Meet Nick Dillman | Photographer & Lucchese Bootmaker salesman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Dillman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was watching a video on YouTube one day and I went to the suggested videos that show up on the right side of the screen for my next video to watch. As I scrolled through I saw the title: “The Mountains Won’t Remember Me”, a film by Peter McKinnon. Living in Colorado and loving the mountains, the title piqued my interest, so I clicked. The next 15 minutes and 25 seconds changed my life. The short film brought emotions out of me that I hadn’t felt in years, and changed my life. From then on I knew that I wanted to be a photographer/videographer. The video created a desire to pursue people; family, friends, and the memories made with them. The pursuit isn’t about the photos, it’s about the journey and the memories made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently working in sales at the Lucchese Western Bootmaker boutique store in Denver. I got to this place by finding something I am good at, which is interacting with all kinds of people that are looking for a service to be provided, and providing that service with a smile and educated experience that no one else can offer. That’s what sets Lucchese apart from other stores. You’re greeted immediately when you come in, offered a drink, and given a history lesson on our company that has been in business since 1883. We go through a whole fitting process which can sometimes take up to an hour trying to find that one perfect fit. On this journey, I’ve learned that everyone is different, everyone is unique, and everyone is shaped by their experiences. It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about you leaving with an experience that you will remember forever. Lucchese is a storied and well respected bootmaker. Founded by an Italian immigrant, Sam Lucchese in 1883. He made cowboy boots for calvary officers and cowboys, entirely by hand. That hand made tradition is still a live today which means no two pair of boots or shoes are the same. Each pair tells a story, and each pair is unique, just like the people wearing them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being in Colorado, obviously a trip into the mountains is a must. Either Breckenridge, Manitou Springs, or Rocky Mountain National Park. In Denver you can’t go wrong with Babe’s Tearoom for a fun, bright and unique experience drinking tea from all over the world. The people that work there are amazing and that is what makes it the best tearoom. It’s a go to spot for date night. For great food, drinks, and atmosphere you can’t go wrong with Sunday Vinyl for delicious food, wine, and people watching at Union Station. The Tavernetta is a must for Italian lovers and the Reynard Social Lounge on the 6th floor of the Thompson Hotel is an absolutely amazing spot for cocktails with amazing city views. Williams & Graham in The Highlands is a really awesome speakeasy style bar with amazing and unique cocktails and one of the coolest entrances ever. A stroll through LoDo is always fun on the weekends with all of the different markets and fun things going on seemingly every day and tons of local businesses to support.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my friend “Rainman” from The 263 Collective, and his community that pushed me to pursue my passion. I also want to thank my amazing woman, Ivanna who listens to my ideas, keeps me on the path, and supports my ideas and passion for photography with a whole heart. She is on this journey just as much as I am.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick_thepirate/