The Footwear Retailer

Pete Mohr
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Running a footwear store isn’t easy—you’re juggling inventory, managing staff, keeping customers happy, and trying to stay profitable. The Footwear Retailer Podcast is here to help you simplify the chaos, grow a business you love, and step confidently into your role as a leader. Hosted by Pete Mohr—a seasoned footwear retailer, business coach, and proud owner of two Shoetopia stores in Canada—this biweekly podcast delivers actionable strategies and inspiring stories from industry experts, successful retailers, and next-generation leaders. From inventory headaches to team dynamics, from profit margins to leadership growth, every episode is packed with practical insights you can act on right away. Whether you're navigating daily frustrations or preparing for long-term success, this podcast is your guide to building a thriving footwear business that doesn’t just survive—it thrives. Because at the end of the day, “You own your business, it shouldn’t own you!” Subscribe now and take your next step toward clarity, growth, and freedom

  1. Financial Clarity That Builds Real Business Value with Dorothy Zubel

    OCT 14

    Financial Clarity That Builds Real Business Value with Dorothy Zubel

    Most entrepreneurs think finance is about numbers—it’s really about decisions. In this episode, Pete Mohr talks with Dorothy Zubel, Co-Founder of The Finance Group, about the power of fractional finance and why clarity in your books directly impacts confidence, growth, and exit value. Dorothy shares how her team supports businesses with CFO-level insight, KPIs, and financial strategy without the full-time cost. Learn how clean financial records, proper reporting, and strategic forecasting can turn stress into momentum. You’ll Learn: → What fractional finance is and why it matters → How to use KPIs to guide smarter decisions → The difference between a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO → Why clean financials boost your exit valuation → How to find and work with the right finance partner  Connect with Dorothy Zubel: Email: dorothy.zubel@thefinancegroup-global.com Website: www.thefinancegroup-global.com Connect with Pete Mohr: Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    33 min
  2. Graceful Goodbyes: Releasing Key Team Members

    SEP 23

    Graceful Goodbyes: Releasing Key Team Members

    Letting go of a longtime team member is one of the toughest leadership challenges a business owner will ever face. In this episode, Pete Mohr explains why misalignment happens, how to recognize it, and the respectful steps you can take to transition employees without breaking culture or trust. You’ll discover a 5-step framework for releasing employees gracefully:  → Acknowledge misalignment  → Communicate with honesty and empathy  → Offer support during the transition  → Plan a smooth handoff for your team  → Realign and inspire the future This episode will leave you with the clarity and courage to make tough calls while protecting both your business and your people. Connect with Pete Mohr: Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    7 min
  3. Smarter Systems, Better Stores: Leveraging AI & Automation with Daniel Tadros

    SEP 2

    Smarter Systems, Better Stores: Leveraging AI & Automation with Daniel Tadros

    In this episode of The Footwear Retailer Podcast, Pete Mohr sits down with Daniel Tadros of 360 Retail Management to explore how independent footwear retailers can leverage automation, AI, and smart systems to save time, reduce costs, and boost profits. Daniel shares how his team helps retailers streamline operations through POS integration, automated product uploads, improved online listings, and outsourced back-office tasks — all while maintaining full control. They also cover overcoming fear of change, protecting margins with AI pricing tools, and creating a better customer experience without increasing staff. If you’ve ever felt bogged down by manual processes or worried about losing your edge in a competitive market, this episode will show you how to work smarter, not harder. Connect with Daniel Tadros: Website: www.360retailmanagement.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/360-retail-management/ Email: info@360retailmanagement.com Connect with Pete Mohr: Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    35 min
  4. Pickleball Boom: What Retailers Must Know with Steven Greenstein of PB5Star

    AUG 19

    Pickleball Boom: What Retailers Must Know with Steven Greenstein of PB5Star

    Pickleball isn't just a sport anymore—it's a retail movement. In this episode, Pete Mohr sits down with Steven Greenstein, VP at PB5Star, to discuss how their biomechanics-first approach to footwear is turning heads—and turning inventory. You’ll hear how PB5Star grew from concept to sellout, what makes their court shoe different from rebranded tennis models, and why their success is tied to deep retailer support and community activation. Whether you run a comfort store, a running shop, or a sporting goods location, this episode breaks down:  → Why the pickleball customer is different—and rapidly growing  → The mechanics of the game that impact footwear design  → How PB5Star supports retailers with the Five Star Success Plan  → Creative ways to attract and engage your local pickleball community  → Why independent retailers are perfectly positioned to own this space From apparel to paddles to recovery sandals, PB5Star offers more than just shoes—they offer opportunity. Connect with Steven: Website: https://pb5star.com Contact Steven Greenstein: sgreenstein@pb5star.com Become a retailer: Wholesale inquiry form at pb5star.com Connect with Pete Mohr: Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    28 min
  5. Spreading Happiness Through Socks: A Social Enterprise That Scales with Heart Guests

    AUG 5

    Spreading Happiness Through Socks: A Social Enterprise That Scales with Heart Guests

