Sean Clark is partnering with his former employer, the CEO of Coastal Contacts Inc. (which runs ClearlyContacts.ca) to build up an online shoe-selling business (ShoeMe.ca). The CEO invested in Clark’s business which wishes to ‘disrupt the shoe market in a similar fashion’ to what ClearlyContacts.ca has accomplished.

He noted that in Canada there were no major online shoe suppliers and saw an opportunity. With the investment he was given, ShoeMe.ca has grown to include 130 brands. A crucial part of Mr. Clark’s venture was having good relations with his former employer. He had formerly demonstrated great commitment to Coastal Contacts and the executives were supportive of his entrepreneurial project.

Mr. Clark, though ShoeMe.ca has met rough patches, continues on undeterred and dedicated to the domestic market, something rarely, if ever, seen from his competitors. Together, Mr. Clark and his former employer see opportunities for expansion into other areas via partnerships and sister sites.