December 2023 Chamber Business of the Month: Big Orange Shoe Shop

Big Orange Shoe Shop was opened in 1975 by West Liberty native, Ken Lehman. An avid fan of all things running, Ken founded the “Big Orange” Cross Country program at West Liberty-Salem Schools, where his team won four consecutive state titles in a row from 1976-1979. As Ken is a well-known icon for West Liberty athletics, Big Orange Shoe Shop (B.O.S.S.) is well known as an icon for the West Liberty community (and beyond!).

Current owner, Tim Vermillion, says he wasn’t specifically looking for the business when he bought B.O.S.S. 7 years ago. Located at 103 W. Baird Street since opening in 1975, Big Orange Shoe Shop is a long-standing and established traditional retail business in the heart of West Liberty. Not just a shoe store – though you can find plenty of shoes there – they offer many favorites like Brooks, Asics and Saucony. 

B.O.S.S. now offers silk screen and custom embroidery for teams, organizations or even businesses. Customers love the store because of its history and loyalty to not only the West Liberty community, but other local schools and community organizations, as well. Team uniforms and apparel are provided to Benjamin Logan, Triad and many others. You can also order and customize your school jacket with Big Orange Shoe Shop.

Big Orange Shoe Shop has sponsored the annual BOSS Summer Run since its inception in 1977, where male and female age group winners receive certificates to the store. Proceeds from the BOSS Summer Run benefit the West Liberty-Salem Big Orange Cross Country program. The B.O.S.S. crew provides the t-shirts for the race, as well as other races like the Annual West Liberty Luminaria 5K. First place winners from the Luminaria 5K also receive certificates to B.O.S.S.! You will also find the B.O.S.S. crew set up at different sporting events and festivals, like the West Liberty Labor Day Festival – where you can shop their full store. It is important to them to support the community and give back when they can.
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“B.O.S.S.,” the store’s nickname from a time when Ken’s team was overcoming adversity and winning state titles still holds true to this day. After Ken, Pat & Jim Clement were owners, as well as Julie & Dennis McIntosh. Tim continues to hold the business to the same old-school high standards that the previous owners did and pushes through adversity like the Covid shut down and the challenges that come from being a rural, small-town business. One thing that stands out now is that Big Orange Shoe Shop is now the official uniform shop for AGC Automotive. They provide three full uniforms for each AGC employee, and this service has positively enhanced the success of B.O.S.S.

One of the best parts of the Big Orange Shoe Shop is the experience you get when you go into the store. Tony Grant and Bev Yoder help run the business and they help you get exactly what you need. Their quality footwear is designed for specific athletic events and their staff is knowledgeable about which shoes would suit you best. Tim credits the community support for the success of the business and says it’s because of the customers that Big Orange Shoe Shop has been open and thriving since 1975. He is proud to be a part of the West Liberty community and connected with all the wonderful businesses in the village!
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We recommend you stop into the B.O.S.S. to see all the things they have to offer, especially if you have never been! They are located at 103 W. Baird St., West Liberty, and open Monday through Friday from 1-5pm and Saturday from 9am-2pm. Have a question or want to place an order? You can call them at 937-465-6167. Tim also has a sister company – T&L Graphics in Belle Center, and you can find more information about them on their website.

Please join us in congratulating Big Orange Shoe Shop as being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce December 2023 Business of the Month!
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