02 Broadcaster Press December 17, 2013 www.broadcasteronline.com Meet Chuck Roegiers By David Lias david.lias@plaintalk.net You’d think that the combination of a below zero cold snap and the approaching Christmas holiday would equal one of the best times for a business that sells quality sheepskin gloves, slippers, hats, and other products. You’d be correct. Sort of. Chuck Roegiers, owner/operator of “The Shepherd Roegiers,” reported good sales last week, with several purchases from holiday shoppers when Crystal Solomon, owner of The Front Porch at 25 West Main St. in Vermillion, let him set up shop in her store from Dec. 11 through Dec. 14. But … “The biggest season we’ve got is August, because that’s when the motorcyclists who ride on sheepskins really need them,” Chuck said. “That hot, black, leather seat does create a lot of perspiration, which creates bedsore-like things. And the sheepskins really help with that. These sheepskins and woolen stuff breathes two ways, because the skin is porous, and that is proven by how easily it takes dyes, but it’s also a necessity for the sheep, because they need to give off their body heat somehow. “Also, whenever you have any type of wool, air can pass through it, and leads to another way of breathing and cooling,” he said. “The market really is a year-round thing.” For example, The Shepherd Roegiers’ products include steering wheel covers made of sheepskin. “Up here, we get those because we don’t want to get into our cars and have an icy experience with our steering wheels during the winter,” Chuck said. “People buy it for the same reason in Arizona, only it’s because it’s 126 degrees and they don’t want to burn their hands on the steering wheel.” Chuck himself has lately been wearing one of the very warm woolen hats sold by The Shepherd Roegiers. “If you’re going to wear a hat like that, you’re looking at maybe three months during the year,” he said, “and sometimes then when you go into a building you’re going to want to take it off, because it’s just too warm,” he said. “But there’s nobody that’s going to have their heads warmer out there wearing anything else. That wool is the best kind of thing to wear.” The Shepherd Roegiers was started by Chuck in 1990. Initially, he made several products himself. “In the past, I have made one vest, and I made some shoe liners, and I made some pet pads which we currently still have,” he said. “But we work very hard to find suppliers that have really good quality product. “It’s not all American made, because the sheepskins from Australia are the very best in the world, and that’s where we get our sheepskin,” Chuck said. “The slippers and the hats and some of the gloves are from Pennsylvania, and that’s fine.” Chuck and his wife Rosie used to be on the road often, selling their warm, comfortable products at various shows. They’ve decided to slow down just a bit, and stay closer to home. He is thankful that, in the past week, he’s been able to have some of his products on display at The Front Porch. “There’s been a symbiotic relationship, (605) 624-8151 Ty's Building Service Over 40 Years Experience Carpentry Work PRECISION PAINTING A17407 INTERIOR • EXTERIOR COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL Quality Workmanship, Reasonable Rates Since 1983 Chuck Roegiers displays some of the woolen products he sells through The Shepherd Roegiers. (Photo by David Lias) where somebody who comes into The Front Porch also sees my stuff, and somebody who comes in to see me and my stuff also sees The Front Porch,” Chuck said. “The exposure for both of us is win-win.” He especially enjoyed interacting with local people last week as shopped in the small store. “It certainly has been fun,” Chuck said. “You get to meet people and talk with people, and we’ve even done a little singing.” People interested in The Shepherd Roegiers may log on to http://www.shepherdroeg iers.com or call Chuck to learn more about products and available inventory. CLINT TUCKER • 624-4621 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Rasmussen Motors 209 W. Cherry • Vermillion, SD 605-624-4438 • 800-568-5004 Merry Christmas! Craig K. Thompson • Law Of?ce We Look Forward to Serving You in 2014! At a time of sorrow and uncertainty, you can count on us for the support you need. • Prearrangement Services Available • Video Tributes • Several Cremation Options Available Tom & Lori Wish You and Yours a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year Lori Kober, Funeral Director and Tom Kober, Co-Owners 402 East Main St. Vermillion, SD 57069 624-4466 • www.koberfuneralhome.com Thank You to our Wonderful Customers and Employees. May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! YANKTON - FREEMAN - WAGNER 665-3762 925-4241 384-4580