Episodios

  • #523 Rethinking Shipping: Brent Barkin on Data, Strategy & Supply Chain Growth
    Mar 30 2026

    On this episode of Shoe In Show, Brent Barkin, Executive Vice President of ShipSigma, shares how brands can rethink shipping as more than just a cost. Drawing from his experience launching and scaling ShoeStation.com, along with leadership roles across retail, e-commerce, and logistics, Brent explains how data, carrier strategy, and operational discipline can unlock efficiency, improve margins, and support scalable growth. For footwear brands navigating today's complex supply chain, this conversation offers a practical look at turning logistics into a competitive advantage.

    With special guest:
    Brent Barkin, Executive Vice President, ShipSigma

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, FDRA

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    27 m
  • #522 Rebuilding a Footwear Icon: Neal Taylor on Leading ECCO Into Its Next Chapter
    Mar 23 2026

    On this episode of Shoe In Show, Neal Taylor, CEO of the Americas for ECCO, joins the show to discuss what it takes to guide a heritage footwear brand through reinvention. With a background that includes leadership roles at Reebok, Red Bull, and Hanesbrands, Taylor brings decades of experience across sportswear, retail, and global brand strategy.

    In this conversation, he shares how ECCO is refocusing on its core strengths—quality craftsmanship, comfort innovation, and authentic brand storytelling—while rebuilding trust with retailers and reconnecting with the modern consumer.

    From navigating industry disruption to rediscovering what made the brand iconic in the first place, Taylor offers candid insight into leadership, brand turnaround, and the evolving future of footwear.

    With special guest:
    Neal Taylor, CEO Americas, ECCO

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest, FDRA and Sandi Mines, FDRA

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    24 m
  • #521 Daniel Rubin on Entrepreneurship, Dune Footwear, and the Lessons of Sole Survivor
    Mar 16 2026

    On this episode of Shoe In Show, Daniel Rubin, Founder of Dune Footwear and author of Sole Survivor, shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building one of the UK's most recognizable footwear brands.

    Daniel reflects on the highs and challenges of scaling a global fashion business, navigating retail disruption, and the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. Drawing from the experiences chronicled in Sole Survivor, he offers candid insight into resilience, brand building, and what it truly takes to survive—and succeed—in the footwear industry.

    This episode explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the evolution of retail, and the mindset required to build lasting brands.

    With special guest:
    Daniel Rubin, Founder, Dune Footwear

    Hosted by:
    Andy Polk, FDRA

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    41 m
  • #520 Mark Lardie on Growth, Strategy & the Future of Footwear
    Mar 9 2026

    On this episode of Shoe In Show, Mark Lardie, President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, shares insights on leadership, transformation, and navigating growth in today's footwear landscape. Drawing from decades of industry experience, Mark reflects on what it takes to guide teams through change, balance operational discipline with long-term strategy, and build brands that remain resilient in a fast-moving retail environment. This conversation offers a practical look at leadership in action — and the mindset required to shape what's next in footwear.

    With special guest:
    Mark Lardie, President and CEO, Rack Room Shoes

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest and Andy Polk

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    31 m
  • #519 From Finance to Footwear: Scott Gabrielson on Building Oliver Cabell & Redefining Comfort
    Mar 2 2026

    What happens when finance meets fashion—with comfort at the center? On this episode of Shoe In Show, Scott Gabrielson, Founder of Oliver Cabell, shares how his brand is challenging traditional footwear models through tech-driven design, a direct-to-consumer foundation, and a disciplined no-funding approach. Scott reflects on his journey from finance to fashion, Oliver Cabell's evolution from DTC to retail, and how comfort, craftsmanship, and transparency are reshaping what modern consumers expect from premium sneakers.

    With special guest:
    Scott Gabrielson, Founder, Oliver Cabell

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

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    30 m
  • #518 Life After Nike: Wilson W. Smith III on Legacy, Leadership & What Comes Next
    Feb 23 2026

    In Part 4 of 4 of Shoe In Show's Behind the Design: A Masterclass in Sneaker Design, legendary Nike designer Wilson W. Smith III reflects on life after one of the most influential careers in footwear.

    Wilson shares how his perspective on design, leadership, and impact has evolved beyond Nike — and what it means to continue shaping the industry through mentorship, storytelling, and purpose-driven work. This chapter looks at legacy not as something left behind, but as something actively built through the next generation of creators, leaders, and innovators.

    Powered by Jones & Vining, this episode closes the series with a thoughtful look at growth, transition, and what's next for one of footwear's most influential design voices.

    With special guest:
    Wilson W. Smith III, Footwear Design Director

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest

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    29 m
  • #517 Designing With Purpose: Wilson W. Smith III on Faith, Conviction & Creative Leadership
    Feb 16 2026

    In Part 3 of 4 of Shoe In Show's Behind the Design: A Masterclass in Sneaker Design, legendary Nike designer Wilson W. Smith III shares the personal foundation behind his work — from faith and conviction to the mindset required to lead creatively at the highest level. Moving beyond product and performance, Wilson reflects on the inner drivers that shaped his approach to design, leadership, and collaboration throughout his career. This episode explores how purpose influences creativity, how belief fuels resilience, and why the strongest design decisions often come from clarity within. Powered by Jones & Vining, this conversation offers a rare look at the human side of innovation — and the values that sustain it.

    With special guest:
    Wilson W. Smith III, Footwear Design Director

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest

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    32 m
  • #516 Designing Beyond the Court: Wilson W. Smith III on Serena, Agassi & Athlete Storytelling
    Feb 9 2026

    In Part 2 of 4 of Shoe In Show's Behind the Design: A Masterclass in Sneaker Design, legendary Nike designer Wilson W. Smith III explores how athlete storytelling extends far beyond basketball. Wilson shares the origin story of Serena Williams' iconic tennis boot, revealing how fashion, personality, and performance came together to redefine tennis footwear. He also reflects on designing for Andre Agassi and what it takes to translate an athlete's identity into a product that resonates on and off the court. Powered by Jones & Vining, this episode is essential listening for designers and product leaders shaping the future of performance footwear.

    With special guest:
    Wilson W. Smith III, Footwear Design Director

    Hosted by:
    Matt Priest

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    26 m