About

With my daughter in Hawaii

Hi, I’m Mike Normart,

This is my journey in the footwear industry that shares tips on what I’ve learned starting from when I began in 1980.

I start out with my adventures in store management with three different companies and on to my 11 year run with Nordstrom. I had many wonderful mentors at Nordstrom and strengthened my buying skills.  Finally I share my amazing 18+ year journey at Zappos and continue to what the future may bring.

I’m sharing my journey for those who are hoping to get into the shoe industry, or for those who are looking for tips from an old shoe dog. I hope you enjoy! Mike

Mike Normart

Acknowledgements: People who made a difference in my career

William Normart my Dad

Wilma Normart my Mom

Si Normart my Grandmother

Jim Dalton my First Footwear Mentor

Martha Banuelos First Nordstrom Mentor

Michael Tibbs – Nordstrom

Steve Von Ruden – Nordstrom

Gail LaLumiere Kid’s Shoes Mentor

Rob Shields “Narrow & Deep” Mentor

Jack Minuk – Nordstrom

Jim A. Nordstrom – Arden Fair

Jean Claude Lachkar – Nordstrom Arden Fair

Blake Nordstrom – “Extend Yourself”

Daryl Curley – Nordstrom Buddy I really miss…

Jim Lee – Family Mentor

Fred Mossler – Zappos –  “Go Big or Go Home”

Aaron Brown – Nordstrom, Zappos

Tony Hsieh – Zappos -“People remember how you made them feel”

Linda Normart -Soul-Mate 

Jennifer Hoeksema – Daughter

James Normart – Son

Business Cards over the Years