Hey, folks, I get asked this question a lot, which is, “Hey, Wade, you’re such an expert, and you’ve been in the business, why don’t you launch your own shoe brand?” So today I’m gonna tell you why I don’t launch my shoe brand, but first, I want to just make sure that if you’re not familiar with shoemakersacademy.com, then please cruise over to the website.

What you’re gonna find here is tons of shoemaking resources, whether you’re a designer, a developer, a brand manager, or you’re hyper-experienced in footwear or not. There’s actually something here for you.

We have tons of online courses to help you get started in the business or to expand your reach if you’re in the business. Check out our course catalog; we offer courses for beginners, as well as deeper dives into material specifications, design, durability, quality, fit and comfort, sustainability, and more. We’ve got courses for every aspect of the footwear industry. And, if you’re not interested in courses, they’re all available online on demand, much like what you’re seeing here where I’m sharing these details. Additionally, we’ve got a wide range of books and tools available, including ones used in various universities, colleges, and footwear companies around the world. Our expertise spans from pattern making to material specifications to even how to start your own footwear business, which is precisely what we’re discussing today.

There’s also a treasure trove of blogs, live events, consulting, and coaching available, all of which tie into what we’re talking about today.

So why don’t I start my own shoe business? The answer is multifaceted. When I began this project, I was working for another shoe company, and it didn’t make sense to start my brand while being in direct competition. Furthermore, my work hours left me with little desire to work on shoes in my free time.

That’s when we started creating these books and courses as an after-hours project, which became a passionate pursuit. As my career progressed, I ventured into different industries and products, such as water sports. The skills I acquired in the footwear industry were transferable, allowing me to diversify my interests while remaining in the realm of product design and development.

Now that I’m self-employed, you might think it’s the perfect time to start my own brand. However, I work with multiple brands daily, helping them navigate the complex world of footwear design, development, and production. Creating my brand would consume too much of my time, limiting my ability to assist others.

I enjoy working with both startups and established brands and helping them reach their goals while avoiding costly mistakes. My experience encompasses big and small brands, and I find fulfillment in working on a variety of projects simultaneously, both inside and outside the footwear industry.

In summary, the decision not to launch my shoe brand is not a discouragement for others to do so. If you have a unique and exciting idea, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue your brand. My mission is to guide and mentor those who embark on this journey, leveraging my experience to help them succeed. So, if you have a passion for a project, the right idea, and a strong desire, go for it. And remember, Shoemakers Academy is here to support you throughout your footwear journey. Thanks for watching!