Gilbert - A Friend in Farming and Bootmaking

About 31 years ago, the year I was born, a man named Gilbert came from Mexico to work on the farm just for seasonal help. My dad always had extra help during harvest season on the farm and especially while he was operating the cotton gin. 

Little did we know that would be the start of one of the best friendships our family has ever known. Gilbert has come to the farm every year since 1995 to work with us. For years he lived next door to us while he was here in Mississippi. It never failed after work he’d be on the back porch, usually with a crew of friends. On hot summer days, my dad and I would usually be riding a dirt bike or a horse and would ride over to say hey for a minute. He always wanted us to stay and offered Dr. Peppers, he knew that was our favorites. I loved it because a lot of days when my dad would pick me up from school we’d go to the country store by our house and get Dr. Peppers in glass bottles. Usually one for Gilbert and the other men too.

But Gilbert has always been there for any of us. So when it came time for me to start Double B Boot Company, I had done a lot of research and learned that the best boots were made in Mexico. So of course our best friend from there was the one I went to. He spends about half the year with us in Mississippi and half the year at home in Mexico. He knew a good bit about the places I wanted to go. I asked him if he’d travel with me and sure enough Gilbert hopped on board. He always leads the way when we are there. It’s honestly the best feeling to have a friend there who helps make it feel like home when in new territory. 

When I think about the Lord putting people in my path for a reason, one of the people at the top of the list is Gilbert. He treats me like his own son. We’ve shared some pretty incredible days together in Mexico as some of my dreams were becoming a reality. There’s not anyone else I’ve been more grateful to share in the joy of Double B Boot Company with than Gilbert.

- Benjamin