KEEN is an American footwear and accessories manufacturing company based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2003 by Martin Keen, KEEN products are now available in retail locations throughout the United States, and are distributed worldwide.
Video Keen (shoe company)
History
In 2003, the first KEEN shoes were invented to answer the unasked question, "Can a sandal protect your toes?"-- and they featured a signature thick black toe bumper. KEEN found a ready market in sailing and other outdoor and water activities, and now offers products for many outdoor activities as well as lifestyle shoes.
KEEN has been a fast-growing company since its inception. The company was named 2003's "Launch of the Year" by the shoe industry's leading trade publication, Footwear News, which also identified it as a hot brand to watch. As KEEN has grown, there have been many changes, including the addition of a variety of styles, casual and cold-weather footwear and a line of bags, socks, and clothing.
In reaction to the 2004 Asian tsunami, KEEN joined the relief effort by pulling their entire $1M advertising budget and diverting it to disaster relief. This pivotal moment in KEEN's history has shaped a brand culture of giving back and doing the right thing. This gesture turned into their long-term Hybrid.Care program, where they partner with organizations whose vision they share, including The Conservation Alliance, 1 KG More, Leave No Trace, and Big City Mountaineers.
In early 2006, the company relocated its headquarters from Alameda, California to Portland, Oregon. Located in the historic Pearl District, KEEN now calls a restored five story building their home.
In 2009, the company had estimated sales of $130 to $140 million. For a brand founded with a toe-protecting sandal, growing into safety work footwear just made sense, and thus the KEEN Utility Tacoma work boots were born. Since then, KEEN Utility has been "Putting Good to Work" through its non-profit partnerships within the Project Build program. From helping put veterans back on their feet, providing protective footwear for those in need, to supporting conservation corps work across the country.
The company opened a plant in Portland in 2010 to begin manufacturing some footwear in the United States using materials sourced from around the world. KEEN's Swan Island factory is less than five minutes from the KEEN headquarters in downtown Portland. This is where their American Built collection comes from, which is assembled with pride and tireless attention to fit, quality, and comfort.
For 2011, revenue had grown to approximately $240 million.
In 2012, KEEN purchased the Pearl Building in Portland's Pearl District for $10.8 million to serve as company headquarters and also host their retail store. They had three goals for the 60,000 foot, five story renovation: 1) Restore the building to its natural character 2) Make the building exude the KEEN brand 3) Make a bold environmental statement. They succeeded by repurposing almost all existing materials within the old building, and the renovation was completed with less than one dumpster of waste instead of the normal 20-25 if approached the typical way.
Maps Keen (shoe company)
Leadership
In 2006, Kirk Richardson joined the company as its president after a 27-year career in management at nearby Nike, Inc. In 2008, Richardson began leading KEEN's corporate social responsibility efforts and James Curleigh became CEO after 12 years as CEO at Salomon Sports North America. In 2014, Steve Meineke was named the company's president. Meineke was previously CEO at Accell North America and president of Raleigh America, Inc . In 2016, Corey Sheahan, former Patagonia CEO, took over as Keen CEO following Meineke's retirement. In 2017, Rory Fuerst returned as CEO to replace Sheahan who served for less than a year.
See also
- List of companies based in Oregon
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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