//podcastplus.net/feed/podcast~75c43aaa7c68ee1c77393619589c175efd897557f06b6395a65669b5ed06de32 The Retail Pilot is a series of interviews conducted by Ken Pilot with “Leaders and Legends” of the Retail industry. Ken will focus the conversation on his guests’ career journeys and their greatest career accomplishments and disappointments; gather insight into their leadership styles; learn who inspired them as they progressed through their careers; identify brands they admire; discover challenges they have faced; and talk about where they think Retail is headed and how they are leveraging technology to get there. Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:18:45 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/f58e3240-77ea-4e42-a3f1-e64d70f52434/stream.mp3 Ken Pilot interviews Terry Lundgren for this flight of The Retail Pilot - Leaders & Legends. Terry Lundgren served for 14 years as CEO of Macy’s, Inc., operator of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bluemercury and one of the largest retail ecommerce businesses in America. He retired from Macy’s, Inc. in January 2018 after serving for 10 months as the company’s Executive Chairman. Prior to becoming CEO of the company in February 2003 and Chairman and CEO in January 2004, Lundgren had been President and Chief Merchandising Officer since May 1997.  He is the founder of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retail at the University of Arizona where he hosts an annual conference for retail industry leaders and students interested in a career in retail and related industries. Lundgren currently serves on the boards of The Procter & Gamble Company, New DataNetwork, and the Economic Club of New York. He is a former board member of Kraft Foods Inc. the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Carnegie Hall ... Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/f58e3240-77ea-4e42-a3f1-e64d70f52434/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/24c58c55-a403-49ea-b52f-a42097237719/stream.mp3 Ken interviews Matt Mueller, Founder and CEO of Knot Standard, the leader in premium custom menswear in the United States. Matt has been one of the most pivotal figures behind tech innovation in menswear over the last decade, creating the unique, AI-powered Style Wall and Fit App for Knot Standard, and holding numerous other patents. He has a 25-year record in global business and technology, having worked with firms such as the Advisory Board Company, Gannett, Harvard, and Dubai Holding. Beyond his professional successes, Matt is the extremely proud father of his five young children, and holds a degree in Finance from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia where he is also a Guest Lecturer. When he is not simultaneously working on Knot Standard or advising new startups, Matt and his family enjoy traveling around the globe. Key Takeaways of the Podcast Include: 1.      Matt, the CEO of Kot Standard, is a pioneer in tech innovation for menswear . He has over 25 years of expe... Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/24c58c55-a403-49ea-b52f-a42097237719/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/e6af2ba8-7f96-43a9-b627-50bbad336aaf/stream.mp3 On Episode 30 of The Retail Pilot, Ken Pilot interviews Stephen Kuhl, Co-Founder and CEO of Burrow, a furniture design brand that’s making it radically easier for people to feel at home through innovative, award winning, furniture and unparalleled customer experience. Launched in 2017, Burrow is one of the fastest growing furniture brands in the world and has raised venture capital from leading venture firms including New Enterprise Associates, Y Combinator, Parkway VC, and Red & Blue Ventures. Mr. Kuhl is an investor and advisor to several startups including Commerce Bear, Suite Plants, and Desk View. Prior to Burrow, Mr. Kuhl was a growth investor at Commonfund Capital and worked in Accenture’s Global Strategy group, specializing in operating model design. Mr. Kuhl earned a B.S. with honors from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. 1.     Inception of Burrow: Stephen Kuhl, the CEO and co-founder of Burrow, shared how the idea fo... Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/e6af2ba8-7f96-43a9-b627-50bbad336aaf/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/7e7d98fc-f589-469f-881e-3f2b136eb519/stream.mp3 1.     Todd Snyder's Background : Todd Snyder, a retail designer, grew up in Ames, Iowa, with a background in business. Despite his unconventional path, his passion for clothes and fashion ultimately led him to pursue a career in design. 2.     Early Fashion Influences : During his high school years, Todd admired designers such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Armani. However, as he transitioned into college and began working in retail (particularly selling Ralph Lauren's Polo clothing), his admiration for Ralph Lauren's work grew, solidifying his aspiration to become a designer. 3.     Early Retail Experience : Todd gained valuable experience in the retail industry, working at various stores in Iowa, including Yonkers and The Buckle. He also worked in a store called Bedowers, where he not only sold menswear but also worked in the tailor shop, sparking his interest in the process of creating clothing. 4.     Internship at Ralph Lauren : Todd's first significant step into the ... Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/7e7d98fc-f589-469f-881e-3f2b136eb519/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/15a0cec5-ae5b-4369-aa82-4c515a764fd8/stream.mp3 Ken Pilot interviews Sheryl Clark, CEO & President of Boston Proper, a best-kept secret for women over 40, designing unique, on-trend, high-quality fashion for every occasion. Sheryl’s experience includes time at Bloomingdales, Gap and Old Navy prior to joining Boston Proper. Key highlights of the interview are: Sheryl's Background and Career Journey : Sheryl shares her background, growing up in an Italian immigrant family, and her early fascination with clothing. She discusses her education in business economics and fashion merchandising, as well as her start in the Bloomingdale's executive training program. Career at Gap Inc. : Sheryl talks about her time at Gap Inc., including her experiences at Bloomingdale's and the Gap. She highlights a pivotal moment when she took on a VP of men's position, demonstrating the importance of being open to new opportunities. Transition to Old Navy : Sheryl discusses her transition to Old Navy, where she played a significant role in the brand's growth... Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/15a0cec5-ae5b-4369-aa82-4c515a764fd8/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/23966031-364d-4c4f-9d38-e03b799b07f5/stream.mp3 Ken Pilot interviews Alex and Mike Faherty, co-founders and leaders of eponymous apparel brand, Faherty for this episode of The Retail Pilot.  Alex is a co-founder and CEO at Faherty. Prior to starting at Faherty, Alex spent over a decade in Investment Banking and Private Equity. Formerly a football player at Yale, Alex takes a coaching mentality in how he runs the business, knowing that so much of a brand's success is who makes up the team. When he has time, and isn't coaching T-ball, he likes to surf. Mike wrote his college essay about starting Faherty Brand, going on to major in Fashion Design at Washington University in St. Louis before spending a decade in New York’s fashion industry. His passion is sourcing high-quality fabrics from around the world and developing innovative new ones himself. Mike loves playing basketball and finding off-the-beaten-track surf spots and restaurants.  Key Highlights: 1. Faherty has had a successful business with Australian tourists in the States, as the br... Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/23966031-364d-4c4f-9d38-e03b799b07f5/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/262e382f-c92a-4969-a768-d12fba0f3d57/stream.mp3 Ken Pilot interviews Jan Singer about her incredible career as a Retail and Fashion leader and Board Member. Diverse Journey in Retail and Fashion : Jan Singer's career journey spans across various categories of business, not limited to retail. She's worked in luxury goods, beauty, and manufacturing for brands like Chanel, Calvin Klein, Prada, and Nike. Her experiences ranged from innovation to manufacturing and wholesaling. Initiating Career at Chanel : Jan shared an interesting story about how she found a phone number for Chanel, called in, and ended up speaking with the president, which ultimately led to her landing a job at Chanel. Challenging and Rewarding Leadership Roles : Jan believes that every job she's had has been challenging, and she's always been open to pushing herself to learn and grow. She mentioned navigating the 08 crisis at Nike as one of the most challenging moments. Additionally, running global footwear and apparel at Nike was a masterclass in leadership. Qualities as a ... Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/262e382f-c92a-4969-a768-d12fba0f3d57/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/fe34dab7-0d6f-4a71-b741-87710e986f87/stream.mp3 Join Ken Pilot as he speaks with Co-Founder and CEO of Rhone, Nate Checketts, about his menswear business focused on fitness, comfort and everyday wear. Prior to Rhone, Nate worked for and consulted with some of the biggesttechnology and entertainment properties in the world including Cisco, The NationalFootball League, Legends, FanVision and Sport Radar. Nate is also an avid entrepreneur who founded and launched 4companies before the age of 30, including Rhone and Mangia Technologies, whose patents were later acquired by the San Francisco 49ers. In 2020 Nate was selected by the Sports Business Journal to their 2020 list of Forty leaders under Forty. In addition to Rhone, Nate also serves as Chairman of the Board to Beyond Type 1, a non-profit dedicated to the community of those with Type 1 Diabetes. Nate graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Finance. He and his wife Dayna reside in Connecticut with their three young boys, Gabriel, William and Nicholas. About Rhone was founded in 20... Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/fe34dab7-0d6f-4a71-b741-87710e986f87/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/b7bf751d-79a2-4a37-b009-6844cb851ea9/stream.mp3 In this Flight of The Retail Pilot - Leaders & Legends, Ken speaks with Sharon Leite, CEO of Ideal Image, former CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe and Retail Leader at companies such as Gap, Bath and Body Works and Pier 1. Key Takeaways of the Episode: * Passion and Connection to Mission: Sharon emphasizes that passion for the business, brand, product, and mission is more important than monetary compensation. Connecting personally with your work is crucial for long-term success. * Career Stages and Growth: Sharon's career evolved through three distinct stages: learning the business and consumer experience, turning around businesses, and applying her knowledge to legacy brands. Each stage contributed to her growth and success. * Due Diligence and Understanding: Sharon learned the importance of thorough due diligence when considering new opportunities. Understanding the company, industry, and board's vision is essential for a successful and fulfilling career. * Surrounding Yourself with the Right Team: ... Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:30:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/b7bf751d-79a2-4a37-b009-6844cb851ea9/stream.mp3 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/2f1eb3d7-4bfd-4fab-be09-ffbfae7324d3/stream.mp3 Join your host, Ken Pilot, as he interviews Steve Madden, Founder and Creative Chief of his eponymous Footwear and Accessories brand, Steve Madden. Key Highlights: Steve Madden's Early Career: Steve Madden's career in retail began when he got a job at a shoe store in Cedarhurst, Long Island. He got the job by mentioning he was Johnny Madden's little brother, and the owner hired him on the spot. This marked the beginning of his journey in the shoe business. Creative Influence in Shoe Business: Steve started working in the shoe business during a creative period, particularly in men's shoes. Platform shoes, especially for men, were in trend during the mid-'70s. The store owner, whom he looked up to, fancied himself as a shoe designer, and this environment fueled Steve's interest in the creative side of the shoe business. Mentorship at Gildor: After working at Toulouse, Steve joined Gildor, a well-known shoe retailer. Larry, the son of the owner, became a significant mentor for Steve. He emphasiz... Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/2f1eb3d7-4bfd-4fab-be09-ffbfae7324d3/stream.mp3