Our story began in 1912 when Vasile Faklis, a skilled shoemaker from Symi, Greece, turned his American dream into reality. After arriving in the United States in 1908 and serving in the U.S. Army during World War I, Vasile returned to Tarpon Springs to establish Faklis Department Store and Shoe Repair. His dedication to craftsmanship and community laid the foundation for a business that has thrived for over a century.

The second generation saw Vasile’s sons, George and Michael, continue the legacy as master craftsmen. Together, they upheld their father’s high standards while passing down the values of hard work and quality. Although George is no longer with us, his legacy endures through the skills, values, and traditions he shared. Michael remains in the repair shop today, preserving the artistry and dedication that have defined Faklis for generations.

Building on this foundation, third-generation Vasile Faklis has brought a modern edge to the family business. After becoming a board-certified and licensed orthotist, he opened an orthopedic clinic inside the store, offering expertise and care to loyal customers. Over the past few years, Faklis FIT has combined its core services—shoe repair, orthopedic care, and footwear—into one cohesive experience.

This transition to Faklis FIT reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers while honoring our rich history. Vasile’s son, Kyriakos, has contributed his marketing expertise, enhancing our online presence with a revamped website, e-commerce, and social media strategy to lead the business into a new era.

Our future is bright, thanks to the dedication of a growing team that shares our commitment to excellence. Amanda, our experienced manager, brings a steady hand to daily operations. Her son, Aaron, has joined the shoe repair department and is learning the craft under Michael’s mentorship. This continuation of tradition, paired with the spirit of family, signals our readiness to embrace the next generation of Faklis FIT.

As we move forward, Faklis FIT remains dedicated to providing personalized orthopedic services, quality footwear, expert shoe repair, and a sense of community to our loyal customers. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’ll keep building on this legacy, one step at a time.