Ronnie Fieg - Building Kith - [Invest Like the Best, EP.398]
My guest today is Ronnie Fieg, founder and CEO of Kith. At age 13, Ronnie started working at David Z., an iconic New York shoe store, where he sold Timberland boots to Jay-Z and Wallabies to Wu-Tang Clan. He worked his way up from the stockroom and earned his first collaboration in 2007, when he worked with ASICS on new Gel-Lyte 3s. That collection sold out in a day after being featured in The Wall Street Journal, catching the attention of Adidas's president and launching his reputation as a cultural icon.
In 2011, he founded Kith, which has become one of the most influential brands in footwear, fashion, and culture. The business sells a unique curation of products that includes exclusive Nike sneakers, Armani suits, Versace robes, watches, cars, and even $10 ice creams.
Our conversation is one of the best examples of life's work I've ever recorded - it explores how Ronnie's pure love of product has shaped everything from a campaign with Jerry Seinfeld to his creative direction for the New York Knicks. Please enjoy this excellent conversation with Ronnie Fieg.
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My guests today For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.
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Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Show Notes:
(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best
(00:06:10) The Journey to Shoot Jerry Seinfeld
(00:09:44) Understanding Consumer Desires
(00:12:04) The Queens College Project
(00:15:51) The Evolution of Kith Stores
(00:18:03) Ronnie's Early Passion for Collecting
(00:21:56) From David Z to Kith: The Retail Journey
(00:41:36) The Birth of Kith: Friends and Family
(00:46:40) Origins of Kith: From Concept to Brand
(00:47:18) Building Community and Relationships
(00:47:51) The Birth of Kith Stores
(00:48:43) Footwear Passion and Store Design
(00:49:59) The Evolution of Kith Products
(00:50:52) Storytelling Through Film
(00:57:01) Collaborations and Iconic Partnerships
(01:03:38) The Influence of Travel on Design
(01:09:15) Balancing Business and Creativity
(01:16:06) Reflections and Future Aspirations
Ireland