From Layoff to Leap: Local Man Launches Custom Sneaker Business Amid Pandemic Recovery
When Michael Hodgman faced an unexpected layoff from his finance career, he found more than just a setback; he discovered a unique opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship. In 2023, he launched Hodgepodge Sneakers, a custom shoe shop in Utah that offers workshops where customers can design their own sneakers. This venture not only fulfills a market need but also aims to create lasting memories for its guests.
"We’re happy to create memories," Hodgman explained, emphasizing his passion for meaningful experiences over mere transactions. His story is emblematic of a broader trend in Utah, where small businesses have seen a significant upsurge following the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As Governor Spencer Cox promotes the state as the "Startup State," data shows a sharp rise in small business loan applications post-March 2022.
Grant Dahl, small business manager for Zions Bank’s Business Resource Center, stated, “It’s great. Small businesses are the backbone of our country.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the vital role local enterprises play in the community and economy. In 2020, amidst the pandemic’s initial onset, Utah saw the creation of over 2,000 new small businesses, with applications continuing to soar—an impressive 21.5% increase from December 2022 to December 2023.
Hodgepodge Sneakers, situated in Sugar House, thrives on the foundation of community engagement. As Hodgman notes, "We’ve already pivoted a couple of times, and we’re happy to do so.” This adaptability mirrors a biblical principle: the call to perseverance and innovation in the face of challenges. Just as Jesus taught about the importance of resilience through parables, Hodgman is living out a modern-day example of steadfastness and creativity.
Keilara McCormick, Hodgman’s wife and co-owner, provides financial stability for the venture while Hodgman embraces his new entrepreneurial role wholeheartedly. The couple secured a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to kickstart their project, enabling them to rent a storefront where they host personalized events. Hodgman aspires to eventually expand their offerings to corporate team-building sessions, seeking to deepen community ties and give back.
“I expected to be a lifelong, ‘keep the head down and grind’ [employee],” he reflects on his prior career path, revealing the transformative journey he has taken into the entrepreneurial realm. The experience of moving from expectations to realities can be exciting, reminiscent of how challenges can shape one’s purpose in life.
This idea resonates with a biblical passage from Jeremiah 29:11, which states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Hodgman’s leap into entrepreneurship serves as a testimony to the possibility of finding new pathways and hope even amid uncertainty.
Hodgman’s story is an inspiring reminder that challenges can lead to growth, and new beginnings can stem from unexpected endings. As we reflect on this narrative, let us be encouraged to explore our own potential for change and innovation. Embracing our God-given talents and opportunities, we can forge paths that not only enrich our lives but also bless those around us. How might we pivot in our own lives to seek growth and create positive impact today?
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