I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Alan Miklofsky for over 15 years, and during that time, he has consistently impressed me with his exceptional expertise and professionalism in the shoe retail industry. Alan’s commitment to excellence was evident when we worked together while I sold footwear under the Modelista brand name to Alan's Shoes. His keen eye for merchandising, coupled with a deep understanding of consumer needs, made every collaboration both seamless and rewarding.
Alan is a true Professional Shoe Dog, with decades of hands-on experience that have shaped his reputation as a can-do leader in the industry. Beyond his operational knowledge, his leadership roles in trade associations and his ability to connect with professionals at every level have solidified his standing as a respected figure in the retail world.
Today, Alan continues to raise the bar as a thought leader, content developer, and consultant, offering invaluable insights in areas such as finance, merchandising, and human resources. His network is extensive, his ideas are innovative, and his dedication to helping others succeed in business is unparalleled.
For anyone looking to understand the nuances of the shoe retail industry—or seeking actionable strategies for success—Alan is the person to turn to. I am fortunate to call him both a colleague and a friend.
Benjie Geller
For The Independent Retailer:
Alan Miklofsky embodies the whole package when is comes to leading a sales organization. I’ve worked with Alan for over four decades as a fellow independent. We have many things in common, one of which was managing and merchandising growing multi
-store operations.
His skill set ranges from inventory control, managing people, working with vendors, negotiating leases, and has a hands on style for retail.
\Albeit the shoe industry, clothing, industry, real estate, he would prove as a successful coach in many endeavors.
Always willing to help! Try him, you will not be disappointed.
Tom W. Mosser, Chairman, Mosser’s Shoes, Inc.
I’d like to introduce myself so that you understand the professional basis of my recommendation of Alan. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University which has been ranked in the top 10 for the past 35+ years by many organizations. I began my career as a CPA. Over the past 30 years, I have owned three small businesses and worked as the Accounting Manager and consulted for several other small businesses.
Two years ago, I began working with Alan as a consultant for Alan’s Shoes. Subsequently, he offered me the position as his CFO and we have enjoyed a close working relationship. I have worked with Alan in his primary entity The Shoe House Inc and also worked with his real estate companies and other businesses that he consults for or has had an interest in. During this time, I have come to respect Alan’s incredible insight into financial matters.
In the two years I have worked with Alan, I have been continually impressed with his understanding of key performance indicators and knowing the numbers for the business very thoroughly. He has an incredibly quick understanding of what the financial numbers mean to the business. He is always thinking proactively on how he can improve the operations and focus of the business. He makes a point of reviewing the relevant numbers often to know how the business is changing and growing or struggling. He has the ability to then take that knowledge and make appropriate decisions to move the entity forward.
In the incredibly difficult and challenging world of independent retail, Alan has built a strong business with a lasting impact on his market. He takes the time to be educated on the nuances of where the economy is going and what a business needs to do to pivot and adapt to changing conditions.
He has also built an incredible team and fostered a culture of committed team members who work hard to make the business thrive. During the pandemic, Alan kept the business alive and poised to continue strongly in the subsequent different economy of the post-pandemic world. Alan worked tirelessly looking for ways to keep the business moving forward and preserving as many jobs as possible. He was very successful in overcoming such unique obstacles and challenges.
Alan is also committed to building talent and encouraging the growth of that talent. He had many long term employees in a business sector that sees a lot of turnover. He’s able to identify and delegate authority appropriately to allow the business to thrive—however, he also keeps his finger on the pulse of what is happening. Although team members are given appropriate authority to execute their jobs well, he still keeps his understanding relevant and informed to help the team adjust to new parameters.
Alan also has the unique ability to use humor to diffuse situations and allow people to come together and work on tough problems. He has fostered excellent professional relationships which allow him to have a deep understanding of the current business climate and perceive the upcoming shifts in the business sphere. He also has the capacity to manage multiple entities through not only building an incredibly successful independent retail business but also managing and growing real estate entities. He has also been requested to consult on diverse businesses other than retail and has done so very successfully.
Over my 30 years of business, Alan is one of the few people I have worked with who have such an incredible devotion to learning his business and perfecting his understanding of where to go. He has proven his ability to grow a business under many different economic situations.
I highly recommend Alan Miklofsky for his deep business acumen. A business will go far when they invest in and procure his extensive knowledge and understanding to grow and develop their business. I have personally very much enjoyed the working relationship of the past two years and can say with confidence that Alan Miklofsky will be an incredible asset to any organization.
Sincerely,
Lisa Ellis
"As a fellow shoe retailer, when I used to look at Alan from afar at trade shows, I perceived him as one who analyzed things, and a person that thought about what they were going to say before speaking, making sure it was accurate. Indeed he does analyze, thinking about things from all angles to come up with his answer or solution. Whether it is a “how to” question or a “why to” initiative, Alan will give a solid perspective.
As I got to know him better through the National Shoe Retailers Association, I came to appreciate his willingness to get involved, give advice and learn. HIs acumen for running a business and measuring results is a well-honed machine. He is focused and thinks out of the box. His sharp mind and ever-ready wit make him a welcome addition to conversations and groups. As an organizer he excels, as a moderator he provides perspective, as a leader he commands respect."
Janice Abernethy
President, Abbadabba's, Atlanta GA
"I have worked with Alan Miklofsky for over 30 years as his advertising agent. Alan is a creative thinker who has guided his companies to success for over 40 years through both good times and bad. He is a master marketer who is not afraid to embrace new technologies, like the internet, social media, etc. Alan is an expert in human resources, inventory control and management. His vast knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset to any company. Opportunities to engage with talented individuals like Alan don't come around too often. "
Rob Davidson
Davidson Advertising
"Certain words and thoughts come to mind when I think of Alan.
Forward Thinker
Visionary
Creative
Knows his mission.
Team builder.
Always questioning issues.
Alan started out knowing little about the shoe business and then he met his wife Annette (who knew a lot about the shoe business). Later on, Alan was awarded RETAILER OF THE YEAR.
What I like most about Alan is his love of tamales. We've had some great business discussions over plates of tamales in Tucson."
Pat Palmer
Retired Wholesale Sales Mgr and Retailer
"Alan is always one step ahead!
One day a few years ago, I stopped by his office to drop off checks for a sales contest for his sales staff. I wore my Leprechaun outfit since it was St Patrick's Day.
Alan upstaged me by giving me a Certificate Of Recognition that reads "Presented to Bud Eckhart (aka Quick Draw) in recognition for his performance in providing the Fastest Contest Payoff Ever and by him being the Nicest Vendor Rep in the West."
Since my Leprechaun presentation, Alan has given me green playing cards, green pens, coasters, etc. I told Alan my desk is full of his stuff. He said, "Buy a bigger desk!"
Don't ever try to one up Alan. As I said, he is always one step ahead."
Bud Eckhart
Wholesale Sales Representative
Please help me replace these fake testimonials with some real ones.
"Alan is terrible at playing banjo but I bet he could put together a great group of individuals who can play like a band."
"Alan's Drive, Energy, Technical Know-How, Ambition and Tax Paying Skills are second to no one. I'd like to send him up on a rocketship but not sure we should bring him back."
"We never agree on anything. But, on this matter, we can agree. Alan's the winner!"
I have nothing to say that wouldn't get Alan into more trouble than he is in already.