a day ago
Work World – a Gart Capital Partners Portfolio Company – Names Shawn Sweeney New CEO & Acquires Shoeteria, Expanding Business In Southern California
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Work World is pleased to make these two announcements aimed at the growth of our business, platform, and capabilities.
"The acquisition of Shoeteria is a key milestone on our journey to be the largest specialty workwear supplier in the nation.' - Shawn Sweeney, Work World CEO
First, Shawn Sweeney has joined Work World as the Company's new CEO effective July 14, 2025. Shawn joins Work World from Red Wing Shoe Company, where he worked in several leadership positions for the past 23 years, most recently as President of North America Work, Hunt & Retail. Shawn led Red Wing's largest division including all work, wholesale, and retail sales and operations.
'We are thrilled to embark on the next chapter of Work World's business development under Shawn's leadership,' said Alex Gart, Partner at Gart Capital Partners. 'Shawn brings to the company deep knowledge of the work boot and workwear industry, as well as a proven leadership approach that delivers results. He will be instrumental in accelerating the growth of our unique omnichannel head-to-toe business model in the workwear category combining retail, eCommerce, and B2B industrial accounts. Shawn's experience leading execution of similar strategy to make those channels complementary & synergistic in today's omnichannel market will be both valuable and welcome.'
Second, Work World is pleased to announce the acquisition of Shoeteria, Inc. ('Shoeteria'), one of Southern California's largest specialty workwear suppliers. Together with Work World, which also owns and operates Whistle Workwear and Willy's Discount Workwear in Washington, the combined company now operates 38 locations across California, Nevada and Washington, in addition to significant eCommerce and B2B industrial account businesses.
Founded in 1949 in Norwalk, California, Shoeteria has grown to operate 7 retail stores, a large online business through and as well as multiple mobile 'boot trucks' servicing B2B industrial accounts in Southern California. As a trusted and reputable specialist, Shoeteria shares Work World's focus on outstanding customer service and the best selection of brands and products to support the American worker.
"From day one, our goal has been to serve the needs of hardworking people with unbeatable service and selection, while building a workplace where our team could thrive. We're excited to join forces with Work World to carry that vision forward and reach new heights together," said former Shoeteria COO, Ryan Foulger who will be joining Work World as General Manager, Shoeteria.
Shoeteria will continue business as usual and operate its existing locations, online business, and industrial accounts under the Shoeteria name with its team and headquarters in Commerce, CA and with the support of Work World.
'We welcome Shoeteria to the Work World family with open arms,' said Work World CEO, Shawn Sweeney. 'We look forward to aligning our service models to deliver the best experience and solutions for our customers across all channels and touchpoints. The acquisition of Shoeteria significantly expands our commercial presence in the strategic Southern California market and is a key milestone on our journey to be the largest specialty workwear supplier in the nation.'
About Work World: Founded in 1990 in Fairfield, CA, Work World serves America's workforce as a specialty workwear supplier of premium brand-name work boots & workwear through its 30+ Western U.S. retail stores, online business, and robust industrial accounts business. Work World was acquired by Gart Capital Partners of Denver, CO, in 2019. The company expanded into Washington state with the acquisition of Whistle Workwear and Willy's Discount Workwear in 2021. In recent years, Work World has completed a significant transformation of people, process, and technology for a scalable platform to drive both organic and inorganic growth. Work World continues to evaluate add-on acquisitions and expansion opportunities across the United States.