    In this episode of The Footwear Retailer Podcast, Pete Mohr sits down with John and Mark Cronin, the father-son team behind John’s Crazy Socks. What started as a mission to find employment turned into a 4,000-SKU business, a national brand, and a movement for inclusion and joy. They get real about what happens when viral success overwhelms your operations, how they rebuilt from the chaos, and why giving back is baked into their bottom line. If you’re a footwear retailer, impact-focused entrepreneur, or a business owner who believes values matter, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn: → How they scaled fulfillment from 40 to 1,000+ orders/day → Why giving back upfront became core to their growth → How they grew a B2B and wholesale arm → What they’re building next with Abilities Rising Guest Info: Website: https://johnscrazysocks.com Speaking/Consulting: https://johnandmarkcronin.com Social: @JohnsCrazySocks Connect with Pete Mohr: Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    32 min
  6. Designing for Success: How Smart Retail Environments Boost Footwear Sales with Lyn Falk

    JUL 22

    Designing for Success: How Smart Retail Environments Boost Footwear Sales with Lyn Falk

    What makes a customer want to stay, browse—and buy? In this episode of The Footwear Retailer Podcast, Pete Mohr sits down with retail strategist Lyn Falk of RetailWorks to talk about the psychology behind great store design. With over 30 years of experience helping independent retailers create high-converting spaces, Lyn shares what actually works when it comes to layout, signage, lighting, scent, and customer flow. Whether you're opening a new location or just need a fresh perspective, this episode will help you see your store through your customers' eyes—and make smarter decisions that drive more sales. Topics covered: → The biggest mistakes in independent retail design → How store flow impacts customer behavior → The right way to use scent and lighting → Why signage is often overlooked but crucial → Quick wins for a weekend refresh → When and how to consider a full redesign → The role of emotional and sensory engagement in buying decisions Connect with Lyn Falk: Website: https://RetailWorksInc.com Email: lfalk@retailworksinc.com Connect with Pete Mohr: Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    37 min
  7. NextGen Footwear: Legacy, Leadership & Looking Ahead

    JUL 8

    NextGen Footwear: Legacy, Leadership & Looking Ahead

    What happens when the next generation returns to the family shoe store — not just to help, but to lead? In this episode, Pete Mohr is joined by Abba Carmichael (Abba Dabba’s), Jake Humphreys (Humphreys Bootery), and Keegan Keel (K&D Shoes) — three independent retailers shaping the future of footwear. They get honest about:  → Why they left the business — and what brought them back  → Challenges of stepping into leadership while earning team trust  → How they’re balancing legacy with innovation  → Their vision for independent footwear retail in the next decade If you’re part of a family-run business or considering a leadership handoff, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and ideas for how to do it right. Connect with the Guests:  → Abba Carmichael: abba@coolshoes.com | abbadabba.com → Jake Humphreys: jake.humphreys@humphreysbootery.com | humphreysbootery.com → Keegan Keel: keegan@kndsafetyshoes.com | kndshoes.com Connect with Pete Mohr:  → Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.com → LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemohr → Podcast: thefootwearretailer.com Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    49 min
  8. What Shoe Retailers Need to Measure (But Don’t)

    JUN 24

    What Shoe Retailers Need to Measure (But Don’t)

    If you’re tired of flying blind in your business, this episode is your cheat code. Pete Mohr is joined by Dan Holman—retail coach, POS expert, and founder of Retail by CRS—for a no-fluff conversation about the metrics, tools, and systems that independent retailers need to grow. From breaking down what your POS system should really be doing, to tracking the few numbers that move the needle, this episode gives you actionable insights you can apply today. Learn:  → How to know if your inventory is helping or hurting you  → What to track weekly (even if you're not a numbers person)  → The simple question that boosts team accountability  → How to move unsold stock without “losing” money  → Why most point-of-sale systems miss the mark 📍 Guest: Dan Holman  Website: https://www.retailbycrs.com Email: dan@retailbycrs.com Instagram: @retailbycrs Facebook: Retail by CRS Linkedin: Canadian Retail Solutions Inc. Podcast: The Wealthy Retailer® Podcast 🎙 Host: Pete Mohr  Website:https://simplifyingentrepreneurship.com Podcast: The Footwear Retailer Podcast Instagram: @petesmohr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifyingEntrepreneurship Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws. The shift starts here. PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business: 1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here 2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here. 3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Running a footwear store isn’t easy—you’re juggling inventory, managing staff, keeping customers happy, and trying to stay profitable. The Footwear Retailer Podcast is here to help you simplify the chaos, grow a business you love, and step confidently into your role as a leader. Hosted by Pete Mohr—a seasoned footwear retailer, business coach, and proud owner of two Shoetopia stores in Canada—this biweekly podcast delivers actionable strategies and inspiring stories from industry experts, successful retailers, and next-generation leaders. From inventory headaches to team dynamics, from profit margins to leadership growth, every episode is packed with practical insights you can act on right away. Whether you're navigating daily frustrations or preparing for long-term success, this podcast is your guide to building a thriving footwear business that doesn’t just survive—it thrives. Because at the end of the day, “You own your business, it shouldn’t own you!” Subscribe now and take your next step toward clarity, growth, and freedom

Information

  • Creator
    Pete Mohr
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Footwear Retailer
  • Show Website
    The Footwear Retailer