Who we are
Pear of Jokers is a footwear design and custom leather goods studio headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We have capabilities across the footwear design spectrum, including specialized applications such as dancing or sports shoes. We also take on custom leather work projects.
Ray Serna
Ray Serna is the Creative Director at Pear of Jokers, bringing more than two decades of professional experience in the footwear industry. Ray has served in creative leadership roles at national brands such as Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tommy Bahama, and also run his own business as an independent consultant with footwear firms. In addition to his work at Pear of Jokers, Ray is a teacher at the Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts. Ray provides expertise in footwear design, from initial conception, to patterning, construction, and scaling production, as well as bespoke leather project design and creation.
You can reach Ray by email at ray@pearofjokers.com.
Jim Bethune
Jim Bethune is a Managing Partner with Pear of Jokers, responsible for day-to-day business operations and financial management. Jim’s prior experience is as a technology and management consultant, and he has been training as a shoemaker and leatherworker for the past few years. He originally planned to make cowboy boots, but discovered that he really enjoyed working on a wide variety of footwear and other leather goods.
You can reach Jim by email at jim@pearofjokers.com.
Contact us
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