In the fiercely competitive world of athletic footwear, where giants like Nike and Adidas dominate, breaking through the noise is no small feat. Yet, Rod Foley, co-founder of Frank Works, is doing just that. With decades of experience at renowned brands like Mizuno and Under Armour, Foley has embarked on a mission to redefine comfort and performance in court sports footwear. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the vision behind Frank Works, the challenges of launching a new brand, and the revolutionary designs that are catching the attention of athletes worldwide.

From Big Brands to Bold Beginnings

Rod Foley’s journey in the footwear industry is nothing short of remarkable. With a background in product development and design, Foley spent years crafting high-performance running shoes at Mizuno, where his designs were worn by Olympic athletes. Later, at Under Armour, he continued to push the boundaries of athletic footwear, always with an eye on innovation. But despite his success at these big brands, Foley felt something was missing.

“There was always this gap between what the market was offering and what athletes actually needed,” Foley explains. “Comfort was often an afterthought in the pursuit of performance. But what if comfort is performance?”

This question led Foley and his long-time colleagues to start Frank Works in 2021, a brand that places comfort at the forefront of athletic shoe design. The name “Frank” was carefully chosen to reflect the brand’s ethos—honesty, transparency, and a no-nonsense approach to solving problems that have plagued athletes for years.

Frank Works: Revolutionizing Court Sports Footwear

Frank Works’ first product, aptly named “The One,” is a tennis shoe that embodies the brand’s philosophy. With a unique dual-foam midsole, the shoe offers unmatched cushioning without sacrificing stability. This innovation, combined with a cutting-edge strap system that replaces traditional laces, ensures that athletes can focus on their game rather than their gear.

“We heard the same complaints over and over—shoes that were uncomfortable, laces that didn’t stay tied, and materials that didn’t hold up,” Foley recalls. “So we set out to change that. Every element of The One is designed to address these issues head-on.”

But Frank Works doesn’t stop at tennis. Foley and his team have recognized the growing popularity of sports like paddle and pickleball, particularly in the U.S. While the brand is still in its early stages, Foley hints at future expansions that could include footwear specifically tailored for these sports.

The Challenges of Building a Brand

Launching a new brand in a market dominated by industry titans is no easy task. Foley candidly shares the challenges Frank Works faced, from securing a manufacturing partner willing to take a chance on a startup, to navigating the complexities of crowdfunding.

“There was a moment when it all could have fallen apart,” Foley admits. “But we stuck to our vision and convinced our partners that what we were doing was worth the risk.”

Crowdfunding was another hurdle. Unlike many campaigns that rely heavily on marketing budgets to drive pledges, Frank Works had to rely on word-of-mouth and the support of a close-knit community. Despite these challenges, the campaign was a success, raising the necessary funds to bring The One to market.

“The support we received was incredible,” Foley says. “People believed in what we were doing, and that’s what kept us going.”

Looking to the Future

As Frank Works continues to grow, Foley is laser-focused on maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality over quantity. “We’re not interested in flooding the market with endless SKUs,” he says. “We want to do fewer things, but do them exceptionally well.”

This philosophy extends beyond just product development. Foley is passionate about minimizing the brand’s environmental impact by producing only what is necessary and avoiding the waste associated with overproduction.

“We want to be responsible stewards of our resources,” Foley notes. “It’s about making a difference, not just making a product.”

A Game-Changer for the Modern Athlete

Frank Works is more than just a footwear brand—it’s a movement towards a new standard in athletic shoes. Foley’s vision of comfort as a performance metric is resonating with athletes who are tired of compromising. Whether on the tennis court, paddle court, or beyond, Frank Works is poised to become a staple for those who demand both style and substance from their sports gear.

As Foley continues to innovate and expand Frank Works, one thing is clear: this is the brand to watch. With its commitment to solving real problems and its refreshingly honest approach, Frank Works is setting a new standard in the athletic footwear industry.

For those looking to stay ahead of the game, Frank Works might just be the answer they’ve been searching for.

If you want to check out Frank Works and The One, please visit their website here.

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