The Retail Pilot

Throwing it back to the debut episode of The Retail Pilot, join your host Ken Pilot, as he embarks on an inspiring conversation with none other than Millard "Mickey" Drexler, the visionary Chairman of Alex Mill.Buckle up as Ken and Mickey delve into the riveting tales that have shaped Mickey's illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on the retail landscape. From his groundbreaking endeavors at Ann Taylor, Gap, and Old Navy to his iconic stewardship at J.Crew, Madewell, and now Alex Mill, Mickey's story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and unmatched expertise.If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Ken Pilot in this episode of The Retail Pilot, as he sits down with Marc Metrick, the driving force behind the transformative journey of luxury retail giant Saks Fifth Avenue. From his early days at Saks to his pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of the iconic brand, Marc takes us through a captivating tale of strategic evolution and reinvention.Learn how Marc's visionary leadership led to a critical juncture in 2019, as Saks embarked on a groundbreaking split into two distinct entities. He unveils the motivations behind this move, detailing the challenges and opportunities it presented. Marc's insightful narrative shines a light on the redefined hierarchy of KPIs, talent acquisition, and resource prioritization that formed the bedrock of Saks' digital-first transformation.Marc's unique perspective on owning the IP, controlling pricing and promotion, and the symbiotic relationship between the e-commerce and stores arms of Saks will leave you with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of luxury retail management. Join us as we dive into Marc Metrick's journey, unveiling the secrets behind Saks Fifth Avenue's evolution into a modern-day retail powerhouse. If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Their story began in the offices of Sam & Libby Shoes, a modest footwear brand in California. John Edelman, working alongside his brother Sam, crossed paths with John McPhee, igniting a friendship that would set the stage for an indelible partnership. In their candid discussion on The Retail Pilot, the two Johns share the story of their humble beginnings, recounting how a casual dinner invitation would eventually reshape the design landscape.Their collaborative efforts led them to Edelman Leather, a family business they nurtured into a multi-million-dollar success, later acquired by Knoll. The challenges didn't stop there. Together, they took on the ambitious task of revitalizing Design Within Reach. Against all odds, Edelman and McPhee orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, proving that dedication and strategic thinking can redefine a brand's identity.Tune in as the Johns recall their pivotal moments, from facing skeptical employees to forging relationships with international vendors. Learn how their enduring partnership reflects their shared values and commitment to exceptional design. Plus, tune in to discover their life now as John Edelman is President & CEO at Heller and John McPhee is CEO and Chilewich. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Joey Zwillinger, Co-founder and CEO of Allbirds, has revolutionized footwear with a focus on sustainability and comfort. In this engaging conversation, he shares the transformative journey of Allbirds, from its inception to becoming a global brand. Joey discusses challenges in disrupting the traditional footwear industry, the importance of authenticity, and adapting to consumer preferences. He also explores innovative retail strategies, including e-commerce integration and strategic partnerships that enhance brand visibility while staying committed to eco-friendly practices.

Join us on an exciting episode of The Retail Pilot as Ken dives into the captivating world of fine jewelry with Jennifer and Kevin Fisher.From humble beginnings to the glitzy heights of the fashion world, Jennifer and Kevin share candid anecdotes of their path to success, and the pivotal moments that shaped the Jennifer Fisher Jewelry empire.Tune in to hear what makes Jennifer and Kevin a great team and how they are going through “hoops” to build their business. Plus, learn how Jennifer is leveraging her design and social following with CB2, Kassatex and more.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, Ken sits down with the brilliant mind behind Solo Brands, John Merris, a prominent disruptor in the retail industry. John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing invaluable strategies for achieving profitability in both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and wholesale channels.This episode delves into the fascinating world of retail entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by emerging brands seeking to establish a strong foothold in today's competitive market. Tune in as John offers unique insights and actionable advice, honed through years of hands-on experience, on how to effectively navigate the intricacies of DTC and wholesale operations.During this engaging conversation, Ken and John explore the critical factors that drive success in DTC sales, from building an engaging online presence to optimizing customer acquisition and retention.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Ken as he delves into Sandra's remarkable journey, exploring her early experiences, challenges faced, and the transformative moments that shaped her into the formidable leader she is today. Sandra's personal and professional triumphs provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring Latinx entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark.During the conversation, Sandra opens up about her roots and the cultural values that have shaped her perspective on business and leadership. Sandra is widely recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and her ability to navigate the complex world of fashion and retail. She shares her experiences as a former CEO and industry executive, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by Latinx professionals in these competitive sectors. Sandra's expertise and keen business acumen offer practical advice for Latinx entrepreneurs and women looking to break barriers and achieve success in any industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join Ken on this inspiring episode as he sits down with Deirdre Quinn, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the driving force behind the renowned fashion brand, Lafayette 148 New York, a brand and company built on passion, experience and love of the business. Deirdre's journey from a small start-up to an influential figure in the fashion industry is nothing short of extraordinary.Deirdre Quinn's passion for empowering women is palpable in every aspect of her work. Throughout the episode, she shares her personal experiences and challenges faced while building her brand, shedding light on the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the fashion world. From her early days of working in a small loft to overseeing an international fashion empire, Deirdre's story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication.Through Lafayette 148 New York, Deirdre has revolutionized the industry by offering sophisticated, luxurious clothing for the modern woman. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and inclusivity, her brand has become synonymous with timeless elegance and impeccable quality. During the conversation, Deirdre delves into the creative process behind her designs, her vision for the future of fashion, and how she stays true to her brand's core values.As a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Deirdre has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her insights on leadership, gender equality, and the importance of nurturing talent are invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to make a mark in their respective fields. Her dedication to philanthropy and giving back to the community further showcases her commitment to creating a better world.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Drew Green, the award-winning CEO of Indochino, shares the inspirational journey of transforming from a university basketball player to a leader in custom apparel. He reveals how Indochino blends traditional tailoring with modern tech to redefine men’s fashion. Listen as he discusses strategies for scaling production and improving delivery times, along with insights on customer-centric customization. Drew also covers plans for retail expansion and the importance of investing in people behind thriving brands, all while sharing some fun personal tidbits.

Join Ken as he chats with Rob Smith, CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, a groundbreaking brand that has become a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment for the gender expansive movement. Tune in as Ken delves into Rob's inspiring journey, where he combines his expertise in retail with his deep passion for social justice to create a platform dedicated to the values and priorities of Gen Z.As a trailblazer in the industry, Rob has led The Phluid Project to become a driving force in championing LGBTQIA+ rights and representation, with a particular focus on supporting underrepresented youth. In this conversation, Rob shares the story behind the creation of The Phluid Project and its mission to create a safe and affirming space for individuals across the gender spectrum.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.