VIDA SHOES INTERNATIONAL - Key Persons
Arthur, a CPA, has spent his career in finance, accounting and operations. His experience includes public accounting and many years in consumer product businesses including toys, apparel and since 2008, with Vida Shoes. Arthur has brought his work ethic, passion and experience to collaborate with ownership, senior management and the "back office" to be a part of the team and continue to help in Vida's vision for profitable growth amidst the challenges faced day to day in the footwear industry.
After 17 years in retail at Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Federated Corporate, right out of college Barbara passionately worked her way up the ladder and held positions as a Buyer, Divisional Merchandising Manager, and Product Director. In 1999 she joined Vida with her retail expertise for an exciting new venture in wholesale as General Manager in women's footwear for the Phat Farm brand. Vida was a diamond in the rough, a nimble family footwear company ready to make a name for itself, the success of the Phat Farm brand put Vida on the map. Having a strong left and right brain, she loves the diversity of her job, both analytical and creative.
Brian joined Vida Shoes International in October 1999 and now heads up an Industry leading team as Executive Vice President/General Manager of the Children's Footwear Division. A kid's industry veteran, Brian began his footwear career on the retail floor, manning a Stride Rite fitting stool while working his way through college. His career grew at Stride Rite from Store Manager to Regional Merchandiser, Buyer for Stride Rite Retail, New Retail Concept Development and eventually a role in Wholesale Sales. Brian then came to Vida to launch Carters as a new children's footwear brand. Since then, Brian's responsibilities have grown to head up the industry-leading Carter's, OshKosh B'Gosh, MAP, BCBG and XOXO brands. In 2017, Brian's career came full circle as Vida obtained the license to Stride Rite, which is now experiencing renewed growth and increased market share under Vida Children's Division, and Brian McManus's, tutelage.
Christina joined Vida in 2021 when Vida assumed the license for Kenneth Cole Women's Brands. Prior to joining Vida, Christina was Group President at Camuto Group, where she launched Lucky Brand Footwear in 2009. She is an agile leader, known for delivering key metrics and building brands through iconic footwear items. Previously, Christina has also held sales positions with the Nine West Group and Marc Fisher Footwear.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Jambu & Co.
With over 35 years' experience as executive in the retail and wholesale footwear industry, David joined Vida in 2005 to start up the outdoor + lifestyle division. The Jambu and Co brand has quickly become a cornerstone property in the Vida portfolio due to his strong background leading sales, marketing and product development initiatives. Externally, David's innovative leadership and entrepreneurial spirit has spearheaded Jambu and Co to be viewed as a leading outdoor fashion brand in the industry.
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Senior Executive Vice President
Gabe has built a career in footwear exclusively at Vida Shoes International, having been part of the Vida family business for over 35 years. Gabe is one of three family members forming the senior executive team at Vida working in tandem with Chairman Victor Dabah and President Solomon Dabah. As an "all in" roll up your sleeves entrepreneur he has excelled in being a team leader to help Vida achieve tremendous growth and strength across several categories in Footwear, namely children's and comfort brands, making them become part of Vida's core. Always a positive voice in the room his continued leadership along with his partners will surely continue to help Vida achieve more successes and future achievements.
Kim joined Vida in 2021 bringing over 30 years' experience in the Retail industry, covering adult apparel, athletic apparel, children's apparel, footwear, and accessories. Her passion for building brand vision always focused on the consumer has led to unapparelled success throughout her career.
Kim's expertise in product development, domestic and international sourcing, strategic planning, and marketing is the perfect fit for Vida as we continue our growth adding new brands and categories of product. Her collaborative style and passion for all business partners success is recognized across the retail industry.
Previously, Kim has held executive positions at Burt's Bees Baby, Carter's, Nike & Eddie Bauer.
Having had a ringside seat to the shoe industry, as a 3rd generation shoe manufacturer, shoes are in his DNA. A natural-born merchant that thrives on brand-building with his retail partners, giving Vida an entrepreneurial spirit and embracing a fast and ever-changing market. "If you don't evolve, you won't succeed". Solomon keeps true to the fundamental beliefs that have grown the company: honesty, integrity and a strong code of conduct.
In 1973, after successfully co-founding ES Originals, Victor Dabah ventured on his own to what is now Vida Shoes International. Building the company from a small trading business to today's branded footwear empire, Victor has always believed in a strong manufacturing network and leading with quality product. The confidence in development capabilities through strong and long-term partnerships allowed Victor to explore and create both licensed and proprietary collections; spanning all categories of footwear crossing fashion, function, gender and ages. As the industry has radically changed throughout Vida's history, very few things remain the same from when he first started. However, what is constant is Victor's encouragement of an entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility and growth-oriented risk taking in his team to evolve Vida into the future and continuously put the customer's needs first