Shoe shining is a business for Knox father, son

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

All Tony Knox II wanted was some small change, the kind parents would give children for good deeds.

His father, Tony Knox Sr., offered him something more that could last a lifetime.

“I asked my dad for an allowance,” the younger Knox recalled. “He told me he doesn’t do allowances but he’d give me a job.”

Knox is still doing that job today, taking the same path that his father did. During the legislative session, Knox could be found around the Capitol, where he runs a shoe-shining business.

When he isn’t at the Capitol he is off to where customers wants to meet for a shine.

Wherever he goes, Knox shows up daily wearing a white shirt, tie and an apron. “Tony’s Shoe Shine” is inscribed on the front of the apron.

Knox Sr., shined shoes at the Capitol for decades. He polished his first pair in 1988 and early on worked along Gaines Street and in the Midtown area. He later operated a location at Tallahassee International Airport and one at Jacksonville Airport.

His son, now 39, was four years old when he got the offer to help out at the now defunct station inside Tallahassee International Airport.

At the time the gig his father gave him was to bring in as many customers as he could for shoe shines. His reward was 50 cent per person. 

He calls it genius how the plan played out.

“It’s not like a person would say no to a 4-year-old,” Tony II reasons nowadays.

There was a time not long ago when he thought he could do better with clocking in for a job. He ended up at a Family Dollar store. The day the store was robbed last year was his last.

“I said this little biddy money here is not worth my life,” Knox said.

Knox’s interest in shining shoes never wane. Not even when he hears talk about it being a menial trade. But he believes it’s one that could lead to a profitable career.

“People like to say shoe shining is beneath them; they’re not going to shine anybody shoes,” Knox said. “They feel like it’s degrading, but that’s a personal issue. There is nothing degrading about providing for your family.

 “In America, if you want to work you could work and make some money. The government never stops anybody from making money. All they want to know is how much you make. One thing about this business it’s all cash.”

Following the Family Dollar incident, Knox returned to his clientele at the Capitol and wherever else they needed his services. The list included pastor Darrick McGhee, a lobbyist who first had his shoes shined by the older Knox. 

McGhee formed a bond with Knox, who he refers to as “T Knox” about five years ago. They talk about anything during a shine.

“I’ve always been intrigued by his good, intellectual conversations,” said McGhee. “We just talk about everything.

“He’s always been a good guy. He’s always done right by his products. He doesn’t name drop or things like that.”

Top of the line polishes like the Lincoln and Saphir Beaute Du Cuir brands are the ones he uses. He has no price list, though.

When customers ask for the tab at the end of shine, Knox’s common response is “whatever you want to give me.” 

So far it has paid off well for the man who said he makes enough of a living to take care of his wife and two daughters.

The older Knox also raised a family of eight children, mostly from what he made shining shoes. He also went  wherever there were possibilities, including working out-of-state trade shows and conventions.

Both Knox’s have seen and heard plenty at the Capitol. Knox Sr. even made an unsuccessful run for governor of Florida in 2018.

Knox, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, is taking life a little easier in his Gadsden County hometown. He gushes with pride just talking about the reputation that his son has established.

“I blessed my son with it and all he has to do is do right,” he said.

Knox works a five-day week. Saturdays and Sundays are his time for family and fishing, he said. 

There is never a day that he doesn’t look forward to shining shoes.

 “If I felt like that I wouldn’t do it,” he said. “I don’t go anywhere that I don’t feel like doing it today. Nah. I don’t feel like that. I love this job. You get to meet different people.”

Every shoe he shines is quality work, said Knox, acknowledging that his best effort is important.

“I want repeat customers,” he said. “My granddaddy always told me anything you do be the best at it. You don’t want to do a guys shoe one time.”