Mario Moretti Polegato & family

Early Life

Mario Moretti Polegato was born in Crocetta del Montello, Italy, on August 16, 1952. He came from a family with a strong background in the agricultural and winemaking sectors. His early life was influenced by this entrepreneurial environment, and he initially studied oenology, with the expectation of joining the family business.

Rise to Success

While attending a wine fair in Nevada, Polegato experienced discomfort due to the heat, which led him to cut holes in his shoes for ventilation. This sparked the idea for breathable shoes. Upon returning to Italy, he began developing this concept. His innovation involved a rubber sole with a unique membrane that allowed water vapor to escape while preventing water from entering. Despite initial rejections from established footwear companies, Polegato launched his own brand, Geox, in 1995, combining the Greek word for earth, "geo," with "x" for technology.

Key Business Strategies

Geox's success is attributed to several key strategies: innovative technology (breathable and waterproof materials), strategic brand positioning as a premium brand, and international expansion. The company has consistently invested in research and development, filing over 60 patents to protect its intellectual property. Polegato took the company public in 2004. Expanding the product line from footwear to apparel has broadened Geox's market reach.

Philanthropy

In 2020, the Polegato family donated one million euros to the Veneto Region to support healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.