Best Independent Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

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When should owner-operators expect competition from unmanned, truly driverless trucks? 38:43

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2d ago38:43

38:43

Off the top of this week's Overdrive Radio podcast is the voice of photojournalist James Year, commenting on an issue he feels holds potential to create alliances where few have existed in American culture and commentary. "In every market you can think there's a lot of disruptions starting to happen," Year said. "and it's one of those cases of stra…

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Many Tactics for Selling Pastured Poultry for Profit 45:33

6d ago45:33

45:33

In this week’s episode, Phil from Hopewell Farms (GA) shares how he has scaled his poultry operation from scratch to a profitable business. Hear how he thinks about costs, builds in recurring revenue and successfully prices & packages his birds. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources…

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Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon 4:23

6d ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…

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Doing it right the first time: Paul Rissler Transportation, Small Fleet Champ for the long haul 26:14

10d ago26:14

26:14

"If you're not going to do it right the first time, don't do it at all. That's what I tell everybody in here." --2024 Small Fleet Champ Paul RisslerIn this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, listen in for a tour around the headquarters of Paul Rissler Transportation, current Overdrive Small Fleet Champ, on the old home place for the big Rissler tru…

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Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

12d ago4:20

4:20

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…

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Government Overreach in Independent Farm Operations 40:38

13d ago40:38

40:38

In this week’s episode, Barn2Door and Peter of Bartlett Farms (ND), discuss various instances the government regulations have impacted independent Farm sales, and examples of how Farms can take control of their operations. See how Peter has expanded access to his raw milk and beef. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources…

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The Future of Grocery Packaging: Design, Technology & Customer Insights 48:29

17d ago48:29

48:29

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with design experts Adam Steinberg and Henry Casanova to explore the evolving world of CPG packaging and grocery retail design. Together, they dive deep into the importance of clarity in packaging, how consumer behavior drives design decisions, and why eco-friendly packaging is more tha…

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Relationship-value priority: Rufus Morris's old-school ways delivering new success trucking 21:47

17d ago21:47

21:47

"If it continues like it's going, it'll probably be our best year. ... The way it started out and the way it's going so far, it'll be our best year." --Flatbed owner-operator Ollie "Rufus" Morris reflecting on the year thus farMay Trucker of the Month Rufus Morris of Youngsville, North Carolina, was sounding a lot like April's honoree and fellow fl…

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Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

20d ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…

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Hear the kitty-Cat purr! Rare 3408 in a '79 359 | What works, what doesn't: 4 owners break it down 1:03:26

24d ago1:03:26

1:03:26

At the top of the podcast, crank it up with a rare breed of a Caterpillar diesel in an on-highway truck, the V8 3408 motor in livestock hauler Troy Bolin’s 1979 Peterbilt 359, a 302-inch-wheelbase unit we got a close look at out at the Crossroads Truck Meet early last month in Missouri: https://www.overdriveonline.com/15747179 Tap that link or list…

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Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

27d ago4:07

4:07

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…

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Selling Half and Whole Hogs from the Farm 43:05

27d ago43:05

43:05

In this week’s episode, Janelle talks to Erica of Benoit Family Farmstead (MO) to discuss selling pork to her community. From cuts to bulk orders, she uncovers how she manages her inventory, builds FOMO for her products and keeps her fulfillments streamlined. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources…

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Beyond Organic: How Alexandre Family Farm Became America’s First Certified Regenerative Organic Dairy 1:03:57

1M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin speaks with Blake and Stephanie Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative dairy farm in the U.S. They share the inspiring story of building a family farm rooted in stewardship, nutrition, and sustainability—and how their mission is reshaping the dairy industry. From the…

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Honoring a father's legacy: Tim Eacret of EZ Pete Interiors 21:03

1M ago21:03

21:03

Here's hoping the Memorial Day long weekend’s been a safe one for you. Today on the Overdrive Radio podcast, a special treat in the work of our own longtime Overdrive Extra contributor Long Haul Paul Marhoefer: https://overdriveonline.com/14865330Marhoefer spent time at the Mid-America Trucking Show with a man who’s been well on his way toward a st…

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

1M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…

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Small Fleet Champ C.W. Express: Owner Steve Wilson, from new headquarters, assesses growing pains 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

This week’s edition of the Overdrive Radio podcast features C.W. Express small fleet owner Steve Wilson, reigning Small Fleet Champ in the 11-30-truck division after a bit of a growth spurt for the fleet followed Wilson’s brush with death in 2022. The team he’d built around the dry van fleet sustained while he was in hospital for the better part of…

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Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers 4:33

1M ago4:33

4:33

Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…

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Why Barn2Door? Software for Farmers 1:06:03

1M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres interviews Janelle, CEO and Founder of Barn2Door, to discuss the history, mission and future of the business. Built to put the power back into Independent Farmers' hands, learn how Barn2Door has expanded its software and services tailored specifically for Farm operations. For more Farm resources, visi…

