Ron White

Pilon School of Business
Program: Retail Management
Year of Graduation: 1990
Year of Induction to Hall of Fame: 2007

CEO and Creative Director, RON WHITE

Ron started working in fashion retailing and learned everything he could about shoes. With his early career in orthotics, as well as in the fashion shoe world, Ron realized that the “comfort customer” wanted fashion as well as great fit. Out of this, the RON WHITE concept was born: fashion shoes that are comfortable. At 23, living in a basement apartment, using VISA cash advances and loans from family members, Ron opened his first store in Toronto, The Foot Shoppe. Today, he has five RON WHITE retail stores and an e-Boutique, and has launched his own RON WHITE Collection.

Ron has appeared widely in the media and has a growing celebrity clientele. In 2006, the Toronto Star listed him as one of 10 People to Watch. As a “go to” expert, he has appeared on Fashion Television, ET Canada, Breakfast Television, Canada AM, the Globe & Mail, and the National Post.

Ron also dedicates his time to the RON WHITE Foundation which raises funds for local and global human rights issues through the White Knight Gala which is held each year. The Foundation also runs two other annual events: a breast cancer fundraiser (in honour of Ron’s aunt who helped him get started in business), and Canada’s largest shoe drive for the homeless, which involves many national and international celebrities.

“Sheridan business ignited me, educated me and put me on my path with a great road map.” – Ron White