Kyle Berner

Illustration by Matthew Shipley

Founder of Garner-based company Feelgoodz, Kyle Berner, whose flip-flops you are probably wearing right now, shares his thoughts:

An entrepreneur needs to be_______?

Nimble, tenacious, and passionate.

Tips for staying off the phone?

Put on an away message, and literally leave it somewhere where it is not in sight or mind.

How does your business reflect your personality?

Well, I've always been a casual flip-flop guy, and so I've always said that Feelgoodz is an extension of myself. I think this is one of the reasons I've loved it so much. It's not like I'm selling decorative floral vases, which I know nothing about (not that there's anything wrong with decorative floral vases! :).

Feelgoodz footwear can be found in Whole Foods stores across the country, how do you close a massive deal like this?

There was a newspaper article written about my story in the local paper, and it got picked up by the associated press. The article made its way across the desk of a Whole Foods regional buyer in Austin, TX, and she happened to be looking for a flip-flop line to bring in. Voilà!

Favorite hot weather activity?
Beachin' - no question!