Meet the Founder - JK Boots | An American Dream Story - Family handcrafts best boots in the world
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- It all started with the dream of a humble bookmaker...
Our founder John Khadzhi, "JK", started his career in his teenage years when he became an apprentice cobbler in a small Ukrainian town where he grew up. He excelled quickly in his craft and knowledge of working with leather, and hand-building boots and shoes.
In 1994, while still in his late twenties, he moved to the United States bringing along his skills, honesty, and craftsmanship. With nearly nothing to his name, but a family he loved with his whole heart, and a dream to one day run a boot business with his sons. A short 8 days after arriving on American soil, John was back to the bootjack working his craft in his new home.
His hard work, and expertise quickly earned him a high reputation in the boot building industry, where he started own boot company, "JK Boots" with his sons, teaching them the secrets of the trade. They continue to work together everyday to build something that others around the world can be proud to stand on.
"It's more than just boots..." - John Khadzhi
Thank you for supporting our family by wearing our product, and sharing your experience with the world.
Visit Our website at
www.jkboots.com/
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Instagram - / jkboots
Facebook - / jkbootswa
Twitter - / jkbootswa
TicTok - / jkbootswa
Subscribe to our RUclips at / @jkbootsusa
#jkboots #handmadeboots #usa #americandream #madeintheusa
This is the main reason I chose to support JK boots. It is good to know my dollar went towards the American dream.
Yes it did! Thank you Justin!
❤
I can tell this man has a genuine, kind and dear soul. God bless him and his family.
Thanks so much
@@jkbootsusa you’re very welcome!
My brother and sister-in-law just gifted me a pair of JK boots. They told me all about them and the reputation of build quality. I just finished oiling them and am so excited to break them in and start wearing. After watching this video I feel proud to own these beautiful boots :)
God bless this man. His boots are second to none, and his family is an inspiration. A great example of the American dream.
Thanks so much Patrick
I teared up with this story. The passion and the American spirit has made me an instant fan. I am broke boot lover and as soon as I can, I will purchase a pair of soft toes.
I have only recently delved into the world of PNW boots. I did a lot of research on all the companies. They each produce wonderful products, so my choice came down to beliefs, genuineness, and a love for what they do. I see all of these in JK Boots. Then the icing on the cake was when I needed customer service. Some companies didn’t respond at all. Others responded after a prolonged wait. Some companies were cold and business focused when it came to customer service. But the help and care and compassion I received from JK Boots was truly exemplary. It’s clear all of this starts from the top. Seeing this profile only solidified this belief. I LOVE my boots. And even more so, I feel GOOD when I put them on: both physically and intangibly.
Thank you to everyone at JK Boots for making such wonderful products. And thank you, John, for sharing your inspiring story!
What a great story! Proud to support this American dream. I just wish more Americans had this same love.
I'm on my second pair of custom fire boots and first pair of custom built soft sole boots from JK and have absolutely nothing but incredible things to say! The quality and craftsmanship is second to none (and I've tried most others) their customer service is absolutely unmatched. I consider myself a harsh critic of many things... I've never once been able to say anything critical about JK. Thank you all for the incredible work you do and the reasons you do it!
I love this. John is a true American. he came here, he built his dream, and he contributed to the fabric of this great nation. I'll be ordering my first JKs here shortly.
You are an amazing man John!
Thank you guys for posting this. Y’all definitely solved my problem. Knowing the background of what I am standing on makes me even more proud to wear them.
Thank you so much Bryan! Glad we could help
I'm very happy with my OT's and it's good to hear his story. Thanks for investing in your people and the American dream!
I like a true patriot. He may be from Ukraine but he has his heart here in the USA. And hes got a dream. Wonderful. I will try to get my hands on a pair of his boots to support him.
Absolutely Incredible! The world needs more people like you and your family. God bless you all.
I like the old man, my next pair of boots will be JK.
Thanks Scott! Sounds good
After ordering my first pair of boots yet to arrive, I initially cringed at the cost(thanks to WA sales tax where we both live😬), then I saw this video. It warms my soul, almost to tears, to hear Mr. Khadzi’s story. I would pay triple that amount to support this wonderful family, their gift of craftsmanship they’ve brought to us and to support the American dream. I now see the reviews on their website as a testament to the character and quality of Khadzi family. They are a shining light in this world! May God bless the JK family in abundance and without measure! Thank you! 😁
what an inspiring story... humble and hard working guy, who put service to others above money..
