A Legacy of Opportunity

COLT E.
Product Creation & Analytics Manager
Part of our family since 2011

I’m proud to be part of Red Wing Shoe Company and contribute to our 115-year legacy. In 2011, I joined the Company as project leader in product development for our Irish Setter brand. Not long after, I was offered the opportunity to lead a new team focused on go-to-market tracking and insights and analytics.

I like getting in on the front end of something, building from the ground floor, and leaving a lasting mark. To do that, you need to feel comfortable. Here, that’s easy because people really care about you, not just as an employee—but who you are outside of work, too. 

I grew up in Red Wing, Minnesota. When I first started working here, I immediately felt like I was part of the family. I never felt I had anything to hide. Eight years ago, when I came out, nothing changed here at work. No one treated me any differently. And later, when my mom was sick, it became really clear to me how much everyone cares about each other.

Family first. That’s an important part of what makes this company so great.

Challenge and Change Build Us

There are ups and downs in business. When a company has its greatest challenges, you see what it’s made of. I saw that personally, last year, when we all pulled together to overcome some rather difficult times. Everyone jumped in, people knew my skill set, and we weren’t afraid to ask one another for help. It was great seeing how we could mobilize and work as a team.

We continue to grow and shift to remain relevant. Many strategic decisions have been made over the past 10 years that have led to stronger synergies across the company. This brings so many opportunities to grow and learn. It’s been really fulfilling to manage and train others, watch them grow, and pass the torch and see them succeed. Individually and together, we all have an opportunity to make things better than they were before.

My legacy and the legacy of the company are intertwined. I know Red Wing Shoes will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the world we live in. I want people to look back and feel like I played an important role in helping to shape the way we do business.

I’d like to be that person who someone wants to work with again. I’m confident there will be new opportunities to leave a lasting, positive mark on Red Wing Shoe Company.

How will you build your legacy?

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