Early Life
Mario Moretti Polegato was born on August 16, 1952, in Crocetta del Montello, Italy. He grew up in a family with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, involved in agriculture and winemaking. Following in the family's footsteps, he studied oenology. For several years, he worked in the family business, honing his entrepreneurial skills.
Rise to Success
The turning point in Polegato's career came in the mid-1990s. During a trip to Nevada, he experienced discomfort from hot, sweaty feet. This led him to innovate, creating the prototype of a breathable shoe by perforating the soles of his shoes. He then developed a patented breathable shoe technology with researchers at the University of Padua. Despite initial rejections from major footwear brands, Polegato decided to launch his own company, Geox, in 1995.
Key Business Strategies
Polegato's key strategy was to focus on innovation, particularly in comfort footwear. Geox expanded its product line beyond footwear to include clothing and accessories. Geox went public in 2004.
Philanthropy
Polegato's philanthropy is mainly focused on his regional and cultural identity. He has supported educational initiatives in the Veneto region, particularly those tied to the University of Padua. In 2020, he and his son donated one million euros to the Veneto Region to aid in the health emergency caused by the coronavirus.