Paul Rowland, shown using a cutter/trimming tool on a new sole, has been repairing shoes at Paul's Shoe Repair in Westbrook for the last 27 years. Rowland learned his craft in his mid-20s as a apprentice for a shoe repairman in Belfast and knew then it was the type of work he wanted to pursue.

An assortment of shoe tacks rests on a work bench in Rowland's shop. More glue and man made materials are used today to repair shoes rather the traditional stitching and leather work of years past. Rowland works 10 hours a day this time of year as customers bring in winter footwear for repair. He tries to complete all work within a week.

Rowland trims a piece of leather from a heel he had to build up due to wear. Rowland says the best part of his job is "working for myself."

Some of the hand tools and repair tags used by Rowland, who has been repairing shoes at Paul's Shoe Repair in Westbrook for the last 27 years .