INTERVIEW
HÖGL, HASSIA AND GANTER
In conversation with… I
n the Summer of last year, the Högl, Hassia and Ganter brands introduced new Sales Agents and Brand Representatives for the UK and Ireland – John and Maria Feeney. The pair took over from Carl Robinson, bringing with them many years of experience in selling and customer care. The husband-and-wife team joined the footwear sector from two very different roles previously. Maria has worked in publishing for over 18 years, running a group of local magazine titles; over the years she has helped thousands of small and medium businesses market themselves and grow their customer base. The reputation of the company is one of excellent customer service and consistent high quality. John has spent the majority of his career in the window, door and conservatory industry working primarily in technical and sales
“The industry has been very welcoming and supporting, which has helped us transition very well” – the words of John and Maria Feeney, the UK and Ireland Sales Agents for Högl, Hassia and Ganter, who took over the brands last year. For their first interview since joining the footwear sector, they chat to Footwear Today.
roles. He also established his own specialist conservatory cleaning company, which grew and was developed as a franchise. More recently he worked for a German company acting as their brand representation in the UK. “While we are from outside the industry we have a lot of experience that we can draw on that we can offer,” the couple say. “We saw this is an opportunity to do something that we can work on together and which is new and interesting but builds on our own areas of knowledge and experience.”
What about the brands themselves? Högl, Hassia and Ganter are part of the Lorenz Shoe Group, which started as a small family business with a passion for the shoemaker’s craft; today is has become an international enterprise, headquartered in Austria and with subsidiaries all over the world, producing over 1.5 million pairs of shoes per year. Despite its growth, Lorenz still remains firmly committed to its traditional family values.
The Högl brand dates back to 1935. In the ‘80s it was the first subsidiary company established as part of Högl Lorenz Schuh- Holding; in 1998 the Hassia brand was acquired by the company and Ganter followed in 2000. Chatting with Footwear Today Editor, Jack Cheeseman, John and Maria Feeney look back at their first six months in the footwear industry, reflecting on how they have been welcomed in by everyone, saying that it’s been thoroughly enjoyable…
“All the people we have met so far have been incredibly friendly, welcoming and supportive,” the pair say. “As always, our customers have been the best teachers, sharing with us their great knowledge and insight into this exciting new industry.
John and Maria Feeney 20 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • FEBRUARY 2024
“As well as that, the team at Lorenz has also been very supportive. It is a fabulous company to work with – from the initial discussions that we had, through to the comprehensive training and induction covering the company and the three brands that we represent, its approach has been impeccable.”
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