HEAR OUR STORY
MEET OUR TEAM
William B. Crary, Jr. (Bill) , Master Shoemaker & Founding Owner
After learning and honing all the shoemaking skills in his father's company (Danner Boots), Bill decided in 1978 to set up his own custom shoemaking shop. For years he had observed that a high percentage of people shopping for footwear had to compromise on fit, and therefore, on comfort. As a result, it became his objective then, as it continues to be now, to cater to that discriminating segment of the population who respect their feet and the need to treat them accordingly. Although Bill accepts custom shoemaking which conforms solely to fashion desires, the need for fit and comfort takes preeminence in the footwear he crafts.
In the last 40 + years, Bill has handcrafted footwear of all kinds. He has made boots for Shaquille O'Neal, golf shoes for Michael Jordan, snowboard boots, hundreds of cowboy boots, shoes for television shows and even a shoe for an elephant and a penguin. After all of that, his proudest achievement is building a family business that his children are passionate about and will help carry it forward for generations to come.
Meredith Crary-Johanson, C. Ped, VP
After completing her Bachelors Degree at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID, Meredith completed her pedorthic training at the Robert M. Palmer, MD Institute of Biomechanics, Inc. Meredith is now a member of the ABCOP as a Certified Pedorthist. Meredith spends her time seeing patients, making molds for custom lasts and daily operations for Crary Shoes. In her spare time, Meredith enjoys going on adventures with her husband and two children. If she has any time left, you'll find her at barre class or on her next DIY project.
Chris Crary, Director of Inspiration
After 10 years of working in the creative space amongst Portland, Oregon, Chris has decided to bring his services and skills to the family business at Crary Shoes. "My job is one of the most challenging, crazy and fun-loving positions you could ever have. Every day is different than the next and that's what makes it fun. Someone once told me, "How you do anything is how you do everything." Because I believe this to be true, I try to be excellent in every area of my life." In his spare time you can find Chris at the rock climbing gym Planet Granite as he practices to be a contestant on the hit TV Show American Ninja Warrior.
Alexis Huggett, Clinical Receptionist
Alexis is generally your first point of contact here at Crary Shoes. She is a knowledgeable, super sweet multitasker! She has spent her time at Crary collecting patient paperwork, scheduling appointments, ordering shoes and so much more. Alexis is currently training to become a Pedorthist, as she enjoys learning new things and helping people. Don’t be surprised if you see her visit you in the patient room. In her spare time, she is working hard to finish her business degree and raise her adorable son!
Tom Craig, Certified Orthotist
Tom has worked in the industry for over 22 years as an orthotic technician, manufacturing braces and foot orthotics for thousands of individuals. In recent years he has focused more on the Pedorthic industry, helping patients with lower limb braces, diabetic shoes and custom orthotics.
We are privileged to have such a great team member who is patient focused with an incredible attention to detail, and over two decades of experience. Tom is also an Oregon native - through and through - with a passion for the outdoors. He spent 7 years at Mt. Hood Meadows as Ski Patrol and loves biking, hiking, fishing and of course, skiing.
Claudia Manea, Account Manager & Billing Specialist
Claudia spent years in our front office and now she is all things accounts and billing. She supports our front office, handles insurance authorizations and medical billing. She is an organized fabulous multitasker, wonderful team player, and she truly understands the needs of our clients from her many years experience as a care provider.
Claudia enjoys exploring the many beautiful qualities of the Pacific NW with her husband and two beautiful children She is also an incredible cook and an avid reader.
Ivan Nykyforyets, Bottoming Department
Ivan left Eastern Europe for America after the cold-war era, bringing with him a great experience of European craftsman skills. He now runs the bottoming department here at Crary Shoes. In the decade that he has been on our Crary team, he hasn’t aged a bit (though, we are not quite sure how that’s possible with 9 children… maybe he’s superhuman). Ivan always greets everyone with a huge smile on his face, and it’s easy to see why he is liked by all.
He is trustworthy, loyal and hard working. We are grateful for his many years of great service.
Florin Radutiu, Shoe Lasting Department
Florin joined us in 2018 as a custom shoe laster. His great attention to detail comes from nearly two decades of working as a Kneumatic tool maker in Europe; giving him a craftsman's hand necesary in getting the perfect custom lasted shoe. Florin also assists on custom orthotics. He is known to be the "nice guy" around the shop, but when not at work, he and his wife love to travel, eat a good steak and enjoy life to the fullest.
Matriarch of Crary Shoes - Certified Pedorthist and Retired PT, Jill Crary with Bill Crary, husband
Proudly, Crary Shoes is a multi-generational family business - VP and Certified Pedorthist, Meredith Crary-Johanson with Bill Crary, founder & father
Bill Crary, Master Shoemaker with his Apprentice & Factory Manager / Shoemaker, Emanuel Manea
OUR CRARY SHOES TEAM
is ready to help you ‘walk well’, so you can live your best life.
- Thank you for this honor -
Crary Factory Team, at your service