Millionaire University Inventing vs. Innovating: Reimagining "Waste" as Commercially Viable Products | Stuart Jenkins
Jan 7, 2026
In this engaging conversation, footwear innovator Stuart Jenkins shares his journey from Olympic Trials marathoner to entrepreneur focused on turning waste into high-performance shoes. He discusses the powerful mindset of preparation, revealing his 1,000:1 principle. Stuart recounts overcoming 94 rejections to license ideas at Reebok and emphasizes the importance of sustainability in commercial success. He reimagines foam waste as a valuable resource, illustrating the innovative spirit and patience needed to thrive in the industry, while stressing the need for quality and market appeal.
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Turning Factory Foam Into Oprah-Worthy Shoes
- Stuart turned hundreds of thousands of pounds of athletic footwear foam waste into high-performance insoles and shoes.
- One Flex slide made from reclaimed materials was named to Oprah's Favorite Things.
1,000:1 Preparation Principle
- Stuart ran 26,000 training miles and qualified for the 1984 Olympic Trials in the marathon.
- He uses the '1,000:1 preparation to performance' metaphor to describe preparation for startups.
Reframe Waste As A Resource
- Foam is plastic that can't be remelted into the same foam, making it a persistent waste stream.
- Stuart reframed that waste as a valuable resource rather than pollution to be burned or buried.