Gregory Grovey

About Gregory Grovey

As the Founder of Kicking It, I lead one of Texas’s most culturally influential sneaker and lifestyle destinations. Kicking It is an ecosystem that blends retail, community, entertainment, and sport culture. I oversee long-term brand strategy, cultural partnerships, product storytelling, and multi-city operations across Austin and San Antonio. My work centers on building authentic connections between brands and the communities that shape culture, leveraging a deep network of athletes, entertainers, stylists, creators, and thought leaders.With a Doctorate Degree in Business and concentration in Marketing, along with more than a decade of experience driving brand relevance, I specialize in strategic marketing, cultural insight, event programming, and partnership development. I create experiences and storytelling moments that keep brands culturally resonant, future-forward, and deeply connected to the people who move trends.In addition to leading Kicking It, I teach as a Professor of Marketing at Huston-Tillotson University, where I design curriculum around consumer behavior, trend forecasting, experiential learning, and integrated brand communications. I’m committed to mentoring the next generation of marketers, leaders, and creators by teaching them the same cultural intelligence, strategy, and creative discipline that drive success in real-world brand environments.Across both entrepreneurship and academia, my work reflects a consistent through line:Connecting people, culture, and brands through meaningful, authentic, memorable, and innovative experiences.

Experience

1. Founder

   Kicking It

   Oct 2018 — Present · Austin and San Antonio, TX, US

   As the Founder of Kicking It, I built and scaled a two-location sneaker and lifestyle brand that has become a cultural hub for athletes, entertainers, creators, and the broader sneaker community. I lead the vision, brand positioning, and strategic direction of the company, ensuring that Kicking It remains a trusted voice in the sneaker community.Key Leadership & Strategic Responsibilities: • Oversee all daily operations, multi-city staff leadership, product buying, merchandising strategy, and customer experience design. • Build and manage high-impact partnerships with major brands including Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, and other global and boutique labels. • Develop the marketing strategy and cultural engagement roadmap that drives consistent revenue growth and brand relevance. • Concept, plan, and execute culturally resonant events featuring athletes, musicians, stylists, influencers, and local creators. • Lead content, community storytelling, and influencer seeding to maintain cultural momentum and strengthen brand relationships. • Cultivate a powerful network across entertainment, sport, fashion, and digital creator communities, expanding the brand’s reach and cultural footprint. • Maintain business operations including budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiation, and vendor relations.Cultural Influence & Partnerships: • Collaborate with celebrities, stylists, and managers to provide product, create appearances, and build authentic cultural moments. • Lead partnership initiatives with athletes and entertainment figures, using cultural insight to shape distinct brand activations. • Serve as a connector between brands and tastemakers, ensuring partnerships feel organic, aligned, and culturally meaningful.Kicking It continues to evolve as a platform where culture, creativity, and community intersect. We are anchored in authentic relationships, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of what moves the sneaker and entertainment culture.

Education

• University of the Incarnate Word

  Doctor of Business Administration

  2015 — 2019

• Huston-Tillotson University

  Bachelors, Business Marketing

  2004 — 2009

• University of the Incarnate Word

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Marketing

  2011 — 2013

Skills

• Management
• Team Building
• Youtube
• Entertainment
• Customer Service
• Business Development
• Digital Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Blogging
• Sales Process
• Trend Analysis
• Customer Relationship Management (Crm)
• Public Speaking
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Fashion
• Brand Management
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Event Planning
• Trend Forecasting
• Leadership
• Merchandising
• Social Networking
• Brand Awareness
• Brand Development
• Training
• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Microsoft Word
• Retail
• B2b
• Twitter
• Account Management
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Sponsorship
• Online Marketing
• SEO
• Trade Shows