Saturday, November 05, 2011
Mandy Cabot, CEO, Dansko Recognized as Footwear Industry Leader
West Grove, PA: Dansko CEO and co-founder Mandy Cabot is recognized as one of the most influential people in the Footwear Industry by leading trade publication Footwear News. This is the first time Cabot or Dansko has been included as part of the annual “Power 100” ranking.
“I am thrilled,” says Cabot. “Twenty years ago when we started Dansko, my husband Peter and I knew we had something special, but we had no idea our shoes would be embraced by so many different types of consumers or that our company would grow into such an iconic brand. It’s been an extremely rewarding journey. Now to be recognized among the footwear community’s most influential members is really the icing on the cake.”
Cabot’s selection comes at a time of further expansion for the company. Stellar year over year growth has landed the company on Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest growing companies for 2011. The introduction of Sanibel this Spring was the single biggest collection launch in Dansko history, plus the introduction of the company’s first ever healthcare apparel line has helped further expand their reach and build on 20 years of success in the occupational business. Most recently, Dansko broke ground on a new 200,000 sq. ft. warehouse building, nearly tripling their storage capacity.
“2011 really has been a banner year for us,” says Cabot. “We are delighted to be growing and expanding operations during what is for many, challenging economic times. We have always focused on controlled growth with an emphasis on meeting the needs of our customers. We’re not looking to ‘make more stuff’ for growth’s sake; rather to offer meaningful products that make a difference in the lives of our customers.
It’s this type of customer-first thinking that has led Dansko to become, as the FN write up states, “one of the dominant comfort (footwear) brands.” Cabot ranked 86 out of 100 of the industry’s most influential vendors, retailers and designers. Cabot was one of only seven new additions to the annual ranking.
Dansko also serves as an economic leader in its local community, currently employing more than 170 employees in Chester County, PA. Over the past five years Dansko has experienced a 333% increase in its workforce and was selected as one of Philadelphia’s Top Workplaces for the second year in a row. “While this recognition is indeed an honor,” says Cabot, “it has always been, and continues to be, about being our stakeholders’ favorite brand. This applies to every decision we make, from product design and sourcing, to sales, marketing, customer service and philanthropy. We want to make our stakeholders happy – all of them, be they retailers, consumers or suppliers. That’s our one true goal.”
Footwear News Power 100 is a comprehensive list of the industry’s most influential vendors, retailers and designers. Selection criteria include sales figures, earnings, store openings, line launches, collaborations, market expansion and consumer buzz.
About Dansko
Established in 1990, Dansko has been a leader in providing all day comfort footwear, socks and apparel while standing at the forefront of ethical business practices. Founded by husband and wife team Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup, Dansko is an employee-owned company based in Pennsylvania. You can find Dansko products at over 2,500 premium US and international retail locations. For more information visit dansko.com.