PROPS FOR PRASAD

Industry execs opine on Prasad Reddy’s unique qualities that translate into his five decades of success.

Prasad is STEADFAST, HONEST , and a true partner of Boot Barn. He respects his wholesale accounts and the importance of that channel. He doesn’t sell around us. He maintains the utmost level of INTEGRITY in all of his dealings, and has demonstrated an enormous level of support during tough and boom times. He has built a WORLD-CLASS TEAM, BRAND, AND COMPANY . They’re one of our top five biggest vendors in dollar volume. They deliver a world class assortment spanning men, women, and kids with western, work, and casual merchandise. They also push the industry forward on important issues like SUSTAINABILITY . When I think of Prasad, I think first of great wine! More broadly, sharing a bottle of wine with Prasad is just a physical demonstration of his collegial and partnering style of business. He’s always searching for win-win opportunities and will go to great lengths to make that happen. I’m honored to count Prasad as one of my closest business partners. —Jim

Conroy, CEO, Boot Barn

Prasad always does the right thing. He has integrity, is KIND, BRILLIANT, and possesses an UNMATCHED WORK ETHIC . He always puts others before himself, finds the good in everything, and ALWAYS DOES THE RIGHT THING. Prasad has built a culture at Twisted X based on teamwork and giving back to the community. His COMMITMENT TO PHILANTHROPY and sustainability is beyond amazing. His love of product and innovation is unmatched. —Scott

Sessa, SVP business development, Twisted X Global Brands

Prasad has been an industry colleague of mine for over 20 years. We’ve often reached out to one another to discuss the latest sourcing and product trends. He’s INCREDIBLY KNOWLEDGEABLE in regard to sourcing, operations, and logistics. He’s also one of the MOST HUMBLE INDUSTRY LEADERS I’ve met. The humblest of the humble with the KINDEST SMILE in the industry. Prasad has truly realized the American Dream!

—Greg A. Tunney, president and CEO, Manitobah

Prasad is an opportunist. He’s always looking for new ways to by CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE with footwear as well as business operations. “We’ve always done it that way” and “We can’t do that” are unacceptable responses. He prefers, “Let’s figure it out” as a response to any unknown. Prasad is a PEOPLE-FIRST LEADER. For example, it’s important to him that we offer great health and retirement benefits. Prasad will tell you it’s more about DOING THE RIGHT THING than doing a good thing. The same goes for our SUSTAINABILITY and PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS: it’s the right thing to do efforts. He cares about the world we’re leaving our children and grandchildren. It’s important to him as a member of the human race, so it’s important to him as a footwear maker. But he never wants credit for any of it. —Jeff Jones, CFO, Twisted X Global Brands

Prasad is respectful to all, beyond giving, steady, PATIENT, LOYAL, AND APPRECIATIVE. He cares about people, and he’s surrounded by a POSITIVE LIGHT. Prasad always operates with an open mind and is curious about new ideas and ways to do things differently. He’s never quick to say no; rather he graciously listens and forms his opinion after thorough consideration. We’re so proud that Twisted X was one of our first trusted partners. His SINCERITY, RESPECT FOR OTHERS, demeanor, and humble confidence in the great brands he has built is so unique. The success of Twisted X clearly proves that cutthroat and fast doesn’t always win the race. —Trisha Sweeney, executive vice president of sales, Syndic8

In the not-for-profit healthcare space partners like Twisted X Global Brands are rare. Prasad and his team embrace the promise to help children with us like no other, and they believe in helping us treat the whole child. That means, for example, working alongside us through this unique opportunity to showcase patients as artist and shoe designers. This dream of Prasad’s to EMPOWER, SUPPORT, AND CONTRIBUTE to healing our patients through art is evident by the smiles on both our patients and their parents. At the core of every child is the desire to PLAY, TO CREATE, to simply be a kid. Our design collaboration project allows our patients to be kids! He takes the time to interact with patients and parents. He always asks the vital question: What’s best for the patient and family? This is extremely rare in our work! Prasad’s INCREDIBLE GENEROSITY is leading to hope for many of our patients. —Grant Harris, SVP, Chief Development Officer, Cook Children’s Health Foundation

I first came in contact with Prasad during a phone interview for the position of Chief Marketing Officer and we met the next day for an interview. HE’S A FAST-MOVER. I had an offer in my inbox by the time I got home. He’s also EXTREMELY DRIVEN and prides himself on doing things uniquely and independently. He doesn’t follow the pack; he likes to be in the front leading and creating. Prasad loves product. Creating PRODUCTS THAT INNOVATE speaks to his core. He’s also a wonderful listener—something many CEOs aren’t good at. He has a beautiful balance of patience and action. He has a BIG HEART and cares deeply for his community. He wants to make a difference in the world. He wants to share his blessings. —Tricia Mahoney, CMO, Twisted X Global Brands

Prasad’s relationship with the VFW began in 1980 when he was welcomed as a new citizen of the United States by our Auxiliary members. His FRIENDSHIP has expanded far beyond that to the VFW Foundation staff, leaders, and members. Twisted X Global Brands’ support is vitally important to the VFW. As the title sponsor of our annual youth scholarship competitions, their support ensures we’re able to foster and perpetuate PATRIOTISM among America’s youth and treat our scholarship winners to a once-ina-lifetime experience touring our nation’s capital. Prasad is arguably the most GENUINE AND CHARISMATIC PERSON I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. His LOVE FOR LIFE and the positivity with which he approaches every opportunity is inspiring. —Lynn Rolf, director

of programs, VFW