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Leading the Organic Movement: Kelly Damewood of CCOF | GroceryPulse by Innovar Agency 1:00:03

1M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Kelly Damewood, CEO of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), to unpack the future of organic farming, certification, and consumer trust. Together, they explore how organic and regenerative agriculture can become the norm—not the exception—through smart certification, clear c…

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Flatbed owner-op George Kincaid looks out at prospects of 'phenomenal' year ahead 46:21

2M ago46:21

46:21

"This year, if it goes like it has this past month, it'll be phenomenal." --George KincaidIn this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, an audio window on our feature story about flatbed-pulling owner-operator George Kincaid’s one-truck business, written attendant to the Quinwood, West Virginia-headquartered Kincaid getting the April Trucker of the Mo…

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Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service 4:43

2M ago4:43

4:43

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for developing and maintaining a stellar reputation that brings customers back again and again. Learn how exceptional service can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage in today's …

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Kenworth W900: History, legacy, availability through 2026, and what's in store for the W990 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, we’re looking back at the long run of the W900 model from the Kenworth Truck Company. The W900's coming sunset has been among the biggest equipment news of the year -- uncovered ahead of the Mid-America Trucking Show, where the company unveiled the launch of the W900 Legacy Edition special series to close …

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HR Lessons: One of the Largest U.S. Utility Companies w/ about 20 years of experince | Deborah Sanchez on GroceryPulse Podcast 1:01:44

2M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Deborah Sanchez, an HR consultant with nearly 20 years of experience advising C-suite leaders at one of California’s largest utility companies. From her beginnings as a young mom seeking stability to now shaping corporate HR strategy, Deborah shares powerful insights on employee re…

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Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

2M ago5:02

5:02

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…

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How to Build a Loyal Base of Local Customers for your Farm 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

Ryan Grace, an Account Manager at Barn2Door, shares the who, what, when, where, why and how of building a Loyal Base of Local Customers for your Farm. Learn the best practices for identifying Buyers in your community, maintaining consistent communications and leading them to make a purchase. For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources…

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One small step, after step, hundreds of truckers improve life with Mother Trucker Yoga 26:15

2M ago26:15

26:15

This week on Overdrive Radio we track back to the Mid-America Trucking Show and the big news for the trucking community from podcast sponsor Howes. The Howes Hall of Fame added its 12th member when it honored Mother Trucker Yoga proprietor and fitness and wellness coach Hope Zvara at the show. You heard part of Zvara’s story when she was featured h…

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Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool 4:55

2M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for turning satisfied customers into your most effective marketing team. Learn how to create experiences that inspire customers to spread the word about your store without spending a fortune on ad…

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The Hurdles of Farm Growth 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

Tom of Bennett Farms (MI) shares the challenges tackled (and overcome!) as he doubled his Farm sales… then doubled again in just 4 years. In this latest episode, hear Tom’s advice for Scaling your Farm Business. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resourcesBy Erin Farmer

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Truck drivers' English-language proficiency and the inspection problem, other issues 36:48

2M ago36:48

36:48

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, drop into our conversation with OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Pugh was fresh off a whirlwind round of a whole lot of other talking himself, including a MATS-opening breakfast panel discussion you heard here a couple weeks back, then prior to that on Wednesday t…

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Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

2M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for transforming casual shoppers into devoted customers who drive business growth. Learn how to build meaningful customer relationships that increase sales, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create a community a…

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POPULAR Grassroots Marketing Academy for Farmers 51:43

2M ago51:43

51:43

In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres (SC) and host of Barn2Door’s Grassroots Marketing Academy, talks about the priority and lessons of each session, ideal outcomes, and what he has learned as a teacher. See why this class --- helping Farmers tap into local Buyer demand to increase sales --- is always full with a long wait list! For more…

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'Keep digging' with Dice Mayhem's Trucking, growing dump roots to long-term small fleet success 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

This week's edition of Overdrive Radio is another in our series highlighting contenders for 2025 Trucker of the Year, with Overdrive Senior Editor Matt Cole’s talk with Virginia-headquartered two-truck straight dump owner-operator business Dice Mayhem’s Trucking, headed up by owner-operator Hunter Hubbard and her husband, Tim. Hunter’s just about s…

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Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

3M ago6:12

6:12

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our compliance series as he shares strategies for transforming compliance from a set of rules into a core part of your store's identity. Learn how to create an environment where doing things the right way becomes …

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Farmer Spotlight: Sasquatch Family Farms 1:10:04

3M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

What happens when you have 2 Independent Farmers --- one from each coast --- talk shop? In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres (SC) chats w/ Shauna of Sasquatch Family Farms (WA) about growing a business from scratch, community support in clutch moments, and why and how Farmers can attract local Buyers to ensure ongoing sales. For more Far…

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Encouraging freight signs -- for now -- in ATBS annual owner-operator income update 1:14:27

