Dream On: How to Be a Creative Entrepreneur | David Allemann
Apr 1, 2025
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David Allemann, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of On, shares his inspiring journey in building a leading sportswear brand. He discusses the innovative strategies behind On's unique running shoes and the importance of nurturing a strong company culture through growth. David emphasizes the uplifting power of physical activity and how community engagement drives brand loyalty. He also introduces Cyclone, a sustainable subscription service for running shoes, showcasing his commitment to evolving footwear ownership and environmental responsibility.
David Allemann highlights the importance of creative marketing, showcasing how On's guerrilla strategy successfully engaged customers and built community trust.
The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in their Cyclone program, promoting recycled materials and a circular economy to align with customer values.
Deep dives
Founding a Global Sports Brand
The foundation of the sportswear brand On in 2010 was marked by a pivotal moment when co-founders David Allemann, Kasper, and Olivier experienced an innovative running shoe. Despite initial skepticism over the shoe’s unconventional appearance, their first run in it revealed a groundbreaking experience that sparked their confidence to launch the brand. They quickly realized that starting a shoe company from Switzerland, a small market, would require a global vision. By hiking in the Engadin Valley, they collectively built the conviction that with the right technology and mindset, they could compete in the saturated athletic shoe market.
Innovative Marketing Strategies
On's marketing approach was characterized by creativity and engagement, exemplified during their introduction at the ISPO fair where they wore t-shirts saying 'Don't ask me about the shoe.' This tactic led inquisitive attendees to seek out their booth, allowing the team to showcase the shoe experience firsthand. This guerrilla marketing strategy emphasized the importance of customer experience over traditional promotional methods. By focusing on creating a grassroots movement driven by firsthand testimonials and athlete partnerships, On has effectively built a loyal community around its products.
Culture and Collaborative Leadership
On's unique leadership model involves a partnership among three co-founders and two co-CEOs, fostering a collaborative culture that is essential for navigating rapid growth. This model discourages traditional command-and-control hierarchies, promoting shared responsibilities that align with the brand's innovative spirit. The team acknowledges that maintaining a vibrant startup culture amidst scaling is critical, driven by mutual respect and diverse leadership roles. The integration of innovative thinking with operational execution allows for sustained creativity and team cohesion as the company grows.
Sustainability and Future Goals
Sustainability is integral to On’s operations, exemplified by their Cyclone program, which promotes a subscription model for running shoes made from recycled materials. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with the values of their diverse, young workforce. The brand is committed to enhancing its circular economy practices by encouraging customers to return used shoes for recycling, thus reducing waste. Looking ahead to 2026, On aims to inspire individuals to engage in movement, underscoring their mission to ignite the human spirit through active participation in sports.
David Allemann is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Swiss sportswear brand On. Since its founding in 2010, On has become one of the fastest-growing global sports brands with a presence in over 60 countries and more than 9,000 retailers. David joins Google to discuss his career journey, the story of On’s IPO, and how they were able to become a prominent name in the saturated market of athletic shoes.