Faces of Main Street: Jeff Delianides from Crowe's Shoes

Downtown Mansfield has always been a place where family businesses take root, grow, and stay for generations. One of the strongest examples of that tradition is Crowe’s Shoes, located at 56 N. Main.

Founded in 1936 by Howard Crowe, the store’s story has been one of resilience, reinvention, and above all, family. After World War II, Howard brought on a young Navy veteran named Paul Delianides, who had previously worked part-time shining shoes in the shop.

Eventually, Paul worked his way up to become a partner and took over the business when Howard passed away in the 1950’s. From there, Crowe’s grew, opening locations in Mansfield at Mansfield Square Shopping Center and later in the Richland Mall, before returning home to its original downtown location in the mid-1980s.

For Jeff Delianides, the business is in his blood. “I had diapers changed in this store,” Jeff laughs. “My brothers and I grew up working weekends, holidays, and summer breaks here. Friday nights were special. Mom would bring us down to the store so we could have dinner with Dad before closing. Those are some of my best memories.”

After college and a career in clinical psychology, Jeff and his wife decided to return to Mansfield in 1989 to raise their family and continue the tradition. What has kept the store going strong for almost nine decades? Service.

“We provide the kind of personal attention you can’t get at the big box stores,” Jeff explains. “We help people find the right fit, especially those who need supportive footwear. Many of the podiatrists in town recommend us.”This high-quality service has kept customers coming back, some for generations, who have become like family. Jeff cherishes the friendships he’s gained from the business, saying, “that’s what being an independent downtown business is all about.”

As Mansfield’s Main Street Improvement Project continues, Jeff sees opportunity. “Restaurants and bars are doing well, but we need are more retail shops to give people reasons to come downtown to shop. If we can attract more boutiques and specialty stores, people could stroll from shop to shop, the way you see in towns like Wooster or Ashland. That’s what I’m really hoping for.”

Even as online shopping and big retailers reshape consumer habits, Crowe’s Shoes continues to offer something unique: a place where you’re known by name and where service matters.

“We’re here six days a week, doing what we’ve always done,” Jeff says with a smile. “Good shoes, good service, and treating our customers like family. That’s what has kept us here for nearly 90 years and that’s what will keep us here for many more.”