Founder's Field Notes
Creating The First Zero Drop Shoe with Jeremy Howlett, CoFounder of Altra Running
In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, your host, Jason Klug, engages in a dynamic conversation with Jeremy Howlett, an accomplished growth marketer and co-founder of Altra, a revolutionary shoe brand. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as Jeremy takes us through the incredible journey of creating a distinctive shoe brand that redefined comfort and functionality.
Episode Highlights:
The Genesis of Innovation: Discover the fascinating story behind Altra's inception, from the creation of a hacked-up shoe to a game-changing 3-mile run. Jeremy recounts how this genuine pain point of running form and knee pain triggered the birth of a revolutionary concept and fueled their determination to reimagine footwear comfort.
Walking the R&D Path: Dive into the depths of research and development as Jeremy explains how early research and development played a pivotal role in the early stages of Altra. Uncover the intricacies of crafting a zero-drop shoe and the critical elements that make up a winning footwear formula.
Stepping into Validation: Explore the power of word-of-mouth validation and market interest. Learn how Jeremy and his team harnessed user feedback and scientific backing to turn their visionary product into a validated success. Discover the challenges they faced and overcame in introducing groundbreaking heel technology.
Journey to Manufacturing Excellence: Delve into the behind-the-scenes process of bringing a revolutionary shoe to life. Jeremy shares insights into the pivotal moment when a product developer reached out. Understand the critical steps involved, from product development to finding investors who share your vision.
From Brand Building to Marketing Mastery: After co-founding Altra, Jeremy delves into the world of marketing. Get a sneak peek into his expertise in customer segmentation and lifecycle marketing. Learn how he translates brand value into resonating stories that captivate customers.
Founder's Wisdom: Tune in to Jeremy's sage advice for fellow entrepreneurs. Embrace the power of a strong "why" behind your product, and learn how to infuse it into your brand's core values. Jeremy shares his personal growth journey, encouraging everyone to stay open, humble, and continuously seek opportunities to learn.
Join us in this captivating episode of Founder's Field Notes, where innovation, passion, and determination converge to reshape the footwear industry. Whether you're a founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the journey of turning a pain point into a groundbreaking solution, this episode is a must-listen.
Remember, every product has a story, and every entrepreneur has a unique journey. Don't let fear hold you back—let hope and optimism drive your future. As Jeremy Howlett beautifully puts it, "Be open and humble to learn. We don't all know everything, and being humble enough to seek help is the key to success."
Tune in now to gain invaluable insights and embark on a journey of entrepreneurship that's sure to leave you inspired and motivated. Don't miss out on this enriching episode of Founder's Field Notes!
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