The Spread: Where Sports and Creativity Meet Bottom Line Butter Studio

In this inspiring episode of The Spread, we sit down with Suzanne McKenzie, the Founder and CEO of Able Made, a label that brings soccer to the runway. Suzanne's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination.
Our conversation delves into Suzanne's personal journey of channeling grief into action after the sudden loss of her husband in 2009. She shares how she honored his memory by founding a soccer non-profit, The Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation to carry on his legacy, and later the fashion label, Able Made to help fund the non-profit.
Discover how Able Made has gained incredible traction, including partnerships with iconic brands like Burberry, where surplus fabric is repurposed into Able Made looks. Suzanne also discusses her collaborations with industry leaders such as Alan Dye from Apple, Nike, Pentagram, and IDEO, highlighting her fearless approach to pursuing her vision.
A key theme throughout our discussion is Suzanne's unwavering commitment to creative problem-solving and sustainability. Learn how she infuses these values into every aspect of Able Made, from design to production, making it a frontrunner in the sustainable fashion movement.
Join us as we explore Suzanne McKenzie's remarkable journey of resilience, creativity, and sustainability with Able Made. Whether you're passionate about fashion, entrepreneurship, or making a positive impact, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. 
Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.
The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Your host, Cari Sekendur, sits down with Tim Bartels, the CEO and Co-Founder of Velous, a sports-recovery footwear startup. Tim brings a wealth of industry experience, having previously led sales for renowned brands such as Columbia, Keen, and DC Shoes.
Our conversation dives into Tim's personal and professional journey since launching Velous. Join us as we explore the valuable lessons he's learned while navigating the crowded landscape of the sports footwear market.
Discover the pivotal moments that led Tim to make the leap from the corporate world to the challenging yet rewarding realm of startups. And, learn how Velous crafts a compelling brand story that resonates with both retailers and consumers, setting them apart in the competitive world of sports footwear.
Join us on this journey into innovation and entrepreneurship with Tim Bartels on The Spread.
Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.
The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

In this episode of The Spread, your host Cari Sekendur sits down with Karen Dobres, the driving force behind Lewes FC's Equality Campaign. Her work not only symbolizes her commitment to gender equality but also showcases how a football club can become a catalyst for societal change.
What sets Karen apart is her "outsider lens" approach to football, which has led to a more inclusive and appealing experience for women in the football community. From providing essential amenities like tampons in the stadium bathrooms to establishing breastfeeding stations and even offering prosecco on tap, Karen's innovative mindset has redefined the fan experience.
But that's just the beginning. Lewes FC operates on a plane of infinite creativity. As a completely fan-owned club, they have woven their community into the very fabric of the fan experience. Their approach to advertising is equally innovative. Their campaigns play on pop culture, turning the spotlight on issues that matter. Yet, the most remarkable achievement is that Lewes FC became the first team across the globe to equally pay and resource both the men's and women's teams. The impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since this historic move in 2017, attendance and sponsorship have surged, growing by an astonishing 20 times.
Join us as we explore the journey of a remarkable leader who is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sports business. Karen's story is a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to equality. Tune in to gain insights into how sports can be a vehicle for positive change and how breaking the status quo can drive progress, both in football and far beyond.
Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.
The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Dive into the intersection of art and sport with Jasmine Maietta, Founder and CEO of Round21. Jasmine's journey from professional athlete to executive at brands like Reebok and Peloton has uniquely positioned her to bring a fresh take to the sports equipment market with her company, Round21.Join us for a discussion on how Round21 is breaking new ground by infusing creativity into basketballs, ping pong paddles, apparel, and more. And, learn about their innovative approach to designing equipment that doubles as a canvas for artistic expression.Learn about Round21's collaborations with iconic brands and celebrities, including the Basquiat estate, basketball sensation Brittney Griner, and the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. Jasmine shares the behind-the-scenes stories of these partnerships and how they've contributed to Round21's mission to empower the creative spirit in all of us.Don't miss this inspiring conversation that celebrates the fusion of art and sport. Jasmine's passion for creativity, inclusivity, and community shines through as we explore Round21's impact on the world of athletics. Tune in to discover how Round21 is transforming the game, one artistic design at a time.Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Liseli Sitali is a visionary leader in both sports marketing and social impact - advocating for women, especially Black women in sport. She has held a series of impressive leadership roles at top sports companies from DAZN to Sky Sports, and now as Director of Football and Music Partnerships at Expedia Group.Join us as we delve into Liseli's remarkable story, where every chapter is underlined by her commitment to helping underrepresented voices succeed within sports. In this insightful conversation, Liseli reveals the intricacies of fostering partnerships that bridge the realms of sports and music and enlightens us on the connection between the businesses of travel and sports. Her infectious enthusiasm is a driving force as she continuously champions a more equitable industry, making tangible contributions to the world of sports and beyond.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the power of collaboration, creativity, and purpose in driving meaningful change.Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

We delve into how the beloved brand, Honey Stinger, has made its mark in sports nutrition with two remarkable guests. Cari Sekendur, your host, sits down with Wendy Mayo, VP of Marketing, and Luke Cherry, Sr. Director of Sports Marketing, for an enlightening conversation that unveils the creative forces propelling Honey Stinger's success.We get to know Wendy Mayo, a visionary marketer with a deep background in sports nutrition, as she shares how Honey Stinger harnesses creativity to build a die-hard following and expand into new markets. Join us to gain insights into how the brand uses the power of storytelling to connect with athletes and athleisure-ites alike.Luke Cherry shares how he infuses his personal passion for athletics into Honey Stinger's marketing and sales strategies. Learn how Luke seamlessly merges his athlete's perspective with targeted marketing techniques to amplify Honey Stinger's reach.Throughout this episode, we discover how Honey Stinger navigates the crowded sports nutrition market, fosters devoted athlete partnerships, and carves a unique space by blending creativity with strategic marketing acumen.Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a marketing aficionado, or someone fascinated by the intersection of creativity and business in the world of sports nutrition, this conversation will leave you inspired and enlightened.Subscribe now to The Spread and get ready to learn how creativity powers sports business.The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.