Entrepreneur of the Month
The Business: Jimmy Kicks voter-chosen designer athletic footwear. Colorful, individual designs are submitted to Jimmy Kicks, online voters pick the winners, and the shoes get made! Company launched in Detroit on April 15, 2010.
The Entrepreneur: James Smith Moore, age 22, Detroiter. According to Moore, "The MORE Program has accelerated Jimmy Kicks’ goal of creating exclusive footwear by connecting the company to decision makers at local learning institutions and companies."
The Location: Wayne State University’s TechTown at 440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI
The MORE Program Connection: The MORE Program’s Bonnie Fahoome met James, learned about Jimmy Kicks footwear and was impressed with Mr. Moore’s business and his goal of manufacturing Jimmy Kicks footwear in the city of Detroit. The designs could be printed on the shoes outside of the U.S. but the company seeks to keep the entire product value chain localized. Bonnie and The MORE Program leadership immediately set to work connecting James to the Engineering Departments of the University of Detroit/Mercy and Ferris State University with the goal of developing a “home grown” imprinting process that will allow Jimmy Kicks dynamic and popular shoes to be bear the proud and marketable label; Made in Detroit.
To learn more about Jimmy Kicks, please visit www.jimmykicks.com
