Page 6 - February 2020 The Ranch Swag Runway

enter you will see a white horse overhead outside. Stepping inside you
will then see the massive wall of boots, the runway and the shoe-shine
area. It is your authentic western wear store, complete with tack, the
smell of leather, the well arranged windows and a welcoming smile.

Tell us what Minot is known for?
“Minot was originally a railroad town. As it advanced, the town also did
very quickly. Soon it became known as ‘The Magic City.”’ Joanne in-
formed that Minot is an hour straight south of the Canadian border, in
the center of North Dakota.

Fun facts: What is the weather currently?
“As of Feb. 13, the weather was 9 degrees, but the wind chill felt like Wanda and Andy Nikitenko.
negative 8 degrees. There’s a couple feet of snow on the ground.” (Photo by Bray’s)

How has social media affected your business?
“Social media for the most part has helped,” Joanne said. “You can get in
front of your customers right away with anything new that comes in.”

Bray’s is the quintessential family-run business. Andy Nikitenko still
works daily, along with son Greg, wife Joanne, and Joanne’s sister Lynae.
Joanne and Greg’s two sons lend a hand too, Garrett, age 10 and Riley,
age 7. While they are the next generation of Nikitenko’s to carry on the
tradition, the two boys are currently focused on playing hockey and
baseball. Neat fact, Joanne and Greg’s two sons play tournaments in
Canada on the weekends.

To find out more about Bray’s, visit their website at www.brayssaddlery.
com or on Facebook. If you are up their way stop in at 215 South Main
Street, Minot, N.D. 58701. Greg and Joanne Nikitenko
with their two sons, Garrett and
Riley. (Photo by Bray’s)

Above is the shoe-shine area in Bray’s. People such as Santa him- Pictured is Joanne and her sister, Lynae
self have had the Nikitenko men shine his shoes. (Photo by Bray’s) Aberle. (Photo by Bray’s)