Running a US Shoemaking Business on Heritage and Sustainability with Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi

<p>Strong values like sustainability, empathy, and wellness might seem at odds with running a successful business for some, but not Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi. In fact, values like these have been fundamental to Okabashi’s success since it launched in 1984.</p><p>Sara joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to clue us in to what it’s like leading a family-owned and operated shoe brand. A proudly USA-based footwear company, Okabashi is inspired by the Japanese concept of wellness and uses the principles of reflexology to design shoes that promote foot health and comfort. </p><p>We hear a little about its innovative manufacturing process, the importance of running a business with sustainable choices, and why that shouldn’t be at odds with financial viability. Sara also explains how Okabashi’s closed-loop manufacturing process works to recycle old products to avoid landfill and waste. </p><p>In this episode, find out:</p><ul><li>The challenges of expanding as a U.S.- based manufacturer</li><li>How Sara’s background led to her current role</li><li>How sustainability is built into the Okabashi manufacturing process</li><li>How Okabashi’s closed-loop manufacturing works</li><li>Why sustainability doesn’t have to be at odds with financial viability</li><li>Why innovation comes from empowering your team </li><li>How Okabashi remains competitive in the U.S.</li><li>Modular automation in the shoe manufacturing process</li><li>Why empathy is key to building good partnerships</li><li>Why you need to stick to your values in business</li></ul><br/><p><a href="http://manufacturinghappyhour.com/iTunes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here.</a> Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!</p><p>Tweetable Quotes:</p><ul><li><em>“We offer as well as our own closed-loop manufacturing, a post-consumer circular program. So people can send their shoes back to us to avoid landfills.”</em></li><li><em>“I think that innovati