

The co-founder effect, w/Rothy's Stephen Hawthornthwaite and Roth Martin
Dec 20, 2022
In this engaging conversation, Stephen Hawthornthwaite and Roth Martin, co-founders of Rothy's—famed for their eco-friendly footwear—discuss the power of collaboration in entrepreneurship. They share personal insights on how co-founders enhance problem-solving and foster resilience within a business. The duo reveals the challenges of scaling, from sourcing sustainable materials to navigating global production hurdles in China. Their journey underscores the importance of trust, complementary skills, and a shared vision in overcoming the trials of establishing a successful brand.
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Rothy's Origin Story
- Roth Martin and Stephen Hawthornthwaite, co-founders of Rothy's, met at a birthday party in 2011.
- They bonded over their shared desire for a career change and decided to start a business together.
Vision Before Product
- Co-founder relationships can form around a shared vision before a specific product idea.
- Roth and Stephen's partnership exemplifies this, prioritizing their connection and desire for innovation.
Identifying a Market Gap
- Roth and Stephen identified a gap in the market for women's shoes suitable for athleisure wear.
- Observing their wives' footwear struggles, they recognized a widespread problem and a potential business opportunity.