Early Life
Mario Moretti Polegato was born on August 16, 1952, in Crocetta del Montello, Italy. He comes from a family with a background in agriculture and winemaking. After studying oenology and law, he initially worked within his family's winemaking business.
Rise to Success
The pivotal moment for Polegato's entrepreneurial journey came in the mid-1990s during a wine fair in Nevada. Experiencing discomfort from the heat, he cut holes in his shoes to improve ventilation. This inspired him to develop a breathable shoe. He patented his innovative "breathable shoe" technology and founded Geox in 1995. He initially offered his invention to major footwear companies like Nike, but upon rejection, he chose to launch his own company.
Key Business Strategies
Polegato's strategy focused on innovation and building a strong brand. Geox's patented breathable technology was a key differentiator, leading to rapid expansion. He took Geox public in 2004. The company expanded its product line to include apparel and opened numerous stores worldwide. He also acquired the sports brand Diadora in 2009.
Philanthropy
Mario Moretti Polegato, along with his son Enrico, donated one million euros to the Veneto Region to help manage the health emergency caused by the coronavirus.