Keynote: James Curleigh of Keen

Comment by Brenda VanDevelder on November 9, 2009 at 1:30pm

The most interesting time for me was learning the back story about Keen AFTER the keynote. Curleigh is a good storyteller and genuinely seems to live the story. The shoe design came about in the 70's in a garage...and it didn't really fly until the right people came together to tell the brand story in a compelling way. This business took time. It's not that it's a six year old sensation that wows me, its the persistence of vision of the shoe inventor who never stopped believing he had a great concept and he had the smarts to see that James Curleigh could tell the story in a way that stuck (and sold shoes). Nice union.

Comment by Martin Keen on November 10, 2009 at 10:32pm

Brenda, I don't know why James would say they came about in the 70's. To set the record straight I developed the concept in 1999 in my studio in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Many people know the story that as a competitive sailor I was looking for better toe protection in a sailing sandal. I later developed and launched the Keen outdoor brand in 2003.

Great presentation though James.

Comment by Michael Laport on November 10, 2009 at 11:14pm

Brenda,

I was most intrigued in Keen's utilization of unconventional means and methods a business strategy. By this I mean specifically the use of manufacturing waste (tin, plastic scraps, bags) to create shoes and personalized website/community and community-based efforts for marketing. A page from my marketing text book, or perhaps the other way around. I'm impressed and envious - I like to live by the notion, "is there a better way to do things?". It is obvious they have a lot of fun in what they, which then drives success via innovation.

Martin,

I note your claim to founding Keen (as Wikipedia puts it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KEEN,_Inc.). What I notice about Keen is that its products are driven from the ground up. By this I mean shoes and bags designed with the user in mind. Your idea to create sandals with toe protection is proof. I wonder if many of your staff might be uncharacteristic in their job task in the same way that you founded the shoe company (i.e. sailor needing better shoes)? Perhaps this distinction is a cornerstone characteristic of your company that promotes more creativity and innovation?

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