Don Ward: Shoe Shiner Extraordinaire

On the corner of the 47th St & 6th Ave is a man who doesn't have an office, doesn't have a sharp suit or tie, but...wears a pair of spotless, shiny shoes.
Tonight, Sana Bég introduces us to one shoe shiner, with a little pep in his step.

[@carloscortes1577]

I love the fact a random guy walks in and he says "You next" and the guy was like "Okay".

[@Ivansky1]

Carlos Cortés He was waiting for his turn!!!!!

[@schompification]

@Shorne Pubique loool

[@northwest2647]

Its so New York...

[@caroc8421]

Yep! 😂😂

[@austinpittman1599]

You'd be surprised how well people respond to a demand as opposed to a question. It's nuts. He doesn't ask if they want their shoes shined, he tells them they do, and then they do.

[@ShonMogharabi]

i walk by this gentleman everyday on my way to work. one day i was wearing boots and he shouted "you losin' with those shoes man, you losin'. come get a shine." haha loved it

[@baboom007]

and did u got a shine u cheap fuckface

[@joevtr]

Adi Adrian lol

[@TheMarkarian13]

Then what?! You kept walking didn’t you! Boo!

[@eadghe]

Seeing the comments, he was right. You're losing.

[@EbolaSquirrel]

@@baboom007 sheeesh chill bro lmao

[@TheHungryTrollRawr]

This guy belongs on tv with his own show or something, he has that personality - he got a way with words! Bless you Don Ward

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Be a great game show host.

[@BruderTheodor]

@Altair +1 Stay away from Hollywood. It won't do you good.

[@richie8811]

Tax free. He's living the life.

[@eneasadiku9836]

Well technically he's supposed to declare the earnings as income... but yeah.

[@Kelocyde]

Technically taxes aren't required...but yeah.

[@socialist-strong]

uh... they are by law

[@skymark7914]

@@colormen12 yikes

[@skymark7914]

@@colormen12 holy moly, what a life

[@BIGGELATO]

He mastered rejection and it built massive confidence, good man

[@davidferreire9589]

This man is on my bucket list

[@Hubchie]

Pause

[@Lurod_]

BEAN STALK you’re gonna do him?

[@lion2535]

Laughs in Coronavirus

[@richardsantanna5398]

Mine too

[@eneasadiku9836]

Say he gets an average of 6 customers per hour, that's $30/hour. That's more than most people.

[@JuanChavez-ju6ik]

i wonder if he has to pay for he's spot?

[@bacaydee]

but he still has expenses

[@monkeymoonky7900]

Lol we all know he quit them culinary job bc it aint makin enough

[@kay19833]

heard he makes 900 per day. Most earning are on tips. Don't get fooled.

[@jospaatpooler3026]

kay poly so according to you earnings from the tips ain't earnings? What a foolish person you are.

[@tonytube27]

The power of a nice shine on a nice shoe (just blocks from work at 47th and 6th Avenue) He shined my shoes minutes before a job interview and I got the job, lol. This was a standing interview and I noticed the interviewer glance at my shoes as I approached him. Months later, the boss and I spoke about shoes and he mentioned my shoes from the interview. Case closed. I just bought new Bates Lites for work, he WILL be shining my new shoes on Wednesday, twice! Yes, twice in a row for that super shine! Maybe thrice, lol This guy is pure technique, God Bless him. And he is funny as hell! Did u notice he only charges $5? In 2014! In New York! In New York City, just a few blocks from Times Square!?? Maybe I'll post it to YT.

[@Metrowhite]

didnt you get fired from that job, yet? lol.

[@Sappa9702]

@@Metrowhite He died. RIP Tony

[@declanh2314]

@@Sappa9702 he was knocked down by a taxi, the driver said the glare from Tony's shiny shoes blinded him

[@Sappa9702]

@@declanh2314 yep, that's the story I heard too

[@pyetorshite7379]

@@Sappa9702 i cant tell.if this is a joke or not

[@nerdyblackvibes5797]

*Your hair is beautiful* *Your makeup is nice* *You know where I’m going with this* Lmao

[@mebansyiem2728]

Best pick up line🤭🤭🤭

[@donjohnson8629]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JDYTC]

"Sir? What are you waiting for? An invitation?" LMAO!

[@CEB-AMITKUMAR]

This had me rolling 🤣

[@voicedify]

He talks with self-respect, confidence, and authority. He never gives off the vibe of, "Oh! Well.... I'm just the shoe shiner guy.." No! He talks like a boss. He's not afraid to call out on people. He's not afraid to command who is next in line. Truly, his craft is expert-level.

