Lori McDermid & her team are committed each and every day to making the most wearable footwear
I lead a team of incredibly talented people who are committed each and every day to making the most wearable footwear on the market. Innovation is our life blood. We are always looking to improve what we do, from design to the technical components of our products. I look at my role as “Chie Motivator”. Our team is clear and focused on what we want to accomplish, and my job is to encourage, challenge, block, and tackle so that we can cross that finish line.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?
I think being a creative business person has always been in my blood. I would race out of my 5th grade class to selling candy out of my garage to all the kids walking home from school. I made and sold “cookie grahams” in high school, custom tee-shirts in college, and I could go on-and-on. The process of seeing a need, creating a product to fill that need, sell it, and then experience the benefit you brought to someone is very addicting.
How did you come up with your business idea? What inspired you?
Having been in the shoe business for over 25 years, I truly believed that traditional women’s footwear had become very static in how shoes were designed and produced. Seeing the innovation that was happening in athletic footwear, coupled with the rapid shift by the consumer to the athleisure trend, I was convinced that it was time to create something new and unique. Bzees was born with the purpose of offering modern, feminine women’s footwear that was built utilizing an innovative comfort system.
Do you have a fixed work routine? Is it important to have one?
Definitely no! Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. You have to “shake-it up” . The world is constantly changing and moving, and to be relevant you have to change with it. Any tips for our readers? Keep challenging yourself to try something new. The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it, and then just try something else!
If you were a book, which one would it be and why?
The Lord of the Ring series by J.R.R. Tolkien. I was so captivated when I read them for the first time. The story is such an epic tale of friendship, love, and heroism….an incredible fantasy with so much color. It would be incredible to have that much depth and freedom at the same time.
What do you think about company culture? What are some of your tips on being a good leader?
Company Culture is so important. You spend as much or more time with your co-workers than you do your family. In a successful and positive work environment, you have to have trust, patience, clear direction, creativity and levity. To be a good leader, I have a couple “to-do’s. Ask questions, and really listen to the answers. Pay attention and spend time with your employees. Get a tee-shirt that say’s…”there is no “I” in team… and wear it to the office!