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Mill Valley's other mayor

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  • Mill Valley's other mayor

    Marin Independent-Journal, CA
    April 6 2008


    Mill Valley's other mayor

    Joe Wolfcale
    Article Launched: 04/06/2008 12:05:14 AM PDT


    The sidewalk curb is painted green, meaning 10-minute parking in
    front of Tony's Shoe and Luggage Repair shop at 38 Corte Madera Ave.
    in Mill Valley. It usually doesn't take much longer than that.
    Have a pair of cowboy boots that need to be refurbished, need new
    soles on a pair of black dress shoes or did the strap on that
    one-of-a-kind leather backpack from Italy break the last time you
    traveled abroad?

    If you live in Mill Valley, chances are pretty good you've come to
    know Tony, whose real name is Misak Pirinjian. In bucolic Mill
    Valley, he's simply known as the town's "unofficial mayor."

    Since 1986, when he assumed ownership of the tiny shoe repair shop
    near City Hall, Pirinjian has developed a semi-cult-like following,
    handling any and all repairs, from ordinary shoe polishing to
    anything to do with leather goods. Getting to know him is like
    stepping into an old pair of worn shoes. Before long, you come away
    feeling as though you've made a friend for life.

    The 54-year-old Armenian has a grace about him, quiet, full of life
    with a quip or comment for just about anything.

    Pirinjian took over the shoe shop when his father, Vartan, died in
    1986. Today, he works out of a small shop with stacks of purses,
    leather coats, luggage and shoes stacked on every available square
    inch. The second floor is a storage area.

    Pirinjian is married with three girls and lives in Terra Linda. He
    grew up in Tel Aviv and fell in love with soccer as a young boy.
    After his family came to the United States, Pirinjian continued with
    soccer, becoming all all-league player at San Rafael High where he
    graduated in 1973 and then earned a scholarship to the University of
    San Francisco, where he played for legendary coach Steve Negoesco.
    Q: How did you get involved in shoes?

    A: I guess you could say I'm following in (his father's) steps.

    Q: What is it about the shoe repair business that keeps you getting
    up every morning?

    A: Making my customers happy is the bottom line. People bring me
    their favorite items to fix. It's about making people happy. And of
    course, I can support my family.

    Q: You chose the shoe business after getting a law degree in 1981.
    Why?

    A: I loved law school but it just wasn't me. Plus, I didn't pass the
    bar.

    http://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_882 7886

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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