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Thomas RagoBusinessman who founded a shoe repair company
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Origins and Early Life
- Second Generation
- Third Generation
- Fourth Generation
- 100th Anniversary and Beyond
- Commitment to Excellence
Thomas Rago: Italian Immigrant and Cobbler who Established a Shoe Repair Dynasty in the USA
Origins and Early Life
Thomas "Nicholas" Rago, an Italian immigrant, arrived in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1911, seeking a better life. With his brother, he founded the Rago Brothersshoe repair shop, becoming one of many immigrant families who built businesses in the USA. At the time, Morristown was home to over 20 shoe repair shops, but Rago Brothers would endure through the years.
Second Generation
Thomas's son, Tommy, joined the family business in 1940 while still a schoolboy. He quickly proved to be an able assistant, both in repairing shoes and managing the store when Thomas traveled to Italy to visit relatives. Tommy not only sustained the family trade but also gained the community's affection for his generosity.
Third Generation
In the late 1970s, the third generation of the Rago family entered the business. Tom, Tommy's eldest son, learned the shoe and leather repair trade like his father, starting at a young age. Working alongside Tommy, Tom witnessed the growth of his grandfather's enterprise and attracted skilled leatherworkers.
Fourth Generation
In the late 1990s, Tom and Tony's abilities became known beyond Morristown, as they expanded their services to a nearby mall. Soon, people from nearby states were bringing their worn-out designer leather handbags and expensive accessories to be restored by the Rago brothers.
100th Anniversary and Beyond
In 2011, the Rago family proudly celebrated the 100th anniversaryof Rago Brothers with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The legacy continued in 2016 when Tony's son, Anthony, a graduate of Lafayette College, joined the shop. His sister, Marissa, a graduate of Boston College, had preceded him by a year.
Commitment to Excellence
For over a century, Rago Brothers has honed its craft, combining traditional skills with modern equipment to achieve superior results. The shop's restoration work on leather and suede shoes extends their lifespan and saves customers money. By carefully matching and applying the correct color, Bootslab breathes new life into footwear, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
