#532 Behind the Events: Inside FDRA With Jolie Gracia

What does it look like to spend a career at the top of the footwear industry and then dedicate yourself to making sure others can follow? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest and Sabria Butler sit down with Portia Blunt, Board Chair of the Black Footwear Forum, for a candid conversation about her remarkable journey through footwear — from the Marine Corps to New Balance and Reebok to founding Bee Blunt. Portia shares what she saw as she rose through the ranks of major sportswear brands, and how that shaped her commitment to the Black Footwear Forum and its mission to build community, representation, and real pathways for BIPOC professionals in footwear. This is a conversation about craft, culture, and what it truly means to open doors for the next generation. With special guest: Portia Blunt, Board Chair, Black Footwear Forum and CEO and Founder, Bee Blunt Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Sabria Butler, FDRA

How did Crocs evolve from a simple foam clog to a global footwear icon? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs, shares her journey from CFO to brand leader and reveals the secrets behind the brand's unstoppable growth. From bold collaborations and social media buzz to the power of customer feedback, discover how Crocs continues to redefine casual comfort and culture. Tune in for exclusive insights, innovative strategies, and the story behind building an iconic brand—one Jibbitz at a time! With special guest: Anne Mehlman, Executive Vice President and Brand President, Crocs Hosted by: Matt Priest, President, FDRA and Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA

Meet Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator at FDRA, who went from marketing graduate at UNC Greensboro to managing all four annual FFANY Market Week cycles, supporting the FFANY Pop-Up Showroom, and helping drive social media for both Shoes for a Cure and the Black Footwear Forum. In this episode, Jolie shares how she found her way into the footwear industry, what her day-to-day really looks like, and what she loves most about the community she serves. A fun, candid conversation about the people and energy that keep this industry moving forward. With special guest: Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator, FDRA   Hosted by: Christie Horan, FDRA

What makes handcrafted Western boots a symbol of culture and craftsmanship? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Matt Priest dives into the rich heritage of Texas boot-making with Cindy Morris of the Dallas Market Center and Ryan Vaughan of Rios of Mercedes. They explore the synergy between family-owned brands, the resurgence of Western wear, and how cultural trends are reshaping the industry. Discover the stories behind stunning craftsmanship and the exciting future of Western fashion that's capturing the hearts of a new generation. With special guests: Cindy Morris, President and CEO, Dallas Market Center and Ryan Vaughan, President and CEO, Rios of Mercedes Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA

In this episode of Shoe In, Andy Polk shares his journey from politics to footwear, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and a solutions-oriented mindset. Discover how the FDRA team collaborates to tackle industry challenges, the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior, and the critical role of understanding supply chains. Andy's insights into balancing creativity with practical business strategies will inspire anyone interested in the future of footwear. With special guest: Andy Polk, FDRA   Hosted by: Christie Horan, FDRA

Are consumers moving away from athletic footwear or simply redefining what "casual" means? On this episode of Shoe In Show, Thomas and Christie sit down with Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners to break down key findings from the latest AlixPartners consumer footwear survey. From price sensitivity and inventory challenges to the growing demand for versatile, durable footwear, the conversation explores how consumer expectations are shifting and what brands and retailers need to do to keep up. With special guest: Bryan Eshelman, Americas Leader of Retail, AlixPartners   Hosted by: Thomas Crockett, FDRA and Christie Horan, FDRA FDRA members can email [email protected] to gain access to the survey.

On this episode of Shoe In Show, industry veterans Rick Muskat and David Schwartz join the conversation to discuss the recent integration of Deer Stags into Jack Schwartz Shoes. Together, they explore how shared values, complementary strengths, and decades of family leadership led to a partnership designed to navigate today's challenges—from tariffs and logistics to shifting market dynamics. The conversation highlights how collaboration, operational scale, and strategic alignment can unlock new opportunities in marketing, manufacturing, and long-term growth. With special guests: Rick Muskat, President, COO Deer Stags Concepts, Inc. and David Schwartz, CEO, Jack Schwartz Shoes Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Andy Polk, FDRA

What footwear trends will define Spring 2027? In this episode, Sandi Mines, Jolie Gracia, and Christie Horan explore the styles shaping the season — from festival-driven looks to the continued influence of moto boots and Western silhouettes. They break down the return of classic ballet flats, the evolution of mules and sandals, and how fresh sneaker designs are balancing comfort with style. From bold colors to playful details, this conversation offers a forward-looking perspective on what's next in footwear and what consumers will be reaching for in the seasons ahead. With special guests: Jolie Gracia, Marketing and Events Coordinator and Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator Hosted by: Sandi Mines, Vice President, FDRA, Corporate Engagement President, FFANY

What does it take to turn a footwear idea into a real-world product? In this episode, Andy Polk and Christie Horan break down the Footwear Innovation Foundation's Footwear LaunchPad—a program designed to connect emerging talent with industry leaders. From engineers to entrepreneurs, LaunchPad brings together diverse minds to solve real challenges and shape the future of footwear. Tune in to learn how the program works, who it's for, and how you can get involved. Hosted by: Andy Polk, Senior Vice President Executive Director, Footwear Innovation Foundation, FDRA and Christie Horan, Marketing and Media Coordinator, FDRA

What makes a shoe brand truly stand out in a noisy market? In this episode, Matt Priest and Sandi Mines dive deep with Wyatt Gilmore, Founder and CEO of Grant Stone, to explore heritage, craftsmanship, and the intricacies of sourcing footwear globally while maintaining quality. Discover how Wyatt's familial ties to the industry influenced his journey and how he navigates the challenges of global manufacturing today. With attention to unique sizing and exceptional materials, Grant Stone aims to redefine the essence of quality footwear. Don't miss this insightful conversation! With special guest: Wyatt Gilmore, Founder and CEO, Grant Stone   Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines