“ I could feel our spirit being ignited. Just being a part of that, to experience that, is incredibly powerful.”

A few months following their acquisition of Sperry — new parent company Wolverine Worldwide had cleared the old guard from the executive team and refreshed the leadership with icons of the sneaker industry — recruiting from more urban and lifestyle brands like Converse and Saucony. But while this new leadership was well-proven to scale a shoe brand, there was one thing they lacked to guide Sperry into the future — a maritime aesthetic and the very spirit of the sea.

As an ardent sailor, surfer and United States Coast Guard helicopter crew chief and instructor for 13 years prior — this was a chance to truly marry my two passions and unique abilities. By this time, I had formed KINGSPOKE in Portland, Maine, a highly-conceptual creative agency and continuation of my independent creative work.

We were commissioned to bring the 12-person leadership team to Maine for three days of sailing, cliff jumpin’, strategic sessions, island campouts, team building, guided creative discovery, ample downtime to connect, and even some Sperry branded joints for around the fire. Every detail was considered. Every member kept safe. Every idea captured for the future.

We called it Sperry Downeast.