Steve Patino has spent more than 30 years shaping some of the world’s biggest footwear brands—but his greatest dream wasn’t building someone else’s company. It was creating his own.
In this episode of Dreams In Drive, Rana sits down with Steve Patino, founder of Ales Grey, to discuss how a childhood obsession with sneakers evolved into a purpose-driven company that’s redefining comfort, sustainability, and American manufacturing.
Steve shares his remarkable journey from working for free at a neighborhood sneaker store in Queens to leading billion-dollar footwear brands, living in China to master manufacturing, and ultimately launching Ales Grey—a brand built to make “the world a less gray.”
He also opens up about quitting his executive job while his wife was pregnant, why finding your “superpower” changed everything, and how Ales Grey earned placement on Walmart.com through preparation, data, and a compelling mission.
Whether you’re building a business, considering a career pivot, or wondering how to turn your passion into purpose, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom about playing the long game and building something that truly matters.
**This episode is sponsored by Walmart**
Connect with Steve
Instagram: @sneakersteve @alesgrey
Shop Ales Grey at Walmart
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