Early Life
Mario Moretti Polegato was born in Crocetta del Montello, Italy, on August 16, 1952. He comes from a family with a strong entrepreneurial background in agriculture and winemaking. Following in his family's footsteps, he studied oenology. He spent several years working in the family's winemaking business, Villa Sandi, which later became a leading Prosecco exporter.
Rise to Success
The inspiration for Geox came during a trip to Nevada in the early 1990s for a wine fair. Polegato, feeling discomfort from the heat, cut holes in his shoes for better ventilation. Recognizing the potential, he developed a breathable shoe prototype. He initially sought to license his technology to established footwear companies, but after being rejected, he founded Geox in 1995.
Geox, a combination of the Greek word “geo” (earth) and the letter “x” (representing technology), was launched with a focus on innovation. The company went public on the Milan Stock Exchange in 2004. Geox expanded rapidly, establishing a global presence with numerous stores worldwide. The company also expanded its product line to include clothing with breathable technologies.
Key Business Strategies
Geox's success is rooted in its patented breathable shoe technology, which allows water vapor to escape while preventing water from entering. The company invests a significant portion of its revenue in research and development to continuously improve its products. Polegato's leadership has focused on combining fashion with technology, leading to a brand that is recognized globally.
Philanthropy
In March 2020, the Polegato family donated one million euros to the Veneto Region to support the fight against the coronavirus.
