From Family Business to National Brand: Kit and Ace CEOs Retail Evolution

In this episode, we sit down with David Lui, a pioneering Canadian retail entrepreneur and the CEO behind the reinvention of Kit and Ace. From humble beginnings in Vancouver to leading some of the country’s most recognized fashion and lifestyle brands, David shares his remarkable journey of grit, vision, and reinvention.

David’s career spans over three decades—from launching his first store at age 17, to having 12 stores across the country, to holding executive roles at Esprit, Sportchek, Marks, and Canadian Tire -- and now, as co-owner of Kit and Ace and Mastermind Toys, he’s shaping a new era of Canadian retail alongside Joe Mimran—anchored in innovation, technical fashion, and operational excellence.

In this episode, we cover:

- Fax, Grit & Vision: How a cold pitch by fax at age 17 launched David’s retail empire.

- Failing Forward: Losing his supply chain overnight—and why stepping back was the smartest move.

- The Reinvention of Kit and Ace: Building technical fashion that’s trend-aware but timeless.

- Leadership in Action: What it really means to be the "Chief Everything Officer."

David’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and relentless belief in possibility—perfect inspiration for emerging CEOs, founders, and anyone pursuing bold growth in competitive industries.

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