Early Entrepreneurial Pursuits
After serving 20 years in prison, Ed Hennings was released in 2016 and hit the ground running as an entrepreneur. Within a year, he had opened his first barbershop using skills he learned behind bars.
Hennings then transitioned to trucking and delivery work, identifying issues with available work shoe options lacking either style, comfort, or safety. As a self-described “shoe junkie,” he began formulating ideas for versatile footwear to take workers from job sites to happy hours.
Launching His Footwear Brand
Drawing on his experiences as a barber and truck driver, Hennings launched his eponymous footwear company in October 2022. His brand offers sleek leather boots and athletic shoes with steel toes to bridge blue-collar workwear with mainstream style.
As the first black-owned work boot supplier, Hennings brings a unique perspective shaped by overcoming adversity. “I come from a background where I almost lost it all. I’ve been through a lot,” he said. “It’s all about providing inspiration.”
Gaining Momentum
Less than a year since getting started, Hennings’ brand is gaining steam. He recently held a fashion show and pop-up event, with plans for more brick-and-mortar pursuits.
Additionally, Hennings’ journey will be featured on Master P’s small business spotlight show. With financial literacy and mentorship guiding his entrepreneurial hustle, Ed Hennings Co. brings a fresh perspective to workwear.
Twenty years ago, a 40-year prison sentence could have defined Hennings. Instead, he defined himself through perseverance, seizing his “second chance” to uplift others now with his one-of-a-kind footwear brand.