[@RailzNY]

I hope he's doing good right now. I got my boots shined from him when I got promoted to Motorman in 2017. He said some real stuff. The same guy you see in this video. Best shine and best convo I've had with a shoe shiner in my life

[@rbaleksandar]

"Hey, beautiful! Your hair looks nice, your lipstick's workin but you know where I'm goin, right? Those boots need love. I'm here for you!" LOL

[@johncone2216]

He wants to f*ck the boots

[@EbolaSquirrel]

@@johncone2216 😳

[@GWOSAPAT]

He genuinely loves this, it seems

[@pamthevan7340]

Pride in himself and pride in his job - Top man.

[@bapao1000]

The boots, Honey. They need love too.☺

[@dakillah6018]

yeah :D B-)

[@johncone2216]

He wants to f*ck the boots

[@erasedfromgenepool.4845]

My grandfather raised five children and put 4 of them through college as a shoe shine. The man was a gentleman through and through... A good god fearing man as well as a great Grandpa for 12 grandchildren... He taught me alot . hardest working man I've ever met I remember him standing outside in the freezing cold of winter in Chicago.... He did it out of love for his family and nothing else. Too feed, clothe, and Support his family... I asked him at 23 when he died .. Pup why did you stand out there your whole life freezing and sweating in summer heat? ( I did it out of love for my family).... Now that I'm older with my own 3 children, those words ring like a church bell in my ears. Mis you pup.... 💓💓💓

[@johncounts3390]

This guy vvould make a good living on a military base!!

[@kay19833]

how?

[@SuperBoytech]

@@kay19833 shining shoes..

[@zakcade1314]

Hhhhh Military does their own shoes and shores. They even do may be better on shoe shining. Have you seen a shoes of a military personel lately.

[@andrewenriquez3138]

@@zakcade1314 apparently you havent because the military hasn't had black shoes for like almost 20 years. Unless of course you're gonna say you're talking about another country besides america where the video is filmed

[@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274]

haha yeah nice one

[@zakali4195]

There are people in the world who belittle people and judge people for who they are and what they are passionate for. That is why I have great respect for men like don because no matter what people think of him and belittle him because of what he does he ignores people like those and do what he loves and enjoys and with a mindset like don the world could be a better place (my view)

[@duncanmaccleod3000]

love how black people talk easily and fluently returning sad people laughing

[@deeplevelprogram2957]

lol weird comment yet oddly accurate

[@Stekaren]

@@deeplevelprogram2957 not weid at all you fuckface

[@supermoon1430]

George that wasn’t very fluent

[@12gpm91]

returning sad people?

[@kay19833]

Could you translate what you wanted to say again?

[@kduideo]

I LIKE this guy....He is so truthful and comical!

[@Wan-xm2px]

If I ever go to NY, I gotta see this guy! His energy is awesome :)

[@The-GreenHornet]

"Not worrying about how someone else perceives me (you) to be, and how they respond to me is their business." AWESOME! You know how many people are so afraid or a slave to other people's perceptions of them. That's bondage. You're very liberating to listen to. Lord bless you sir.

[@hammysandmich5252]

How can i get this way

[@ZeeSWAGFRESH]

@@hammysandmich5252 I was extremely self-conscious and always tried to make people think nicely about me and worried about how they perceived me until earlier this year(around May 2019) when I started to truly follow Jesus and put my faith in God. I'm going to be honest I didn't really want to admit how I was but after reading Galatians 1:10 I finally fessed up in prayer and asked the Lord to please change me because I truly didn't want to waste my life being this way..fast forward to rn(about 4 months after that prayer) I still can't believe how much I've changed and I have no real explanation for it I'm way more confident than I EVER WAS IN MY LIFE and I don't waste time worrying about what others think..so my advice to you friend if you truly want to change how you are then come to Jesus in sincerity, and I guarantee you that you won't remain the same.

[@hammysandmich5252]

@@ZeeSWAGFRESH thankyou will definitely get into i don't wanna live like this anymore

[@ZeeSWAGFRESH]

@@hammysandmich5252 May the Lord bless you friend. If I may offer a suggestion, when reading the bible for the first time, start from the Book of St.John and learn about who Jesus really is and not the preconceived notion that people have of him

[@BruderTheodor]

@@hammysandmich5252 I think to get that kind of mindset, many people must be broken in first and then get a grip, which is the difficult part. You know, tearing down the whole mental image of the world and create a new one from the scratch. Unfortunately that might head in a weird direction. It's save to say that many people are not cut out for this. Either got it by birth or be groomed like that or be the few ones who can adjust and overcome.

[@Mr.M1STER]

I love how he interacts with people. Even if they don't respond he just smiles and carries on with his day.

[@OnyxCrow87]

This put a smile on my face. Thanks for the upload.

[@jasonduncan3532]

I don't know what to say. The joy he is spreading is outstanding. I pray he gets to do everything that makes him happy for the rest of his days.

