Monte Deere

Monte Deere

CEO, Handsfree Labs and Kizik

Monte is a transformative business leader who has masterfully bridgeds the worlds of law and ]disruptive innovation to, revolutionizezing the footwear industry through visionary leadership. His journey began with more than 25 years of distinguished legal practice as a founding partner, leading mergers and acquisitions across diverse industries.

His path pivoted when representing Kizik in their 2019 landmark licensing agreement with Nike. Recognizing the company's extraordinary potential through groundbreaking hands-free technology and a robust patent portfolio, Monte transitioned from trusted legal advisor to CEO, embarking on a mission to scale the company's exciting disruptive vision.

Under Monte's leadership, Kizik has expanded its intellectual property to more than 200 patents while transforming from a $7M startup into a $120M global footwear powerhouse in just six years. His omnichannel strategy has established over 1,200 wholesale locations, six flagship retail stores, and presence in more than 30 countries. Through his unwavering commitment to innovation, Monte continues pioneering the next generation of footwear that seamlessly blends convenience, style, and technological advancement.

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