3M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

In 2024, finally, as regular Overdrive readers will know, owner-operator income was up on a year-over-year basis. ATBS Vice President Mike Hosted makes that abundantly clear in this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, featuring the business services firm's March 25 update offering an economic outlook for the year ahead as well as lessons within the …

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Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success 5:38

3M ago5:38

5:38

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for implementing effective audit systems that protect your business and prevent compliance issues. Learn how regular reviews can transform from tedious tasks into valuable tools f…

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Busting Farm Marketing Myths 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

In this week’s episode, Janelle (Barn2Door CEO) and Cory (Farmer Success Team) discuss marketing myths (misconceptions) that can negatively impact Farmers' sales outcomes. If you are an Independent Farmer selling direct --- this is a must listen, to avoid and/or overcome marketing pitfalls! And discover GREAT tips for Farmers on successful marketin…

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Attracting Local Buyers to your Online Farm Store 29:20

3M ago29:20

29:20

In this week’s episode, Ryan from the Barn2Door Success Team (who talks all day everyday with Independent Farmers!) discusses tips for Farmers' online store(s). Hear what he recommends for Farmers selling direct into their local communities. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resourcesBy Erin Farmer

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Freight markets and fraud, insurance, towing: Small-biz challenges dominate trucking-issues panel 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

Back from the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this Overdrive Radio edition kicks off continuing coverage as all of us here at Overdrive spent the show fanning out across convention center grounds to cover just as much as possible. The fruits of that labor you’ve seen just a small sampling of to date, the lot of it collected with …

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Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success 5:48

3M ago5:48

5:48

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for developing effective compliance training programs that stick. Learn how to transform procedures from paper documents into daily practices that protect your business and customers. Episode Overvi…

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Leading Retail: Lessons from James W. Keyes, Former 7-Eleven & Blockbuster CEO by Innovar Marketing Agency | GroceryPulse Podcast 1:16:53

3M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin welcomes James W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, and Chairman of Wild Oats Marketing LLC. James brings decades of leadership experience from some of the most iconic brands in retail, and today, he shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the futu…

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How to Sell Out of Chicken Subscriptions 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

In this week's episode, Janelle and Erica of Benoit Family Farmstead (MO) discuss how to successfully sell out of Summer Chicken Subscriptions. Erica shares her tips for building FOMO around Subscription sign ups, marketing to local Buyers and packaging meat to move her inventory. For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources…

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Overdrive's new Partners in Business playbook, start-to-finish resource for an owner-operator career 19:40

3M ago19:40

19:40

In this Overdrive Radio edition, big news: We’re releasing today our brand-new Partners in Business playbook for owner-operator business, start to finish. The 2025 reboot of the PIB program is a total revamp designed with the decidedly mobile professional trucker in mind. You can access it today at https://overdriveonline.com/pib For more than two …

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Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance 5:57

3M ago5:57

5:57

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential compliance strategies that protect your business, customers, and reputation. Learn how regulatory adherence can become a competitive advantage rather than just a necessity. Episode Overview Master …

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Tony Justice: Top billing at MATS, honoring a mother's legacy, prospects for new record 33:13

3M ago33:13

33:13

This week’s edition of Overdrive Radio starts with a brief part of "Truck Stop," earmarked by today's guest for a special place in his heart the last time we hosted him. That'd be trucker-songwriter Tony Justice, who back then in 2023 spoke to the inspiration the song took from Justice’s mother’s long work at a couple of different East Tennessee tr…

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Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success 9:29

3M ago9:29

9:29

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for finding the perfect balance between immediate sales boosts and sustainable business growth. Learn how to create promotions and pricing approaches that drive both today's revenue and t…

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Farmer Spotlight: Hopewell Farms 43:06

3M ago43:06

43:06

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Phil of Hopewell Farms to discuss becoming a Farmer, marketing to local Buyers and making healthy food convenient. Phil shares his best practices for reaching Buyers in his community and making a plan for his sales. For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources…

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Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions 5:43

4M ago5:43

5:43

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating transparent pricing and promotions that build lasting customer relationships. Learn how honest business practices can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage. Episod…

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Trucker of the Month Kenny Wingate leans into the pride, and brass tacks, of owner-op trucking 34:20

4M ago34:20

34:20

The voice you'll hear at the top of this Overdrive Radio edition is that of Overdrive's February Trucker of the Month Kenny Wingate. Clearly, he knows of what he speaks when he invokes the feeling -- "nothing like it," he said -- that he associates with best of trucking as an owner-operator, running your own game when times are good. It's part of w…

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Sebastian Öhrn, Founder of Myrqvist / Premium Footwear 24:08

4M ago24:08

24:08

Myrqvist's journey began in 2016, starting small — like most things do — but with a clear vision: to craft high-quality footwear with a timeless design at a fair price. A product designed to stand the test of time and trends alike. How do they balance top-tier craftsmanship with a modest price point? At Myrqvist, they take pride in their dedication…