[@avalanchexy]

a proud, hard working man

[@fengchen6123]

He got his swag.

[@thompsonm1a1]

Nigga swag!😎

[@lorenzobrasco7678]

@@thompsonm1a1 aint no tommy two shoes or timmy trumper here buddy ;)

[@EbolaSquirrel]

@@thompsonm1a1 oh

[@NeedMoreJuice.]

This guy loves what he is doing

[@NotRealNamesAgain]

I adore genuine people like this. No act, no bull, just being themselves and trying to bring that out in others.

[@calebdell5207]

"The boots honey! They need love too!" LOLOLLL YASSSSSSSSSSSS!!! I love him

[@franz909]

" How you respond is your business ! " Bottom line he has more ethics , honesty and fortitude than most people walking by and we should all strive to be so honest and straightforward , cause it;s so lacking in this superficial world .

[@JohnDoe-dp1if]

lol @ "Come on Kenneth Cole."

[@AV8R767]

These guys know what life is about...the interaction . Keep up the good work.

[@NickMaovich]

"Get a coooool, get a cooool shoeeeeshiiiine." © 19-2000? Anyone?

[@GordiansKnotHere]

My hometown, I miss this kind of interaction. I would stop just for the conversation, great video!

[@markcristino3251]

Theres a guy like this in chicago, except he sprays your shoes with soap and water and then asks for 20 bucks

[@kyleweaver1930]

@@vipanpuri5073 what are you talking about?

[@sid6554]

My shoes cost 3 bucks from a second hand shop. Do I have to pay 20 bucks every week to keep them clean?

[@marcedmundbarlow7299]

Integrity, honesty, and a sense of humor ...cbeers! The world needs more gentleman like this professional.

[@itgetter9]

Don Ward: I wanna buy you some drinks and hang out for a few hours. You restore my faith in humanity.

[@ryankopperud]

"Young man, you've gotta start carin' again. You put on a pink shirt, you forgot to do the shoes!" Amazing. I'd watch a full length documentary on this guy in a heartbeat.

[@dnguyen8553]

this guy has the right attitude

[@kdrop4890]

I can see this man helping people forget about their problems for just even a few minz while they engage in words of wisdom from this trades person. I will forever respect hard working people.

[@bg147]

A master at marketing and a master at reading people.

[@alphacentauri6027]

SHOW GOES ON....9° , 90° THIS SPOT....level of commitment and confidence 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@edinson1613]

YOUVE GOTTA START CARING AGAIN!! :D

[@rockandrollrabbit]

Edinson1 The funniest part of that was calling the old guy 'young man.' He was grinning as he walked by.

[@03lisajade]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@khima1]

This guy is celebraty now. 😀😀 Hard work and passion for his work made him. Successfull. Big life lessons

[@judechauhan6715]

this guy is an amazing salesman.

[@Zhippy]

"Not worrying about what everyone percieves I should be, I am gonna be ME! However you react or respond to it is your business!" YES! This man GETS IT! :D

[@gordon5004]

I think you are amazing. God bless you.

[@野々山大地]

I am japanese.i watched this video by chance.my country's people who has not money or need more money used to doing this like mrDon Ward. i don't know he was rich,but i think he has good skill that can make people who likes shoes happy.he shoud be more famous . Sorry for my poor english.i am studing it.

[@whyutrippingbro4002]

Chapelle out here acting a fool 😂

[@RyanJ504]

Can't tell if he's a better salesman or shoe shiner, but he's definitely great at both.

[@gstone1345]

What a legend

[@roberthitchcock6086]

Provides a service, doesn't just ask for money. Respect.

[@BIGDO13]

it's wild that he realized that the initial carer he picked for himself wasn' for him... just wasn't... and when he found what was he ran with it... good for him...

[@captainalex1102]

"I live my life with no regrets" - brightest shoe shiner

[@baboom007]

Ok Don, now go home and get your fucking shine box

[@MrBlahblahblee]

Whoa, wha' whad'you mean I'm FUNNY.

[@baseballfiend1]

+Adi Adrian This should have way more likes lmao

[@AbbasKhan-bl4ck]

This man is the boss of his own business world...🎩

[@DrDre-sy2kv]

this guy crazy good with the words damnit. just look at his reaction at 10

[@MonkeyDLuffy-qh4ys]

Love the way he approaches people

[@aios1671]

This guy technically owns this street.

[@iamthatguy1870]

If im ever going to NY surely i will shine my shoes at him....And leave him about 100$ tip...He deserves that...Gor being that funny with people he doesnt even know.Great personality.love this dude

[@prigg88]

Its not about whether I'm friendly or not, but a stranger comes up to you on the street or shouts at you across the street, coming on offly strong. There is no other word that springs to mind but creep in my mind.

