George Esquivel started making shoes for himself and some friends, up-and-coming musicians in Southern California. Soon, Hollywood came calling. And it wasn’t just celebrities who took notice. A film financier did, too. He said he wanted to invest in the company, but George soon realized his intentions weren’t what they seemed.

 

Join Ben and special guest host Kathleen Griffith as they speak to George about the rise of Esquivel Designs. Hear what a meeting with Anna Wintour is really like, and what happens when you’re betrayed by someone inside your company. These are The Unshakeables.

George Esquivel started making shoes for himself and some friends, up-and-coming musicians in Southern California. Soon, Hollywood came calling. And it wasn&rsquo;t just celebrities who took notice. A film financier did, too. He said he wanted to invest in the company, but George soon realized his intentions weren&rsquo;t what they seemed.
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Join Ben and special guest host Kathleen Griffith as they speak to George about the rise of Esquivel Designs. Hear what a meeting with Anna Wintour is really like, and what happens when you&rsquo;re betrayed by someone inside your company. These are The Unshakeables.

The Unshakeables podcast dives into inspiring stories from real small business owners across America who power their communities every day. Join Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and co-host Kathleen Griffith as they hear from guests who share their make-or-break moments that changed everything. Produced in collaboration with iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio, The Unshakeables has won multiple awards, including Gold at the 2025 Signal Awards. The speakers’ opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of the podcast release date and they may not materialize. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2026 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The Unshakeables podcast dives into inspiring stories from real small business owners across America who power their communities every day. Join Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and co-host Kathleen Griffith as they hear from guests who share their make-or-break moments that changed everything. Produced in collaboration with iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio, The Unshakeables has won multiple awards, including Gold at the 2025 Signal Awards. The speakers&rsquo; opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of J.P. Morgan Chase &amp; Co. and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of the podcast release date and they may not materialize. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. &copy;2026 JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.

The Unshakeables

On the Right Foot: Esquivel Designs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f8c5da3a-9494-4f47-87a3-b27901331786/transcript