current location at
2116 Central Ave. on "The Bricks" in downtown Kearney, Nebraska has always been home to a shoe store, dating back over 120 years!
how it all started
The first shoe store to open at Redman's current location was the Twidale Shoe co. in 1898. They remained Twidales until Joe Redman (left in the picture) came to Kearney, Nebraska by way of Minnesota in the 1940s. Joe purchased the store for $1200 and quickly got to work opening more Redman's locations throughout Nebraska, Kansas, and Minnesota. Redman's current owner, Dean Beavers (right in the picture), came over from Claussen's Shoes in Kearney and joined Redman's in 1962. By 1971 Dean had become a partner in the company and was tasked with training up future managers for the many Redman's locations throughout the region.
Joe Redman & Dean Beavers
dean beavers
Dean Beavers said it best; "Hell, I'm just an old cowboy who ended up selling shoes." Dean grew up on the family farm in the Elm creek/Overton area. The farm is where Dean learned the value of a hard day's work. Later in life dean worked in the oil fields and had a stint selling insurance. Dean returned to Kearney in the 1950s and started his retail career at Claussen's Shoes in Kearney. In 1962, Dean joined Redman's Shoes and quickly climbed the ranks, and in 1971 Dean became a partner in the company. Dean poured his life into making Redman's what it is today; a customer-centric cornerstone business in downtown Kearney, Nebraska. For 61 years, Dean has put his customers first by providing a one-of-a-kind customer service experience!
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Dean with his grandson Brock
All in the family
Randy and Tanya Schleiger joined Redman's full-time in 1992 after moving back to Kearney from Lincoln. Prior to joining Redman's, Randy was the chief engineer at UniService and Tanya was able to be at home with their 4 children, Marissa, Natalya, Deena, and Brock. Tanya also ran an in-home daycare service for 20 years! Tanya worked at Redman's as a teenager and now she oversees all of the accounts receivables and financials. Randy is the general manager, making sure every customer is well taken care of and well entertained! If you've been in the store you've most likely interacted with Randy and have heard his one-of-a-kind "laugh"! Randy also takes care of inventory purchasing as well as special orders for customers. Randy and Tanya's' son, Brock continues the family tradition, working full-time, and learning the ins & outs of the family business alongside his mother and father. The family's passion for excellent customer service continues on.
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Darlene lewis
Darlene Lewis worked at Redman's for 50 years! That sort of commitment and dedication is rare these days. Darlene had a knack for remembering her customer's shoe sizes and folks regularly requested that Darlene be the one to fit them! She put her customers first and fitted several generations of families in and around Kearney! Folks would make a special trip into town just to have Darlene help them find the perfect style and size. After her retirement, Darlene was an ambassador of Old Towne Alchemy and a realtor assistant. Her work ethic was second to none. Darlene was well known for her sugar cookies and her collection of teapots that numbered well over 300! Darlene has since passed, but her memory lives on! Darlene was one of a kind and will be dearly missed!
POLLY BEAVERS
Polly Beavers moved to Kearney with her family from South Dakota when her children were young. She had a background of being a hairstylist. Needing a job in Kearney she found Redman's Shoes. She worked at Redman's from 1972 until her retirement in 2007. Polly Learned to love the community of Kearney and wanted this to be where she settled and raised her 2 children. She spent many extra hours at Redman's shoes in customer service and as a women’s shoe buyer along with many other titles and duties of this beloved shoe store. In 2005 she and Dean married and now enjoy life together as husband and wife. Polly and Dean enjoy seeing customers of our beloved store when out and about.
bearcat nation
