Shane and Shawn Ward

Innovative. Tenacious. Charismatic.  These are just a few words that describe the talented tour de force that is SHANE & SHAWN WARD.  The talented twin designers from New York City, by way of Detroit, launched their innovative shoe collection, SHANE&SHAWN in the Fall of 2003 with the goal of making the most comfortable - hip - fashion shoes ever! A modern, edgy dress/casual shoe and accessories line for men and women that combines hip/stylish silhouettes with athletic comfort.

Shane & Shawn Ward speak to audiences with the primary goal of traveling the globe to colleges and universities in order to share our experiences and expertise with the next generation of entrepreneurs. With a vast amount of experience in manufacturing, logistics, design, merchandising, marketing, public relations, investor relations, business plan building, social media, product development, sales and finance, they are looking to help students understand the trials, hurdles, and ultimately the American Dream of entrepreneurship.

Not born with a silver spoon and with a very humble upbringing, the twins have taken a start-up company with no major investors from ground zero to selling to large corporate giants such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Zappos.com, Amazon.com, Shoes.com, and MGM/Mirage Casino Group. They have also expanded to sell shoes in Europe, South America and Canada.

Current and past speaking engagement clients are:

• Rice University Business School (MBA Program)

• The University of Michigan Entrepreneurship Program

• The University of Michigan Engineering School

• Black Enterprise National Conference

• Dress For Success, New Orleans

• CNN Special/Cass Tech High School

• The Accessories Council

The SHANE&SHAWN brand has been featured on Access Hollywood, The View, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, The Wendy Williams Show, MTV’s Made, The Tyra Banks Show, in addition to Oprah’s acclaimed 'O' Magazine. The twins were also named People Magazine’s “2008 Hottest Bachelors” and Black Enterprises “2007 Most Powerful Players Under 40.” Celebrity fans include Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas, Green Day, David Beckham, John Legend, Good Charlotte, Jamie Foxx, Bijou Phillips and many more.

SHANE&SHAWN's achievements are many, and the Awards include:

*** Farmani Group - International Design Award (2009)

• NV Magazine Fashion Award (2009)

• City & Beach Lifestyle Awards - Nomination (2009)

• Univ. of Michigan Alumni Awards (2008)

• Omega Psi Phi Fashion Award (2008)

• Nomination of Crain’s NY Small Business of the Year (2007)

*Footwear Plus Designer of the Year Nominee (2005, 2006)**

SPEECH TOPICS

With a vast amount of experience in manufacturing, logistics, design, merchandising, marketing, public relations, investor relations, business plan building, social media, product development, sales and finance, Shane and Shawn are looking to help students understand the trials, hurdles, and ultimately the American Dream of entrepreneurship.

*The Basics of Entrepreneurship, Skills & Strategies

*How to Launch, Navigate and Sustain a Growing and Thriving Business

*Positive Thinking in Business Building

*Risk Taking in Entrepreneurship

*Sales & Marketing Strategies

*Licensing & International Business