Q&A

Fit To Be Tried

Marcia Kilgore, founder and CEO of FitFlop, dishes on why the wellness brand is a lifelong, everyday solution for millions of consumers in addition to those just seeking tighter buns.

A born storyteller, Tom Romeo, CEO of Bearpaw, spins a career yarn rivaling any American Dream-like tale of success, complete with stories of fierce loyalty and never-say-die passion, with a few wild tales just for laughs.

Talking Points

Fueled by the firm belief that everyone wants to be sold something, Angel Martinez, CEO of Deckers Outdoor, discusses why the portfolio continues to do just that: sell a ton of shoes. by Greg Dutter

My Favorite Years

Approaching Dansko’s 20th anniversary, CEO Amanda Cabot reveals how the former little clog company has evolved into an industry favorite and a model of corporate excellence.

Pioneer Spirit

Commemorating the brand’s 30th anniversary, White Mountain partners Greg Connors and Kevin Mancuso offer a firsthand account of how a small American manufacturer evolved into a successful worldwide sales and marketing-based sourcing operation.

The Quiet Giant

Scott Savitz, CEO of ShoeBuy, America’s second-largest footwear e-tailer, discusses why the site’s sales continue to boom— recession be damned.

Launching Pad

Charles Liberge, president of Klas Shoes—makers of Rotasole, Strolleez, KlasFit and Roc-A-Bouts—explains how rolling out four new brands in the worst of times turned out to be a smart move.

Mr. Nice Guy

Joe Ouaknine, CEO of Titan Industries—maker of Bebe, Betsey Johnson, L.A.M.B. and several other women’s fashion labels—continues to thrive based on his corporate rule of thumb: do business with nice people only.

European Accent

Edward Kanner, CEO of Kanner Corporation—the distributors of Finn, Think, Gabor and Snipe—on why his current brand portfolio is in step with an increasing amount of Americans.