Rob Gregg, founder of footwear brand Stand+, shared his entrepreneurial journey in an interview with Inside Retail Asia , recounting how he turned personal and professional setbacks into the driving force behind his company.

Gregg explained that the idea for Stand+ emerged from his own frustrations with traditional footwear, which he said often prioritized style over comfort and durability. He leveraged his background in product development to create a line of shoes designed for all-day wear, particularly targeting people who spend long hours on their feet, such as retail workers and hospitality staff.

“We’re the first shoe brand that's planted firmly around supporting all the people behind the scenes,” Gregg said, emphasizing Stand+’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of service professionals. The brand aims to highlight the often-overlooked workers who keep industries running, a mission that Gregg says resonates strongly with consumers seeking purpose-driven purchases.