The Rios name comes from its namesake, Zeferino Rios – the founder of the iconic south Texas boot shop. History holds that the Rios family’s connection to the leatherworking craft dates back several generations. Zeferino’s father and grandfather had always worked as `zapateros,’ or shoemakers in Mexico, and by 1853 the family had settled in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where they began making boots and saddles for Mexican soldiers and calvary troops.
The Rios family had made a name for themselves as skilled artisans in Mexico, but the rising revolution that swept across the country drew them north in search of new life and opportunities in America. Around the turn of the 20th century, they settled in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. Little did they know, as they fled one revolution, they were diving headlong into new territory that would engrain them in the foundation of another revolution—one that swept American culture and continues to prevail across the western and fashion industries today. When the Rios family arrived, farms and ranches were flourishing across the Rio Grande Valley. And no one was better prepared to meet the needs of the growing rural and cowboy lifestyles than the renowned zapateros. The first Rios family-owned boot shop opened in Raymondville, Texas in 1928. The following year, Zeferino set out to carry on the family trade, opening his shop forty miles south in Mercedes.
Mercedes, TX – known as "The Queen City of the Valley" – is one of the oldest towns in the Rio Grande Valley and has earned a reputation among the most prominent boot-making hubs in Texas. In the town’s prime, as many as a dozen shops were in operation. However, that number has dwindled over time. And today, the family-owned Rios of Mercedes is among the last few remaining handmade boot companies – not just in Texas, but in the entire U.S.
When Zeferino Rios retired in 1969, Joe and Trainor Evans were eager to carry on the legacy of high-quality craftsmanship that was synonymous with Rios of Mercedes. Hailing from West Texas, the father-son team moved to Mercedes to learn the business and eventually purchased Rios of Mercedes in 1975. Trainor remained at the helm of the operation for more than 40 years, alongside his partner Pat Moody, who joined the company in 1983. With new leadership in place, Rios of Mercedes entered a new era, building on tradition with innovative approaches that allowed for faster and more efficient production processes. The company added its second brand in 1985 with the launch of Anderson Bean.
In 1999, Ryan Vaughan joined the leadership team. Ryan began his role with the Rios family in production, earning his stripes from the ground up. He moved to Leon, Guanajuato, the heart of Mexico’s leather goods industry, where he gained a deeper knowledge of the industry, and eventually worked his way up to management. Today, Ryan leads the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands as CEO with his wife Jode, Chief of Design, by his side. In 2000, he spearheaded the development of a larger factory to house the production of the Anderson Bean line and launched Anderson Bean Kids under the growing brand.
In 2001, Olathe Boot Company became the company’s third brand, bringing a respected, well-built boot that has been American made since 1875 to the Rios family. This acquisition also made the Rios Family of Brands home to two of the oldest lines of American-made boots. As the popularity of the brands grew, the company was challenged to keep up with the growing demand. In effort to provide trusted retailers an alternative, more lines were added to the Rios family. Horse Power was launched in 2005, followed by Macie Bean in 2007. Both brands are built in Guanajuato, Mexico and offer a well-built boot at an affordable price. Under Jode’s direction, Macie Bean carved out a niche as one of the first lines of fashion-forward cowboy boots created specifically for women by women.
Over the years, the business grew and expanded into new markets. As the need for additional space increased, so did the need for more leaders to help guide operations. Carlos Rodriguez was brought onto the management team in 2011 to oversee production at all factories and is now a partner in the business. Trainor’s son, Clayton Evans, also joined the family business in 2018 to manage finances and accounting.
Rios of Mercedes has come a long way in the last century. Innovation driven by a forward-thinking team has expanded the Family of Brands to new frontiers—and we’re just getting started. With an unwavering commitment to doing the right things the right way, the organization’s dedication to family, quality craftsmanship and the preservation of a history worth sharing is a strong as ever.
© 2024 Rios of Mercedes