Mark Dodd – Founder / CEOAfter years and countless miles of running and jumping, former U.S. Men’s National Team and MLS All-Star Goalie, Mark Dodd, was a self-study on impact of the feet. After leading Duke University Soccer to its first ever NCAA National Championship, Dodd embarked on a distinguished professional soccer career spanning 11 years. In 2003, Mark used his experience and passion to begin developing materials and methods that would help prevent impact injuries to athletes. From his home garage, Dodd tested and developed unique structures and methods for diffusing forces in high impact collisions on the human body. In February of 2005, Dodd filed his first patent application which would go on to become US Patent No. 8,220,072 (‘072 Patent) relating to a substrate with a plurality of hinged joints. Initially, this technology was utilized in shin guards, however, Dodd foresaw the potential for use in other areas, including athletic footwear. Dodd continued to improve and patent the technology contained within the ‘072 Patent into an expanded patent family, ultimately licensing his technology to major companies for use in protective equipment. Dodd is the sole inventor of SHOKBLOX™ technology and its patent portfolio that relates to impact absorption materials and methods.
Scott McGuire – AdvisorFor the past two decades, product innovation and brand incubation have been at the forefront of Scott’s career. He has served in product, sales, marketing and development roles at several stand out brands including Keen Footwear, Ahnu Footwear and The North Face.