THROWBACK EPISODE - The Cobbler: How Steve Madden took adversity and personal struggle and built the most recognizable footwear brand in...

Join Ken Pilot as he speaks with Co-Founder and CEO of Rhone, Nate Checketts, about his menswear business focused on fitness, comfort and everyday wear.Prior to Rhone, Nate worked for and consulted with some of the biggesttechnology and entertainment properties in the world including Cisco, The NationalFootball League, Legends, FanVision and Sport Radar. Nate is also an avid entrepreneur who founded and launched 4companies before the age of 30, including Rhone and Mangia Technologies, whose patents were later acquired by the San Francisco 49ers. In 2020 Nate was selected by the Sports Business Journal to their 2020 list of Forty leaders under Forty.In addition to Rhone, Nate also serves as Chairman of the Board to Beyond Type 1, a non-profit dedicated to the community of those with Type 1 Diabetes. Nate graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Finance. He and his wife Dayna reside in Connecticut with their three young boys, Gabriel, William and Nicholas.About Rhone was founded in 2014 by brothers Nate & Ben Checketts. Rhone is a premium men's wellness brand that creates best in class performance-driven apparel that is engineered for an active lifestyle. Rhone is dedicated to using their platform and products to address and discuss the complex issues that modern men face. From raising awareness around the mental health crisis, to building mutually supportive communities, to providing men with practical tools and resources to navigate relationships, Rhone seeks to support men while providing them with versatileclothing for every aspect of their daily routine. Currently, Rhone has more than ten retail stores across the U.S., all of which are used for building community through various initiatives such as the brand's signature Mind & Muscleevents. Rhone is also sold in all Equinox locations, and available nationwide at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, SCHEELS, select CorePower Yoga locations, and more than 350 gyms and specialty stores across the country. Rhone is also a proud partner of Stitch Fix. More information can be found at www.Rhone.com.Key Highlights Include:Rhone's Origin and Vision: Rhone, a men's performance lifestyle brand, was founded with a vision to fill a void in the men's fashion space. The founders, including Nate Checketts and his brother Ben, aimed to create a brand that offered high-quality, versatile, and high-performance clothing that could be worn in various settings, blurring the lines between work and leisure attire.Balancing Family and Business: Nate and his brother Ben, along with their brother-in-law, founded Rhone as a family venture. They emphasize that working together as a family has been a positive experience, and Ben's interest in clothing design complemented Nate's entrepreneurial background.Omni-Channel Approach: While Rhone began as an e-commerce brand, it recognized the importance of an omni-channel approach. They expanded into physical retail stores, selecting high-end partners like Equinox to offer their products. This strategic move allowed them to meet customers where they were and helped them gain recognition in the market.Retail Expansion and Profitability: Rhone currently operates 15 retail stores, and they prioritize profitability over rapid expansion. They are careful in selecting wholesale partners, ensuring that the brand is represented appropriately. All of their stores are profitable, which has provided a strong foundation for future growth.Future Growth and Product Expansion: Rhone is exploring opportunities for growth, including potential expansion into the international market. They are also considering product line extensions, including potentially re-entering the women's market. However, their primary focus remains on delivering exceptional...

25 Sep 202349min

In this Flight of The Retail Pilot - Leaders & Legends, Ken speaks with Sharon Leite, CEO of Ideal Image, former CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe and Retail Leader at companies such as Gap, Bath and Body Works and Pier 1. Key Takeaways of the Episode:* Passion and Connection to Mission: Sharon emphasizes that passion for the business, brand, product, and mission is more important than monetary compensation. Connecting personally with your work is crucial for long-term success.* Career Stages and Growth: Sharon's career evolved through three distinct stages: learning the business and consumer experience, turning around businesses, and applying her knowledge to legacy brands. Each stage contributed to her growth and success.* Due Diligence and Understanding: Sharon learned the importance of thorough due diligence when considering new opportunities. Understanding the company, industry, and board's vision is essential for a successful and fulfilling career.* Surrounding Yourself with the Right Team: Building a team that shares the vision and understands what excellence looks like is crucial, especially in situations requiring rapid change or turnaround. Having the right people in the right roles accelerates progress.* Transforming a Business: Sharon's experience at the Vitamin Shoppe highlights the significance of rebranding, understanding the customer, telling compelling stories, and aligning with industry experts. This transformation ultimately led to success despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.* Adaptation during COVID-19: The Vitamin Shoppe faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had to fight to reopen their stores, and what allowed her to do so was a focus on selling essential items like food, functional foods, and water.* Preparation paid off: Before the pandemic, the company had made strategic investments in e-commerce, technology, and loyalty programs. This preparation proved crucial, as they didn't have to scramble to implement services like online pickup, curbside pickup, etc., when COVID-19 hit. This readiness accelerated their growth during the pandemic.* Leadership through presence and celebration: Sharon emphasized the importance of showing up, especially during tough times. She visited distribution centers, stores, and events, creating a celebratory environment within the company. This approach helped foster a sense of appreciation and connectedness among the team.* Transition from public to private company: Sharon’s company transitioned from being a public to a private company. This move allowed her to focus on long-term business improvements without being beholden to short-term investor expectations.* Reimagining Ideal Image: Recently, Sharon transitioned to a new company, Ideal Image, with the goal of building a comprehensive women's lifestyle brand in beauty, health, and wellness. She plans to reimagine various aspects of the business, including services, culture, products, and market leadership. She also hinted at a potential move into health and wellness.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

