Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Howlett, co-founder of Altra Running, one of the top manufactures of road and trail running shoes. Jeremy grew up in Utah, where he was nurtured with an entrepreneurship mindset for discovery and marketing. As contrary as it may sound, Jeremy was not a runner, nor into running growing up. His aunt and uncle owned a running shoe store, where his cousin began to modify customers existing shoes, to fit their stride needs. Realizing the demand for this modification and no existence in the current market, Jeremy proposed to create and sell these shoes from scratch... enter Altra.

Altra was launched in 2009, partnering with Pulse Labs, an engineering firm at Brigham Young University, and with contract manufacturers in Asia. They were able to create this shoe that enabled runners to correctly form their stride, with the right heel angle. Jeremy and the team quickly found massive success, winning awards in Runners World Magazine, Competitor Magazine, Men's Journal, and more. The company has grew at a major annual revenue growth rate, and has been fully acquired by VF Corporation in 2018.

Make sure to check out Altra at: https://www.altrarunning.com/

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Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.