The Retail Pilot

Join your host Ken Pilot in this episode of The Retail Pilot, as he sits down with Marc Metrick, the driving force behind the transformative journey of luxury retail giant Saks Fifth Avenue. From his early days at Saks to his pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of the iconic brand, Marc takes us through a captivating tale of strategic evolution and reinvention.

Learn how Marc's visionary leadership led to a critical juncture in 2019, as Saks embarked on a groundbreaking split into two distinct entities. He unveils the motivations behind this move, detailing the challenges and opportunities it presented. Marc's insightful narrative shines a light on the redefined hierarchy of KPIs, talent acquisition, and resource prioritization that formed the bedrock of Saks' digital-first transformation.

Marc's unique perspective on owning the IP, controlling pricing and promotion, and the symbiotic relationship between the e-commerce and stores arms of Saks will leave you with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of luxury retail management.

Join us as we dive into Marc Metrick's journey, unveiling the secrets behind Saks Fifth Avenue's evolution into a modern-day retail powerhouse.

If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Their story began in the offices of Sam & Libby Shoes, a modest footwear brand in California. John Edelman, working alongside his brother Sam, crossed paths with John McPhee, igniting a friendship that would set the stage for an indelible partnership. In their candid discussion on The Retail Pilot, the two Johns share the story of their humble beginnings, recounting how a casual dinner invitation would eventually reshape the design landscape.

Their collaborative efforts led them to Edelman Leather, a family business they nurtured into a multi-million-dollar success, later acquired by Knoll. The challenges didn't stop there. Together, they took on the ambitious task of revitalizing Design Within Reach. Against all odds, Edelman and McPhee orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, proving that dedication and strategic thinking can redefine a brand's identity.

Tune in as the Johns recall their pivotal moments, from facing skeptical employees to forging relationships with international vendors.

Learn how their enduring partnership reflects their shared values and commitment to exceptional design. Plus, tune in to discover their life now as John Edelman is President & CEO at Heller and John McPhee is CEO and Chilewich.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us in this inspiring episode as Ken sits down with Joey Zwillinger, the Co-founder & CEO of Allbirds, the groundbreaking footwear brand that's taking the world by storm. From humble beginnings to a global sensation, Allbirds has redefined the way we think about shoes, combining style, comfort, and sustainability in a way that's never been seen before.

In this candid conversation, Joey takes us on their remarkable journey, sharing the challenges he faced as they disrupted the traditional footwear industry with their eco-friendly, renewable materials and commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Ken and Joey delve into the early days of Allbirds, from the spark of an idea to the inception of a brand that has now become a symbol of sustainable fashion.

Learn how they navigated the ever-changing world of fashion and e-commerce, adapting to evolving consumer preferences while staying true to their brand values. We'll also discover the pivotal moments that shaped their company and the values that continue to guide their decisions.

Listen now and explore the inspiring journey of Allbirds, a brand that proves that style, comfort, and sustainability can go hand in hand, revolutionizing the way we walk through life.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us on an exciting episode of The Retail Pilot as Ken dives into the captivating world of fine jewelry with Jennifer and Kevin Fisher.

From humble beginnings to the glitzy heights of the fashion world, Jennifer and Kevin share candid anecdotes of their path to success, and the pivotal moments that shaped the Jennifer Fisher Jewelry empire.

Tune in to hear what makes Jennifer and Kevin a great team and how they are going through “hoops” to build their business. Plus, learn how Jennifer is leveraging her design and social following with CB2, Kassatex and more.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, Ken sits down with the brilliant mind behind Solo Brands, John Merris, a prominent disruptor in the retail industry. John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing invaluable strategies for achieving profitability in both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and wholesale channels.

This episode delves into the fascinating world of retail entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by emerging brands seeking to establish a strong foothold in today's competitive market. Tune in as John offers unique insights and actionable advice, honed through years of hands-on experience, on how to effectively navigate the intricacies of DTC and wholesale operations.

During this engaging conversation, Ken and John explore the critical factors that drive success in DTC sales, from building an engaging online presence to optimizing customer acquisition and retention.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Ken as he delves into Sandra's remarkable journey, exploring her early experiences, challenges faced, and the transformative moments that shaped her into the formidable leader she is today. Sandra's personal and professional triumphs provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring Latinx entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark.

During the conversation, Sandra opens up about her roots and the cultural values that have shaped her perspective on business and leadership.

Sandra is widely recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and her ability to navigate the complex world of fashion and retail. She shares her experiences as a former CEO and industry executive, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by Latinx professionals in these competitive sectors. Sandra's expertise and keen business acumen offer practical advice for Latinx entrepreneurs and women looking to break barriers and achieve success in any industry.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Ken on this inspiring episode as he sits down with Deirdre Quinn, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the driving force behind the renowned fashion brand, Lafayette 148 New York, a brand and company built on passion, experience and love of the business. Deirdre's journey from a small start-up to an influential figure in the fashion industry is nothing short of extraordinary.

Deirdre Quinn's passion for empowering women is palpable in every aspect of her work. Throughout the episode, she shares her personal experiences and challenges faced while building her brand, shedding light on the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the fashion world. From her early days of working in a small loft to overseeing an international fashion empire, Deirdre's story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

Through Lafayette 148 New York, Deirdre has revolutionized the industry by offering sophisticated, luxurious clothing for the modern woman. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and inclusivity, her brand has become synonymous with timeless elegance and impeccable quality. During the conversation, Deirdre delves into the creative process behind her designs, her vision for the future of fashion, and how she stays true to her brand's core values.

As a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Deirdre has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her insights on leadership, gender equality, and the importance of nurturing talent are invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to make a mark in their respective fields. Her dedication to philanthropy and giving back to the community further showcases her commitment to creating a better world.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Discover the story behind Indochino's rise to prominence and how CEO Drew Green and his team have revolutionized the way men approach their personal style. Listen in as Ken and Drew explore the company's commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the seamless blending of traditional tailoring techniques with modern technology.

Tune in to gain valuable industry insights from Drew's perspective and learn about the exciting future of custom men's clothing. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the inner workings of a successful fashion brand, this episode will provide you with a captivating glimpse into the world of Indochino.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Ken as he chats with Rob Smith, CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, a groundbreaking brand that has become a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment for the gender expansive movement. Tune in as Ken delves into Rob's inspiring journey, where he combines his expertise in retail with his deep passion for social justice to create a platform dedicated to the values and priorities of Gen Z.

As a trailblazer in the industry, Rob has led The Phluid Project to become a driving force in championing LGBTQIA+ rights and representation, with a particular focus on supporting underrepresented youth. In this conversation, Rob shares the story behind the creation of The Phluid Project and its mission to create a safe and affirming space for individuals across the gender spectrum.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us on this special flight of the Retail Pilot as Ken sits down with Andrea Weiss, a trailblazing retail executive and philanthropist.

Andrea is the founder of The O Alliance, a global consulting practice focused on the retail, e-commerce, and consumer sector. She has had a distinguished career in senior leadership roles with some of the world's foremost retailers, including Guess, L Brands, and Ann Taylor.

Andrea is also a member of several public company boards, including Bed O'Reilly Auto Parts and Cracker Barrel Restaurant.

As a philanthropist, she serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hampton University and Chair of Delivering Good, a 501(c)3 charity. In this episode, Andrea shares her inspiring journey and insights on leadership, diversity and inclusion, and the future of retail.

Tune in now to learn from one of the most influential women in the retail industry! 

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.