Biography of Marc Herzberger: Founder and CEO of HYPD Footwear -Entrepreneur
Biography of Marc Herzberger:
Journey Rooted in Passion
Marc Herzberger’s entrepreneurial journey is one marked by
passion, determination, and a love for the outdoors. Born in Germany and raised
in Houston, Texas, Marc was always drawn to Colorado's natural beauty. His
frequent trips to Colorado, where he enjoyed skiing, hiking, climbing, and
biking, inspired him to attend the University of Colorado. He pursued a dual
degree in business administration, focusing on accounting, and Chinese language
and literature, all while engaging in various student organizations.
From College to Corporate
After completing his education at the University of
Colorado, Marc’s professional journey began with an internship at Crocs. His
dedication and hard work eventually led to a full-time position at Crocs after
graduation. Over the course of 11 years, Marc held various finance and tax
planning roles, gaining valuable experience in Europe and Singapore. This
exposure to international business was instrumental in shaping his career and
understanding of the global market.
Stepping Away for a New Challenge
After spending over a decade at Crocs, Marc decided to take
a break from the corporate world to explore new opportunities. It was during
this time that a friend reached out with an opportunity to lead The Hype
Company. Although Marc was not one of the original founders, he took on the
challenge of leading the company through a critical phase of growth and
transformation.
Transforming The Hype Company
Upon joining The Hype Company, Marc Herzberger was tasked
with rebranding and reshaping the company’s identity. Hype, originally a small
company offering custom footwear for sports teams, schools, and personal
interests, was in need of a major overhaul. Marc led the transformation of the
company into a dynamic force in the footwear market. This included redefining
the company’s vision and positioning in the industry, especially after their
appearance on Shark Tank.
Innovating Custom Footwear
Hype’s journey started five years ago when a group of
footwear enthusiasts recognized a gap in the market. Major brands like Nike
offered limited customization, typically only offering small logos on otherwise
generic products. Hype sought to change this by offering fully customizable
footwear. Their initial product was well-received, offering vibrant, logo-rich
designs. However, challenges such as manufacturing limitations and competition
from big brands like Nike and Adidas hindered their growth.
Overcoming Challenges with Modular Design
To address these obstacles, Marc and the Hype team
introduced a modular shoe design, featuring interchangeable straps and bases.
This innovation allowed for endless customization without requiring large
orders. Customers could easily personalize their footwear with logos, photos,
or designs of their choice, and receive their custom shoes quickly thanks to
Hype’s efficient production process in Denver. This new design allowed Hype to
attract a diverse customer base, including collegiate sports fans, high school
teams, sororities, and even corporations.
Biography of Marc Herzberger: Founder and CEO of HYPD Footwear -Entrepreneur #startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#HYPD Footwear story#Marc Herzbe
The Hype Company's New Ethos
Hype’s new design philosophy centered around being the “hype
man” for their customers, offering high-quality, customizable footwear that
catered to individual creativity. Their mission was to support the passions of
their customers, allowing them to express their personalities and interests
through footwear. The company’s new ethos and flexibility in design quickly set
Hype apart in the competitive footwear market.
A Breakthrough Moment with Shark Tank
As Marc continued to lead Hype’s growth, he realized that
securing capital was a critical step for the company’s success. After months of
waiting, Marc received an unexpected call from a casting agent for Shark Tank.
This opportunity was a game-changer for Hype, giving them a chance to pitch
their business to the elite panel of investors on the show. The pitch session
lasted 45 minutes, but only a small portion was aired on television.
Pitching to the Sharks
During their appearance on Shark Tank, Marc and co-founder
Chung Kue presented Hype’s prototype and vision for the future. They had a
strategic plan to pitch to any of the sharks, but they were particularly
excited about the possibility of partnering with Michael Rubin, CEO of
Fanatics, due to his focus on sports and branded products. This strategy paid
off when Barbara Corcoran made an offer, and Marc and Kue chose to negotiate
for a larger upfront cash investment rather than contest the equity terms.
A Successful Deal on Shark Tank
Marc and Chung Kue’s strategic negotiation on Shark Tank
paid off when they secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran. Instead of contesting
the equity share, they focused on securing more cash upfront, ensuring the
long-term stability and growth of Hype. This approach was a departure from how
most contestants on the show handled negotiations, but it worked in their favor
and led to a successful partnership.
Introducing the HYPD Slydr Slides
Hype’s innovation didn’t stop with their modular design.
They later introduced the HYPD Slydr, a slide shoe with edge-to-edge printed
straps that could be fully customized with any graphic, logo, or design. The
slides featured a patented adjustable fit system with velcro wings for a
precision fit and ultra-cushioned foam soles for comfort. Hype’s commitment to
providing fans and consumers with the ability to express their identity through
footwear was evident in the success of the Slydr slides.
HYPD’s Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to offering customizable footwear, Hype made
sustainability a priority. The Slydr slides were designed with environmentally
conscious manufacturing processes, ensuring they were 100% vegan and used no
animal-based materials. The company’s production process was 98% zero-waste,
and they employed flat-pack shipping methods to reduce emissions. Hype’s
commitment to using natural, paraben-free materials further reinforced their
dedication to sustainability, making their products not only fashionable but
also eco-friendly.
Timeline for story
University of Colorado (Date unknown) – Marc pursues dual
degrees in business and Chinese language.
Post-graduation – Marc starts career with an internship at
Crocs and eventually works for 11 years in finance roles.
After 11 years at Crocs – Marc takes a break and joins The
Hype Company to lead its transformation.
Five years before Shark Tank – Hype is founded to offer
fully customizable footwear.
Shark Tank appearance (Date unknown) – Hype pitches on Shark
Tank, securing a deal with Barbara Corcoran.
Post-Shark Tank – Hype introduces the HYPD Slydr slides with
customizable designs and sustainable features.
