In 2007 Ryan and Jon had discussed an early idea for GREATS but didn't do anything with it. Then, in late 2012 they got together and said, "What if?" What if we built a vertical men's footwear brand that made high quality product and sold it direct to the consumer at a value price. Ryan and Jon knew that the wholesale business of selling to 3rd party retailers was inefficient and that inefficiency was paid for by you, the customer, in the form of higher prices. And with the idea of building a better sneaker for less, GREATS was launched in August 2013 and quickly became an instant "Classic" selling out of most styles within 90 days and as GQ says "Shaking up the sneaker to store inventory flow" and as FORBES says "Greats is building the next Great footwear company."