Robert Greenberg has a lifetime of memories — and FN’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner shared some very memorable moments on stage Wednesday night. Here are a few highlights:
On his earliest days in the business: “When I started L.A. Gear, I found a sneaker with a rubber toe that I kind of liked. I made it up in 10 colors and that was it. We went to the Chicago shoe show and rented a T-bird convertible and covered the car from end to another. I thought when this style runs out, I’m going to close and take the money.”
On discovering a hit style (from Reebok): “Bob Campbell enters my life and one day he comes into my office and takes out a shoe. He says, ‘This is going to be Reebok’s next big shoe.’ So I said maybe I’ll change the name from Reebok to L.A. Gear and see how it looks. [Next thing I knew], we had 30,000 pairs with the L.A. Gear name. I went to another show in Long Beach and the [sales rep] said, ‘Do you have anything you want to show to people?’ I said just don’t show them that shoe. A week goes by and I’m reading the next FN and I turn to the centerfold.. I’m horrified to see the shoe. Thank you FN for my first lawsuit!”
On the magic of the FNAAs: “I was in five or six businesses before I found this industry by accident. None of these industries had Footwear News or these kind of special nights. It’s like the Academy Awards. They bring us all together.”
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On what he couldn’t forget from fellow winner Edgardo Osorio’s acceptance speech: “[He talked about] a suitcase full of dreams. That’s going to be my next ad campaign.”
On building two powerhouse brands: L.A. Gear was my school, Skechers is my Picasso.”
Click through the gallery to see Greenberg and other FNAA winners on the red carpet.