19 Sep 202349min

Throwing it back to the second episode of The Retail Pilot, join your host Ken Pilot, as he continues the conversation with Millard "Mickey" Drexler, Retail visionary and Chairman of Alex Mill.Come along for the ride as Ken and Mickey chat more about Mickey's legendary career building brands and his legacy with leading companies such as Ann Taylor, Gap, Old Navy, J.Crew, Madewell and now Alex Mill.If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

28 Aug 202352min

Throwing it back to the debut episode of The Retail Pilot, join your host Ken Pilot, as he embarks on an inspiring conversation with none other than Millard "Mickey" Drexler, the visionary Chairman of Alex Mill.Buckle up as Ken and Mickey delve into the riveting tales that have shaped Mickey's illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on the retail landscape. From his groundbreaking endeavors at Ann Taylor, Gap, and Old Navy to his iconic stewardship at J.Crew, Madewell, and now Alex Mill, Mickey's story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and unmatched expertise.If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

21 Aug 202326min

Join your host Ken Pilot in this episode of The Retail Pilot, as he sits down with Marc Metrick, the driving force behind the transformative journey of luxury retail giant Saks Fifth Avenue. From his early days at Saks to his pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of the iconic brand, Marc takes us through a captivating tale of strategic evolution and reinvention.Learn how Marc's visionary leadership led to a critical juncture in 2019, as Saks embarked on a groundbreaking split into two distinct entities. He unveils the motivations behind this move, detailing the challenges and opportunities it presented. Marc's insightful narrative shines a light on the redefined hierarchy of KPIs, talent acquisition, and resource prioritization that formed the bedrock of Saks' digital-first transformation.Marc's unique perspective on owning the IP, controlling pricing and promotion, and the symbiotic relationship between the e-commerce and stores arms of Saks will leave you with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of luxury retail management. Join us as we dive into Marc Metrick's journey, unveiling the secrets behind Saks Fifth Avenue's evolution into a modern-day retail powerhouse. If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

14 Aug 202350min

Their story began in the offices of Sam & Libby Shoes, a modest footwear brand in California. John Edelman, working alongside his brother Sam, crossed paths with John McPhee, igniting a friendship that would set the stage for an indelible partnership. In their candid discussion on The Retail Pilot, the two Johns share the story of their humble beginnings, recounting how a casual dinner invitation would eventually reshape the design landscape.Their collaborative efforts led them to Edelman Leather, a family business they nurtured into a multi-million-dollar success, later acquired by Knoll. The challenges didn't stop there. Together, they took on the ambitious task of revitalizing Design Within Reach. Against all odds, Edelman and McPhee orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, proving that dedication and strategic thinking can redefine a brand's identity.Tune in as the Johns recall their pivotal moments, from facing skeptical employees to forging relationships with international vendors. Learn how their enduring partnership reflects their shared values and commitment to exceptional design. Plus, tune in to discover their life now as John Edelman is President & CEO at Heller and John McPhee is CEO and Chilewich. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

7 Aug 202349min

Join us in this inspiring episode as Ken sits down with Joey Zwillinger, the Co-founder & CEO of Allbirds, the groundbreaking footwear brand that's taking the world by storm. From humble beginnings to a global sensation, Allbirds has redefined the way we think about shoes, combining style, comfort, and sustainability in a way that's never been seen before.In this candid conversation, Joey takes us on their remarkable journey, sharing the challenges he faced as they disrupted the traditional footwear industry with their eco-friendly, renewable materials and commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Ken and Joey delve into the early days of Allbirds, from the spark of an idea to the inception of a brand that has now become a symbol of sustainable fashion.Learn how they navigated the ever-changing world of fashion and e-commerce, adapting to evolving consumer preferences while staying true to their brand values. We'll also discover the pivotal moments that shaped their company and the values that continue to guide their decisions.Listen now and explore the inspiring journey of Allbirds, a brand that proves that style, comfort, and sustainability can go hand in hand, revolutionizing the way we walk through life.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

31 Juli 202343min

Join us on an exciting episode of The Retail Pilot as Ken dives into the captivating world of fine jewelry with Jennifer and Kevin Fisher.From humble beginnings to the glitzy heights of the fashion world, Jennifer and Kevin share candid anecdotes of their path to success, and the pivotal moments that shaped the Jennifer Fisher Jewelry empire.Tune in to hear what makes Jennifer and Kevin a great team and how they are going through “hoops” to build their business. Plus, learn how Jennifer is leveraging her design and social following with CB2, Kassatex and more.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

24 Juli 202335min