A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

“Sneaker” Steve Patino shares his journey from sneaker enthusiast to footwear industry innovator, discussing how his passion for shoes evolved into a mission to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing. “Sneaker” Steve is the founder of Ales Gray.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – The future of business and creating a positive legacy
• 01:02 – Working for free at a sneaker store as a teenager
• 02:43 – Why being passionate matters for entrepreneurs
• 05:17 – Meeting industry leaders on their way up
• 07:22 – Creating footwear for essential workers
• 10:49 – Carbon negative products and supply chain innovation
• 15:18 – Rethinking how products are made
• 20:11 – Getting into REI and major retailers
• 31:13 – Learning entrepreneurship from an immigrant hustler
• 37:44 –  From struggling student to Stanford GSB
• 42:15 – Parenting: Teaching values in different circumstances
• 50:47 – The Future of Footwear is digital connectivity and sustainable manufacturing
• 53:08 – Ales Gray’s mission
• https://alesgrey.com/

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This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

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Credits:

• Produced by the team at KazCM: https://kazcm.com/podcast-production/
• Part of QuietLoud Studios (podcast network): https://quietloudstudios.com/
• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
• A version of this episode published on Entrepreneur Perspectives
• Music credits: Dark Mystery Trailer (Taking Our time) by AlexGrohl | Website | Music promoted by Pixabay | Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license (“CC0 Content”) License

About A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability guest “Sneaker” Steve Patiño

Steve Patiño is the Founder and CEO of AGS Labs Inc./ALES GREY, a Los Angeles-based foot-tech company pioneering sustainable footwear manufacturing in North America.

With 30 years in the footwear industry, Steve’s career highlights include serving as Global Director of DC SHOES during its $1B growth period and co-founding the luxury footwear brand Android Homme, which attracted elite athletes and artists, including LeBron James and Kendrick Lamar.

His products have been featured in premium retailers worldwide, including Barneys, Nordstrom, and Selfridges. He’s also led successful collaborations with Latin music stars J Balvin and Bad Bunny.

A Stanford GSB graduate and NYU alum, Steve was born in Queens, NY to Colombian parents. He now lives in Beverly Hills with his family. ALES GREY, named after his son Greyson Alessandro, reflects his mission to create sustainable footwear for future generations.

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