[@iProcratinate]

Offly strong indeed

[@givasoram6295]

Loved how he interact with the customer !!!!!!

[@RubbelisPro]

This has to be during the mid-2000s, so many square toed dress shoes, ughhh

[@Sluna773]

Adam's Loops and Stuff hahaha yup! Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing square toe dress shoes nowadays.

[@harrypeters8306]

While in mexico i discovered just how good it feels to have my shoes shined , Its part of the culture, honest work and in the usa its now a luxury. Don is providing a much needed service, this guy is a hero,

[@crownroyalty9380]

lmao he said "ur next" dude stopped in his tracks like ...well i guess i'm next

[@arkadyfolkner]

Just a guy makin an honest buck doin his craft. Respect.

[@carrington8999]

Tax free money he’s a clever guy.

[@chuyoafilador]

Buddy Don you are the best, thats whats business its all about, you first sell your self then you sell your product its the same thing it made me succesful in my sharpening business, man if a ever go to New York I will come visit you for a good shoe shine, God bless you and your business Jesus Hernandez from Palm Springs California

[@cytesnda]

the women think hes hitting on them til hes like bitch those shooeeesss im here for you

[@ArsenalFanIceland]

Nothing but love for this man!! Total admiration for you ma man!

[@Foralluhaterz]

"Now go get your f'ing shine box" if you know you know

[@janekbeglarjan]

Wise guys like us we had it all

[@Foralluhaterz]

@@janekbeglarjan like half a wise guy

[@mikepetitti]

Love watching him work - great technique and positive attitude.

[@halo2001jman]

I feel like this had a deeper meaning

[@shoks66]

Lovely! The way he is calling people to get their shoes polished is awesome!

[@हर्षितसेहरा]

a2 motivation wale like karo 😂

[@sdk5402]

Jaa bei

[@TheSassee]

Glad this was taped it shows a lot.great job.

[@modikiaisikitaisi5363]

I would like to get my shoe polished when I am in new York next...

[@sanju0277]

NO job is a small or a big job. I respect this man who works hard and loves his job.

[@markwithers9468]

this guy is alright

[@drnh4444]

Hahaha what a fantastic personality... If I lived in NY I'd go see this guy every day.. How can you not smile being around someone so positive

[@mrsrandommademedoit3387]

5$ in 3 min tax free.. shiiiiittt.. thats pretty damn good :p

[@gudlad61]

People like this man make the world a beautiful place......

[@timsavage2000]

I LOVE this man! I hate dirty shoes!

[@anthonyjaurrieta]

This guy's mental fortitude is impressive. Keeps a high level of energy. Lastly it's no surprise he's great at what he does with an attitude like that !

[@bigglefty75]

good guy keep stacking cash

[@kimber-imber]

What a fantastic person. Hes someone i would just be honored to sit and listen to him talk all day. Just watch him do his thing, the way he talks to the camera, his customer and the people as they pass it just oozes a confidence that f he could bottle it and sell it would make him a millionaire.

[@Saini_Ayush07]

A2 Motivation

[@bamboila]

😂😂 "the hair looks nice the lipstick is working but you know where im goin right.. " man is funny

[@Chewy0424]

Funny guy!

[@geniusaza]

What a lovely guy! Epiphany of NYC!

[@zeusvalentine]

I bet he makes more than most people

[@MrNewyork1975]

zeusvalentine he said he does on average 45 pairs a day at $5 each seven days a week that's $80,000 a year....

[@evileddy9844]

He has a different come-up story every time? He like the Joker.😂

[@papaspollo]

Wonder how much he pulls in a day, probably makes $70K-100K a year

[@Chris3836]

Let's say he gets 30 customers a day. That would be a total of 150 bucks. That's more money than the kid working at Mcdonalds. haha

[@cshaw1347]

Chris3836 You are assuming he doesn't get tips. I assume he does.

[@Josh-vn6js]

But than add supplies

[@eneasadiku9836]

He probably does make 50k at the very least. I just did the math and 70k is about 6 customers per hour, which doesn't seem unreasonable.

[@antwto8784]

More like 40-50k but that's not bad money for a job that simply entails cleaning shoes in the street and enjoying banter with strangers

[@afgpielover]

I just went to a shoe shiner for the first time and she was very talented. They are such humble people.

[@SweatCookienese]

The leftists cant say anything, a black guy that loves shining shoes, lmfao.

[@arkanandrei6127]

What does this have to do with politics you complete moron

[@TheWhimsicalSteve]

Don Ward, shoe shiner, philosopher, and boot match maker

[@dustinjay3743]

From what I saw, ain't nothing special. Admire his passion for it though.

[@n.h6001]

Dustin Jay exactly what I thought

[@RafeLavine]

Don...you are the Don. An offer I can't refuse. You are THE MAN.