Bio

Career Highlights: • At age 17 won a Reebok design competition, beating out professionals and college students nationwide • At age 19 became the youngest professional footwear designer in the industry • At age 23 became a head footwear designer for L.A. Gear. • At age 24 was appointed brand manager/head designer for Karl Kani Footwear • At age 28 launched his own brand SITY which was recognized by Sporting Goods Business as the #2 brand to watch in the industry behind Brand Jordan (in 2000) • One of six designers ever to design an Air Jordan (21 and 22) in its 1st 23-year history • Over a 30+ year career, Edwards has designed shoes at the highest level for today’s premier athletes and teams, such as Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, Derek Jeter and Roy Jones Jr. • Received International Red Dot Award for the Nike Ipeas Equestrian Boot • Traveled to more than 50 countries and 40 U.S. states to design or manufacture footwear • Over 50 design patents • Over 30+ years designed more than 500 styles in a variety of categories—athletic, dress, casual, outdoor, golf, lifestyle, kids, skate • Designs have sold more than $1.5 billion worldwide • In 2010 launched PENSOLE @ University of Oregon in Portland, OR • In 2011 launched PENSOLE @ ArtCenter College for Design • In 2011 launched PENSOLE @ PARSONS The New School For Design • In 2012 established PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy * In 2013 launched PENSOLE @ MIT * In 2014 launched PENSOLE @ Kolding Design School in Denmark * In 2014 selected 1 of Fast Company 100 Most Creative People in Business * 2014 Tedx Portland Speaker * Selected 1 of the Most Influential People in the Sneaker Industry by COMPLEX * Partnered with Google/YouTube RED to create LACE UP series * 3-time winner of the Mercedez Benz Portland Fashion Design Award * Speaker at the Clinton Global Conference * Received the President Obama Volunteer Service Award * Lecturer at Harvard * Received Honorary Doctorate from ArtCenter * PBJ Executive of the year * Business Insider 100 People Transforming Business * IDSA Special Achievement Award *Founder of 1st design focused HBCU, Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design *Elected to Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum Board of Governors