Man Says His Picture Worth More Than $20

White’s Boots is being sued by a retired leather worker who says the Spokane company used his picture to promote its products for more than eight years without adequate compensation.

Harold Elixman’s lawsuit, filed recently in Spokane County Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages.

“My face has been seen around the world. I’ve had people see me on a billboard in Seattle,” said Elixman, 58.

White’s Boots has a worldwide reputation for its handmade boots, selling them to rock stars, celebrities and thousands of working people.

Elixman said he received $20 in cash for pictures the company took 10 years ago, showing him working on boots. The photos have been used frequently in promotional materials until last fall.

Elixman worked for White’s for 24 years, retiring in 1993.

After taking the $20, Elixman said a company manager promised, “There would be more to come.”

But since the first payment, Elixman said he’s gotten nothing.

He’s since learned his likeness has been used extensively by the company in brochures, catalogs and poster-size promotional materials.

Attorney Terry Kelly, representing White’s, insists the company has honored its commitment to Elixman.

White’s sent a $25 check to Elixman in 1989, and Elixman cashed that payment, Kelly said. No further payments were ever offered, he said.

After receiving a letter from Elixman last fall, White’s agreed to stop using his picture in its promotional materials, Kelly said.

Elixman denies ever receiving a check from the firm. “I’m a handshake kind of guy,” said the bearded, gravelly voiced man.

Asked why he continued working several years at White’s without pressing his superiors for royalties, Elixman said he feared for his job.

“The way they deal with people, if I’d done that, they’d say, ‘Hit the door,”’ Elixman said.

Attempts to contact a spokesman for White’s Boots were unsuccessful.

As he neared retirement two years ago, Elixman said he realized his picture had helped sell products for the company and decided it was time he was compensated.

After retiring, Elixman became involved in a three-year effort to qualify for worker disability benefits. He ultimately convinced the state that his work as a leather cutter caused severe hand injuries.

Until he qualified, Elixman chose not to pursue legal action to recover money from White’s for the modeling, said his attorney, Brian Butler.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo