“If you don’t like the shine, you don’t pay a dime” or “Hey, let me do your shoes” are just a few of the things you can hear when you’re walking down West Main Street on a sunny day.
Durham native Pierce McKoy has been shining shoes since 1967– and to many of those in the area, he’s the real deal. McKoy is out with his chair seven days a week offering to shine the shoes of just about anyone. That’s right, he can make old tennis shoes look brand spankin’ new.
“I watched my parents go to work every day, and it meant something to me,” McKoy, 61, said. His mother and father both worked on Pettigrew Street so he calls that street his “babysitter” from when he was young. McKoy got started by cleaning shoes, not shining them. He would watch boys clean shoes while he was hanging out on Pettigrew and wanted in on that gig.
He spent a few years learning all there is to learn about shining shoes, and he eventually did his first pair around age 13. He thought he did an OK job, he just had not perfected “popping the rag,” which is the coolest part of the shine.
“It looks easy until you try it,” McKoy said. Once McKoy got the perfect pop, which is a quick snap motion with the rag, he never looked back.
McKoy is constantly getting honks and waves because he’s clearly friends with pretty much everyone that goes by. He has unique relationships with people and each person that sits in the chair will come out with a unique shine.
“I hopped in the chair… five star quality,” Durham resident Roderick Franklan said. Sitting in the chair is such an experience– especially with McKoy. The customer will leave filled with laughter, knowledge and even a great looking pair of shoes. He is always telling a story or cracking a joke, which is probably why Durham residents have described him as a staple to the community.
McKoy has been doing this ever since he was a kid, so it’s obvious he loves what he does. He has impacted many lives of those that have wanted or needed a shine, whether it was giving them a smile or just being a friend.
His favorite part of doing this job is “the smile they have” when he gets finished, he said. McKoy is only happy when he sees that the customer is happy. As he says, “if you don’t like the shine, you don’t pay a dime.” His customers had nothing bad to say about him; every person who walked by had good words for him, such as how he is a great guy and he truly is a huge part of this community.
So, if you are ever in need of a pick-me-up conversation or an amazing shine, McKoy invites Durham to stop by and get to know him.
Julie Webb says:
This is a heartwarming story but the photos are just fabulous!
Maryann K Patrick says:
Great article Taylor and the pictures are awesome
Dan Caston says:
This is the first article that I have read from The Voice. It is very nice as I expected. Jock is doing a most impressive job. Keep up the good work all!
Beth Mabrey says:
Excellent journalism and photography! I feel like I know him and would enjoy talking to him. Awesome human interest story.
Benny Mabrey says:
So proud of you! Amazing job.
Nancy Romary says:
Good job, Taylor! This is the first thing you’ve written that I’ve ever read. Hope I’ll be able to read a lot more now that I know where to find your work. Mr. McKoy sounds like a sweet and humble man.
Jahleeka morris says:
Where is he located?
Kellie Muse says:
👌👍
Kellie Muse says:
Thank you for introducing this new NC resident to Durham’s Mr. McKoy. 👞👟👠👢
Becky King says:
Fantastic piece on such a wonderful part of Durham culture! What a heartwarming story, reminding us there are still wonderful people in the world. Great journalism!
Morris McWilliams says:
Well I know Pierce and if he did not share this with you he is an incredible singer. Me and Pierce had a singing group back in the 80’s and he helped me write my wedding song “We Are Married” in 1984. If you can get this message to him I would love to speak with him so if you would please ask him to call Morris at 917-806-0234. Thanks
Tom robertson says:
He made my 35 year old Rockport boots look like new! He’s a true craftsman.