It seemed like one minute we were the hottest new brand activation agency in slc and the next minute we were a shoe company. What happened?
"What makes you think building a physical product company in Salt Lake is a good idea?"-Rob Wuebker
On a brisk morning in October, we were posed this question. The idea that we were potentially in the wrong place was pretty scary for most of us. Causing defensive answers and a lot of, "You wouldn't get it." However, Rob continued to poke and prod, eventually offering up the idea that if you are not close (or not visiting 1-3 times a year) to where your products are manufactured, you are at a competitive disadvantage. Now, I was half-listening to all of this because I was done with products. I had fully committed myself to the service business that is required of a niche micro experiential ad agency. Until Rob casually drops that he will be travelling to Shenzen, China, and will help connect us with manufacturers, showing us the power of the Greater Bay Area.
February 2016:
I was 11 years old, obsessed with basketball, when I watched Sonny Vaccaro's 30 for 30 with my Dad. Who, like me, had a fixation for the gear that surrounded the sport. I was so inspired, I drew my first shoe and asked my Dad if he could get Nike to make it. I figured since my Dad worked with the Air Force Men's Basketball team, since he got all of Nike's newest performance gear (for free), that he would be able to pull some strings. Instead, he insisted we pin up my shoe design above my bed and that one day it might become a reality.
Ten years later.....
I could not pass up the opportunity to accomplish my childhood dream and create my own shoe. So, I booked a flight to Shenzen, sent my techpacks to manufacturers, and began to save as much money as possible to make it happen.