In 1950, Stan & Emerence Sajdak opened Stan’s Bootery on 27th & Oklahoma, bringing quality footwear to the Milwaukee area. Emerence, an entrepreneur herself, assisted in the development of Stan’s while raising their children and supporting the business. Emerence was the true visionary and passed that quality down to her son, Jim.
Jim Sajdak had a broader vision to bring reliably sourced, stylish, and comfortable footwear to the greater Milwaukee area and grow the business with his wife, Susan along with Emerence’s support. Jim’s sister, Suzanne Sakwinski was also a part of the family business in the Accounting Department for many years. As the business grew, so did Susan and Jim’s family. In addition to helping in the business, Susan made an impact in the Milwaukee community through her work at Marquette University High School as a theology teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair.
The family business truly became a FAMILY business when Susan’s mom, Rita joined in the Accounting Department and Office Management. Rita was an essential asset to the family business for over 25 years!
Megan Sajdak Holtan, is a third-generation owner of Midwest Shoe Merchants along with her 3 brothers, and is Midwest Shoe Merchant’s Director of Marketing. Recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal as a Woman of Influence in 2023, Megan is passionate about carrying on her family’s legacy with her brothers and parents to improve people’s lives from the ground up - literally!
Although some of these strong women are no longer with us, their legacy, determination, and vision, live on through Jim, Susan, Megan, Andy, Dave, and Ben Sajdak as family owners.
We are proud to be a family-owned business and to celebrate the women of our company who have made it possible for Midwest Shoe Merchants to celebrate 75 years and to be recognized as one of the nation’s top independent shoe retailers.