A New Breed
Led by the successful relaunch of the iconic Pillow Boot, Steve Sedlbauer, president of Cougar Footwear, discusses how the classic cold-weather boot company’s rebirth into a stylish, upscale lifestyle brand is heating up. By Greg Dutter
Q&A
No Kidding Around
Times are tough, yet Bill LaRossa, president of Primigi USA, believes sticking to the guiding principles that have built the luxury kids’ brand into a category leader will enable the company to weather the storm.
Bases Loaded
Larry Schwartz, CEO of Aetrex Worldwide, discusses how the company’s vertically integrated approach—spanning shoes to orthotics to foot scanning devices—is knocking it out of the park.
Running Man
An artisan at heart and a salesman by trade, Trevor Delmore, vice president of sales for Coogi Footwear, discusses his passion for selling cutting-edge street fashion and why the pursuit never gets old.
American Accent
Rob Rask, managing director of Ara Shoes North America, reveals why the German-based Euro comfort company—already a major player around the world—is positioned to take the country by storm.
Revolutionary Times
Angel Martinez, chairman and CEO of Deckers Outdoor, on the company’s evolving portfolio and its place in the revolutionary worlds of social media, sourcing and emerging brands.
Triple Play
With a three-brand approach spanning the wellness, comfort and fashion markets, Gary Champion, president of Earth, has the company’s bases covered and positioned for rapid growth.
Utilitarian Man
Bill Combs, CEO of Bogs Footwear, talks about the recent acquisition by Weyco Group, makers of Florsheim, and why even if the rain boot craze were to dry up tomorrow, the brand’s future remains lush.
Straight Talk
Industry veteran Steve Lax, CEO of Yaleet, distributors of Naot, offers a no nonsense lay of the land: the good, the bad, the ugly—and why, despite it all, sales continue to boom for the comfort fashion brand.
Ready to Rock
David Sharp, president and COO of Rocky Brands, on how the streamlined, recession-tested company’s revised approach to shoemaking is right in step with the new business normal.
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