Thank you!
Thank you for building the best pair of boots I own,and thank you for loving our country and being such a great and important citizen,your work and dedication shows in your boys and what you have taught them,I'm very proud you are my boot maker I wish yall much success and hope you will be in business for many generations,your story has touched me alot of people take our freedom for granted so it's very nice to hear someone that's come here for a new start to make that happen and I wish you and your family much success in years to come
I remember learning of John's story in a video from guilty of treeson. I'm so glad you guys made this! I got my first pair of Superduty boots from you guys back in December and I couldn't be more proud of what I stand on every day!
Thank you for doing what you do :)
Thank you Matthew! Its our pleasure, thanks for wearing our boots
Beautiful craftsmanship!
This is beautiful, I just ordered a pair of custom superduty boots. I am warmed from his words and this will be the only boot brand I will ever buy from again. I am always hopeful a brand like this will not bend to the cooperate knee and not give to making cheap products but stuck to their values and I think jk boot will go down in history for that!
Thank you Kaleb! We plan to keep doing what we're doing!
I can see how much love was put into my recent purchase of JK Station Boots!
Y’all are part of a very special business and family :)❤🎉
This is why I bought JK’s, I wanted to be able to support a family business and also have the highest quality build. They also showed how much they cared, calling me and making sure everything was correct. 10/10 from JK
I spent a lot of time in Ukraine this last year. Love the Ukrainian people.
Thank you!
After watching this my mini JK boot collection (soon to be 5 pairs) means even more. Thanks so much for doing what you do. It’s an absolute pleasure to wear your boots.
Thanks so much Brandon, its our pleasure.
I understand his passion..I can relate to this....I'm fixing, repair shoes...for 20 years now...and I am also from Eastern European country..Romania.
Great and inspiring video. I'm an Ukrainian immigrant to Canada myself, been running small construction business for over 10 years already. I know what it takes to start from zero. Wish you the best.
What a amazing story!
I am of Czech/Romania/Ukraine decent and feel strong connection to your family. I am looking forward to getting my first pair of custom Forefront Bison boots delivered this week! So glad I choose JKBOOTS over all the other boot makers.
Thank you so much! Glad to be able to build you boots. Enjoy!
That story earned my business. Great video!
Thanks so much Eric
Love the quality workmanship of this company and decided to get myself a pair of American bison boots, 6 weeks and counting and I’m sure the wait will be worth it.
I sure wish I would have found you guys years ago instead of wasting my hard earned money on several pairs of your competitor's boots. After White's was sold to a Japanese owned and managed company the quality of their boots began falling almost as fast as their prices began rising. Finally learned about you guys from the video Jake Rogers did on his RUclips video. After watching Tim build Jake's pair of climbing boots and hearing him tell the story of how Mr. John made his American dream come true, I knew my next (and all future) work boots would be hand built by JK Boots. I was also thrilled when I talked to Tim on the phone after I ordered my Honey Bison Super Duty boots to find out it would be possible for me to send in my improperly built pair of White's Roughnecks for a rebuild so the money I spent on those boots will not have been completely wasted.
Thank you for your enduring patriotism and work ethic Mr. Khadzhi, as a US military combat veteran, you Sir make me proud to be an American. I hope your success continues long into the future so your grandchildren and great grandchildren can see for themselves that the American dream is alive and well for those willing to put forth the effort to chase it.
I'm a very proud owner of JK boots I work in wastewater field I just received my second pair of boots and love them my first pair are going to be set off for resole and still looking great after 2yrs customer service is top notch even if they miss a call and you don't leave them a message you will get a call back. Just great people that's why I proudly support JK already thinking about getting there winter boots .
Dustin! what kind words, thanks so much. Appreciate your support
What a sweet, honest and hard working guy!!
Good luck John and family!! I’m on the other side of America, but I promise to come in shake your hand and buy a pair if I’ll ever come to WA.
Wow. What an inspiring story. I am an old man (I will be 71 this year) and I probably don’t need another pair of boots. No matter, it will be an honor to purchase a pair from the company this fine gentleman and family man started.
