If you care about the environment and are into sneakers then at some point you probably researched 100% recyclable sneakers. Okabashi has a line of recyclable sandals but no one has a line of 100% recyclable landfill free sneakers, that was, until now.
With more than 300 million pairs of shoes thrown away last year, in the U.S. alone (soles4souls.org), REMYXX™ is taking matters into their own feet.
It was in June of 2009 that husband and father, Gary Gagnon, had the idea for a 100% recyclable sneaker. While preparing to take out the trash, Gary saw a pair of his wife’s old shoes and two beaten pairs of his boy’s sneakers in the regular trash, right next to the recycling bin. As an avid, suburban recycler, he thought to himself, “wouldn’t it be nice if all the worn-out shoes that get thrown away, ending up in our landfills, could instead be recycled?” REMYXX was born.
Fast forward almost three years, and the effort to bring a completely recyclable, and stylish sneaker to market is beginning to unfold. With REMYXX currently in the launch phase for 2012 sales, the company is finally clear of the testing and retesting stage. Having gone through extensive research, several material trials, and lab tests, Gary is newly energized to get his product, brand, and message out there now for public awareness and consumer support.
DeFY. New York recently caught up with Gary for a quick interview
DeFY: When did you start your sneakers/company, how long have you been in business?
Gary: I began REMYXX development in June 2009. I tested my first prototypes in Feb 2010. I delivered my first market samples in July 2010 with fantastic reviews and then visited the Atlanta Shoe Market in Feb 2011 as a “buyer” speaking with retailers and industry professionals. I continued to develop my line perfecting the material and designs that in August 2011 I exhibited nationally in Las Vegas at the Magic-FN Platform Show. Magic was a big success where I was able to capture the attention of 5 major retailers that I am in current communications as I build brand recognition. It has been a lot of hard work overcoming expected obstacles and getting everything in line. To say REMYXX has been in business almost 3 years now is accurate. To say I spent a nice chunk of change to get where I am today is also accurate.
DeFY: What makes your sneaker line unique?
Gary: REMYXX cool sneakers 100% recyclable are unique in one way like no other footwear. As I decided back in 2009 that I was going to try and do something with my idea to make a completely recyclable sneaker, I knew it would have to be with a very cool look and an uncommonly strong message. Fact is, I started with the message first and the look later. My message, “keep it out of the trash” was the bases for developing REMYXX as the first and only completely Landfill-Free Sneakers™ in the marketplace. REMYXX unlike other eco-friendly sneakers in the market, while even though they do good in some way for the environment, REMYXX are the only sneakers that all parts together, from laces to sole, can go back into the recycling process for zero-landfill impact. What I want to do with REMYXX is to build a brand that not only represents design and fashion but also awareness and sustainability. REMYXX are Sneakers with a Purpose™. You can see details at my website still in development at, REMYXXSNEAKERS.COM and on facebook at, www.facebook.com/REMYXXmySneakers. Additionally and most importantly, you can pre-order/buy REMYXX sneakers on my live project on Kickstarter at, http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/691761471/remyxx-cool-sneakers-100-recyclable. And there you can see my story on a video.
DeFY: What is your background in footwear, fashion, and or design?
Gary: I actually do not have any prior background in footwear or fashion. The designs you see in REMYXX are completely raw from my own vision with some help and correction from my wife who does work with logos for tee-shirts. What I do know, and planned from the start, was that if I was thinking about entering the crazy-competitive footwear industry, I would absolutely have to come in with something very cool, different, and special. Such, a 100% recyclable sneaker using a unique material, cool style, all with a strong message certainly seemed to fit the bill. All along in my development, if I could not “keep it (my sneakers) out of the earth” I would not have continued. The goal, happily achieved, was to make the first and only completely Landfill-Free Sneakers™.
DeFY: Word on the street is you’ll be appearing on ABC’s “Shark Tank”, how did that come to be?
Gary: The Shark Tank process for me began by applying online in May at, http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/casting, where then in June they announced open casting calls that took place in CA and Dallas, TX. Of course as I submitted my 1-page product-business application I could only wonder if I would get picked out of what I heard was 30,000 applicants. Otherwise, as I saw the open-casting call pop-up one day on the ABC site, my wife and I figured if I want on the show, I better go. My two boys of course said go-go-go. As a last minute decision, I used all of my frequent flyer miles to book the ticket and headed to Dallas. In Dallas, there seemed to be about 600 people. It was like waiting in line for concert tickets were the casting producers eventually passed out numbered wrist bands, I was #109. Upon my turn I was screened at one table where they wanted to hear my pitch about my sneakers, business, success, and my personal situation. I guess I did well at that table because I made it to another room where on video I talked again about my sneakers, business, and personal life. . . . . After that it was a very long waiting game to know if I would make it to “Hollywood” or in this case the ABC studio in Culver City, CA. A few months in, the good news came when I was contacted by two very nice assistant producers. I was still not on the show yet but I was in the running. Again they worked with me to understand my product, business strategy, value to the sharks, and how I would come-off on camera. It was still a long process and at all times the ABC staff always told you there are no guarantees. A few more months in, I was selected to tape at the ABC studio. It was very cool at the studio but also there was a sense of pressure. Notably, the ABC staff at all levels was awesome. After the long haul, I finally got my chance to pitch to The Sharks, now that was intense. What happens next, you will have to tune in Friday, May 18 at 8:00 EST to see REMYXX cool sneakers 100% recyclable. -
DeFY: Awesome! What do you hope to accomplish by being on the show?
Gary: The ABC Shark Tank show to REMYXX is like a movie premier to me. I hope to validate the uniqueness of my brand and look forward to spreading the eco-smart message of REMYXX to the mass viewing audience Shark Tank brings. With “orders pending” I am expecting Shark Tank to take me to the next level. And of course a solid investment would be nice!!! -
For more info or to purchase REMYXX footwear you can:
Pre-Order/Buy on Kickstarter at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/691761471/remyxx-cool-sneakers-100-recyclable
Visit them on www.REMYXXsneakers.com and make sure to like RMYXX on FACEBOOK.
Shout out once again to REMYXX for the interview and stay tuned for more following Gary’s appearance on The Shark Tank Friday May 18th 8pm EST.