One of Owensboro’s favorite shoe salesmen, Mark Shively, died over the weekend. Shively founded Shoe Stop in 1999, building a business rooted in hard work and servant leadership.
Shively was a Whitesville native and a 1978 graduate of Trinity High School. He launched his career at Kinney Shoes in 1978, quickly rising to store manager at the age of 19.
His family and peers said he had a tireless work ethic, which propelled him to a pivotal role at Shoe Carnival, where he served as a buyer for 16 years. During that time, they said, he played a crucial role in the company’s expansion, helping to grow its footprint across the region.
Growing tired of the corporate, he and his sister elected to open Shoe Stop. She said the decision was driven by a desire to bring his talents home and give back to the community he loved.
His sister Julie McDonald helped him launch Shoe Stop. Three years later, the business expanded to a second location in Mount Vernon, Illinois, managed by his other sister Tammy Dickey.
“He was tired of corporate America,” McDonald said. “He wanted to bring his gifts back to his community, and that’s exactly what he did.”
Shively’s stepdaughter Lexie Hall said he was regarded as a keen businessman with an unwavering commitment to customer service and a customer base that spanned generations. She added that his approach was rooted in the company’s motto: Service with a servant’s heart.
“Mark led by example,” Hall said. “He instilled that philosophy in all of us. People weren’t just buying shoes – they were buying the experience he created. That’s what kept them coming back.”
Shively’s influence extended beyond the shoe business. He was an active community supporter, donating shoes to local organizations and providing space for charitable events such as Angels for Ashley and St. Jude benefits. He partnered with his cousin Jerry Morris on several philanthropic initiatives.
“Mark gave his time and resources,” Morris said. “He always made sure we had what we needed – whether it was a parking lot cleared in two feet of snow or helping ship shoes to Haiti. He didn’t want recognition; he just wanted to help.”
Despite his busy schedule, Hall said, Shively was always on top of things.
“He never missed anything,” Hall said. “As massive as the business was, he always had his hand in every detail. He was a mentor to so many, including me.”
Shively’s sisters and Hall are committed to carrying on his legacy. McDonald will continue managing the Owensboro location while Dickey oversees Mount Vernon. Hall handles buying and inventory management for both stores.
“We’re going to figure it out day by day, but we’re determined to keep his dream alive and make him proud,” Hall said.
Dickey, reflecting on her brother’s journey, described him as a “genius” with an unmatched understanding of the shoe industry.
“He worked for everything he achieved,” she said. “He had no formal college education – it was all drive and commitment. He never stopped thinking about how to improve.”
As McDonald succinctly put it, “He was a good shoe man. And a great one at that.”
Shively is survived by a loyal team determined to preserve the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to shoes – and the people who wore them.