We appreciate the kind words Raymond, Thank you
I received my first pair of superduty boots on 01/ 11/23 and i have to say i have never owned anything like them before. they are beautiful and are wearing better than I though they could right out of the box i went straight to wearing them all day and no pain at all standing on my feet most of the day and i have to put inserts in my other boots and when they go bad and need to be replaced i feel it in my feet so to be able to wear the superduty all day straight out of the box is just awesome. looking forward to wearing them for years to come. Thanks
That is so awesome! Exactly what we want to hear. Thank you! Enjoy!
I’ve had my 300s for a couple of weeks now and have became my most comfortable boots I own. I love them.
That's good to hear, hoping to order a pair of 300s this week.
Thats awesome. Thanks Nathan
I love this story! It's why I kept coming back to your website. I kept looking at the 300 vs the Forefront, finally decided on the bison Forefronts. I've had them two weeks now and I absolutely love them. I need the arch and midsole to relax a little but that's too be expected. Great quality great story, thank you so much.
Thank you Don! Glad you're happy, they'll keep getting better and better
The amount of times I've shared this video with friends and family is quite frankly a little absurd.
I love this family. I love these boots. I love all they stand for!
Everyone that I have ever met from Ukraine is like this; very friendly, very conscientious in their work, and extremely family oriented. Similar to my Polish grandparents. I will definitely be buying some boots from JK!
I'm very happy to know you, and your family, I'm happy for your business, keep growing and make happy all the costumers
God bless you, your family and your business
Thank you Ivan! Appreciate the kind words
Hoping to be able to order a pair of 300 soon. It'll be the most expensive boots I've ever had but I'm hoping and confident I'll get my money worth in the long run
It will totally be worth it
I own two pairs of handmade boots from another PNW maker, and I absolutely love them. My next pair will be from JK. I LOVE THIS GUY!
Good to my word, I ordered a pair of custom Packers in Shadow Bison a couple of weeks ago. 😊
It’s absolutely awesome video. My dad won the green card and we immigrated from Ukraine when I was 12 (20 years ago). My dad and I are in business together in HVAC. Nothing like being in business with your dad. We enjoy working together (most of the time ha-ha). Family is #1.
That is awesome, so glad to hear that
Since I met Will/Tim sometime around 2017, I've worn nothing but JK boots since.
Thank you guys for everything, this latest pair is just as amazing as the others.
Thanks so much man! I really appreciate that. Its a pleasure
I just ordered my first pair of boots from seeing a review on rose anvil. Then afterwards I saw this video about the history of JK and this is the type of person and family I want to support. A person who knows why freedom is so important. Yes as a Canadian Freedom is on the top of my list of priorities haha. Cheers and continue what you are doing. You have my support.
Congrats on achieving your dream and continuing to persue it. Looking forward to ordering a pair in the hopefully near future!
Much appreciated!
Thank you for being the only company to make this type of boot with a Met Guard! Your boots have really helped me!
You're welcome chad! Thank you!
Awesome Man ❤. Awesome family. So Proud i have bought boot from JK. Gonna stay with this brand
Thank you Elvin
John,Tim and Will thank you for all you do. I am more than pleased with all of my boots.
Chris, thank you so much. Its our pleasure
I just ordered my first pair of boots from JK last week and after seeing this, I am sure l chose the right company. John and I are about the same age and have the same views on learning a trade. Great life story, and looking forward to getting my super duty’s
That is very very nice to hear. Thank you!
Awesome Family. Amazing Story. Quality Craftsmanship from a company that cares! Love this 🥰
Appreciate that Jason!
Wow this is a beautiful story! It's good to see people appreciate what our forefathers faught and died for! I almost cried when he talked about reading the constitution and falling in love with America....I am pretty sure I will be ordering a pair of boots next paycheck!
I love this story, and I love where I live. Spokane exports American made toughness.
I am a proud JK boot owner. Thank you for the boots and sharing your story. I wish the best for you ,your family, and your business. Looking forward to another pair.
We are looking forward to it too! Thank you
watching this was a moving, emotional experience. god bless you and your family, and long may your success continue.
Amen! Appreciate that
This. This right here. This is the American story from days of old. Except today.
