Two hundred and seventeen people contributed to our Kickstarter campaign. Thanks to you, we beat our original goal and ended up raising over $32,000! Those funds will be used to produce men’s, women’s and children’s shoes in larger and smaller sizes, in more width options as well. We can’t wait to send our Kickstarter supporters their BILLY shoes and merchandise, but my team sees them as more than customers. They are our fans, our cheerleaders, and honorary members of our team.
It was as if I opened the door to my office one morning and found out there were 217 people waiting in the lobby, ready to go to work!
When I think back to our first few steps, I marvel at how far we’ve come. There are more challenges to come, but I think there are a few simply qualities that helped us get this far, and will serve us well on the road ahead.
Be Willing to Take Risks
When Darin and I first launched the company, we couldn’t have foreseen all the obstacles that we would face. still we forged ahead. We were driven by the belief in a big market for shoes with a universal design. We were confident, we took some risks, and they paid off.
Work Hard
Confidence is all well and good, but it wouldn’t have got us anywhere without a lot of hard work. What’s that they say about success being 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration? Whoever said that was probably underestimating the second half of that formula! The team here at BILLY footwear is working hard to live up to the confidence you placed in us.
Recognizing Contributors
Darin and I couldn’t have done it alone. Somehow, we were fortunate enough to surround ourselves with a team of brilliant, dedicated (and sometimes crazy) people. And then of course there’s you, our Kickstarter supporters. On behalf of the team at BILLY footwear, I’d like to thank you for making this journey possible. It’s tremendously uplifting to have you join us on this path.
Soon you’ll be walking down that path in a new pair of BILLY shoes!
With gratitude,
Billy Price