GENERATIONAL STORY, LOCAL ROOTS: From Jesus Maria to Kelley

Although our grand story starts in Jesus Maria, its newest chapter, ESLO, begins at Kelley on IUPUI’s campus.

Lorenc, a Kelley School of Business student, and Eduardo, an engineering student, met their freshman year at IUPUI. They became quick friends, and over the next four years, began constructing the ideation of ESLO.

Separately, I (Ryan) had my own dream of one day starting a custom shoe design venture. My personal Kelley moments occurred in classes like the entrepreneurship class, Kelley’s renowned ICore program, Professor Cox's marketing classes and professor Wendeln's J402 business simulation. All of the professors and classes I took at Kelley inspired me, and gave me the building blocks to one day make my dream a reality.

After college, with a Kelley education under my belt, I pursued a custom shoe venture named Albany Shoes.

I also worked part time at Sun King Brewing Company, a company with its own entrepreneurial success that has been an incredible inspiration to me.

After a year of effort, Albany Shoes hit too many road blocks and came to a standstill.

But during my hiatus from Albany, I was introduced to Eduardo through his Kelley peer Lorenc. Combining Lorenc's supply chain and finance degree, my marketing degree and year of entrepreneurial experience and Eduardo's lifelong knowledge of the shoe crafting world, the grand vision for ESLO began taking shape.

Learn more about ESLO Shoes and its mission. The company has launched on Kickstarter and is offering leather-made children's chukkas, oxfords and wingtips. Their campaign will be live from March 28th until April 26th.