You guys are the best hands down! Love my boots!
Man, never thought I was gonna be brought to tears watching a video about a boot company. The love JK has for his craft and his sons and family is palatable. I know where I'm buying next boots from.
Amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing with us your life and story. I will definitely support JK Boots, and look forward to buying a pair of your boots.
You and your family are what America is all about. Your dreams and success are a beautiful example of what’s possible in America when you follow your dreams.
Thank you again for sharing, and being an example of what it means to be AMERICAN!! Well done.
Man to put a face to the name! What a great story. Just got my first resole back and love my boots. Will be sending my next pair and saving for a brand new pair. I have two boys myself and this video made me smile at them.
I spent a lot of time watching different reviews of hand made boots from the PNW amd after watching a Rose Anvil episode and he talked a bit about your journey I knew you guys were the ones I wanted. I ordered my first pair this past memorial day and can't wait to get them and put them to work.
Keep at it. The finest boots I ever had were made by Jessie in Arizona.... looks like you put in the same love
I’ve been debating between redwings and JKs, my heart now is with JK…
Great video. I haven't bought a pair of JKs yet, but this video confirmed for me that it is only a matter of time.
Awesome!
I really believe that boot making is his true calling. I'll definitely get a pair of JK boots very soon.
We look forward to it!
Amazing story! Love my boots and your company. My crew and I have had nothing but the best experiences with you all
Thank you so much!
Inspirational story shows that if you want something had enough go and get it
Fantastic video. Excellent idea. PNW boot making is such a unique industry. The craftsmanship that’s passed between generations, the equipment, and the materials used, are all withstanding a throw away culture that’s become too commonplace. Especially heartwarming to see a family legacy being built.
Интересная история, смотрел видео о Nicks Boots и решил посмотреть в сравнении JK. Ваши работники делают с душой. А потом увидел видео с Вами. Вам удачи и успехов.
This video is the decision maker I needed. Brother I’m all about working for the American dream and maintaining a good name. John I love your personality brother. I’ll be ordering my boots from you this coming week. Благодаря ти
Моля
I can’t wait to finish buying this house so I can get me a pair of jk boots!
Sounds good!
great content - what a genuine guy. Good on you.
Appreciate that!
Awesome boots! Currently have 2 pairs will be ordering a third very soon! Keep up the good work guys!
Love it! Thanks Josh!
Thank you for sharing; a truly amazing story and your passion shows through each part of the way. Well done.
Thank you so much!
Thanks Matt, Appreciate that
Очень неожиданно! Спасибо!
👍👍👍
Nothing but love brother awesome beautiful and thank u Godbless
Thank you so much for the support! We have much to be thankful for.
ваша обувь супер. молодцы. с уважением к вам.
Awesome story, great boots and craftsmanship. I wish I could afford these boots. I will be getting me a pair for my birthday. Aloha and Mahalo for sharing your story
Looking forward to my first pair of jk boots welcome to the USA glad you are here
Great story!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@jkbootsusa I am from Ukraine and now live in Moldova. I was glad to know that the founder is from the same place
Wow they are some beautiful boots what an amazing talent you have
Thanks Ben
Incredible Story.
Thank you for sharing your story! Looking forward to my first pair of JK boots!
No problem! thank you!
A dream. A family.
Ты молодец! Красавчик!
Most wholesome, genuine video I have seen in a LONG time. Cheers to this man and his family! ❤
I love seeing my purchase going to good, honest, hard working people. I love and admire the pride y’all have in your craft. God bless y’all, y’all are wonderful people. Keep it up 👍👍👍
Greetings from Romania!
Greetings!
Very beautiful and moving! Thank you for sharing!
I love the story it really shows you put your heart into your work....thanks thomas...i will def be choosing you for my next pair of boots sir
This man understands what the American dream is about
Only in America, God bless this fellow American and his family.
JK has made the competitors look like amateurs!
Thank you!
I love my new OT boots.
Wonderful! thank you George
Слава Украини !!! I’m excited! I placed an order for myself!
What a great guy what a great story, might have to invest in a pair now.
I researched all the PNW boot companies looking for an American Company to support.
JK came out on top.
Молодцы ребята , удачи вам и мира
Such an amazing story!
This was freaking beautiful!!
Thank you !