Casey Arisohn, Founder of Radii Footwear

If you believe Casey Arisohn, success in business is all about who you know. Believe him. The 26 year-old Founder and CEO of Radii Footwear, an upscale sneaker line popular with music artists (think Gwen Stefani and Jay-Z.), launched his first line in August 2008 at the Magic Tradeshow in Vegas and now, less than two years later, boasts distribution in 10 countries and over 350 retail locations.

Casey, a retail worker at age 16, buying assistant by 17, then retail sales rep, also spent his share of time in college, leaving shy of graduation. Realizing he was losing important relationships while away at school, Casey decided to come back to retail as a consultant and manufacturer for private label. Shortly after, a business associate took note of his fast-selling sneaker designs, approached him about working out a partnership, and Radii Footwear was born. With funding, a decade of retail experience behind him, and noteworthy clientele, Casey, along with his partner, enjoyed a staggering $1M in sales in just the first 6 months, cementing the relationship.

The moral of the story? If business really is dependent upon relationships, we all need to meet a few more Caseys.

1.  You are adamant that business is all about who you know. What was the key to building your most important relationships?

I always try to follow the golden rule of treating everyone like I would want to be treated.  Coming up in this business, I recall running into a lot of people that would treat others who weren’t necessarily on the same business level or status as them as such.  You have to be careful, sometimes those people end up in positions where you might need them.

2. Radii’s growth since August 2008 has been off the charts. What advice do you have for small business owners who are struggling in the recession?

Make quality products.  It all comes down to the goods you manufacture.  Sure, the volume might not be where it was years ago, but as long as you’re making quality products that consumers want, you’ll weather the storm and make it through.

3. Dealing with Chinese factories for several years, you must have hit some bumps along the way. What were your biggest challenges, and would you ever consider manufacturing domestically?

Oh boy…bumps don’t even describe it!   The language barrier and lead time slow us down.  When dealing with China, especially in the footwear industry, you’re dealing with a larger time window to produce samples for a season.  We’re working on 2011/12 samples for Radii right now because it takes that long to get the product the way you envision it.

4. Name the five things that most influence your style.

History, fashion, our retailers, price, and competition.

5. For a 26 year-old, you have achieved a high level of personal success. Given that you don’t have a history of it, does the thought of failure scare you?

Honestly, I was a bit scared before I launched the line but that didn’t last long.  We’re too busy to really think about that, to tell you the truth.   With a retail and buyer background, I guess you kind of learn how to shut that emotion off.   I know that in business, everything doesn’t go as planned but I also know that if you plan properly you can’t fail.

6. Are your friends jealous?

Haha…for the most part no.  Most are just stoked and still can’t believe I have a sneaker line.   I hear about competitors that say things here and there but it’s never said to my face.

7. Describe the person who would best complement both your life and your business.

You know, I think someone who has their own set of goals that they want to accomplish.  Someone who is about their business whether it’s finishing school, opening their own business or working for a company.  Someone who has a passion for what they do because I’m passionate about Radii Footwear.  I’m young so I’m sure these things will change as I date more.

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Sitting on an empire not just limited to footwear and just being happy.  I want to be able to leave an impact on my generation and generations to come.

Want to connect with Casey? Follow him on Facebook and Twitter!