KES STUDY 2 - KATHRYN KERRIGAN

As a young girl in high school Kathryn Kerrigan remembers visiting each of the 6 regional malls in the Chicago-area to find prom shoes for her size 11 feet. She didn’t know it at the time, but her exercise in footwear frustration would later provide inspiration for a booming business. Her need for stylish shoes to suit her six-foot-tall frame continued into her professional life. After 10 years of being in stylish outfits and dowdy shoes she decided that of the shoe doesn’t fit…she must make her own. Born on April 16, 1980, Kathryn grew up in Libertyville, Illinois with her two brothers. Her father, Paul, was a banker and active in his church. Her mother, Inna, was a school administrator and school board member. Both parents are currently involved in Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc. Paul as consultant and Inna as President. Kathryn attended Hawthorn Elementary School and Libertyville High School, where she played varsity basketball for three years. She attended Lake Forest College where she majored in pre-law. While at Lake Forest College she continued to play basketball and served as Chair of the Conduct Board made up of faculty and students. Upon graduation she held several jobs and began working on her MBA. With her newly minted MBA from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois (2005) in hand, Kathryn created a business plan based around shoes for tall women. After drafting sketches and specs for her first line of women’s dress shoes, Kathryn worked with craftsmen in Northern Italy to produce her designs, inspired primarily by the wardrobe of Dottie Kerrigan. Her grandmother, Dottie, epitomized the 1920’s flapper and followed the style standard-elegant and classic. Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc was created based on these principles. Most of her designs resemble this vintage flair. Even though her business was created for tall women, her designs became available in all sizes Euro 35 – 46. In July, 2007, Kathryn moved her manufacturing operations to Spain. In December, Kathryn was contacted by Amazon.com to select 35 styles to sell on their website, Endless.com. The shoes go on-line in May 2008. Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc. projected sales for 2008 is $1 million. Lake Forest College, Lake Forest School of Business, Loyola University and numerous business organizations seek Kathryn as a speaker. She has been offered adjunct faculty positions by several colleges and universities and will begin teaching part-time for Loyola University in September, 2008. Kathryn’s designs give the soles a well-deserved break from constricting fabrics, uncomfortable heels and flats. The handcrafted construction provides gentle control without rough materials and machine-made fabrication. The soft leather lining allows the soles to breathe without constricting or pinching the toes. She believes in letting all women, no matter what their age or shoe size, feel comfortable, and a great pair os shoes can make all the difference. Kathryn’s website(s) www.KathrynKerrigan.com and www.ShoesForTallWomen.com offer stylish and fashionable ballet flats, pumps and boots for women with all shoe sizes. In July 2007, she opened her own flagship store in Libertyville, IL and in August 2007, Kathryn will launch the newest phase of her business – a couture clothing line for tall women.