BILLY Footwear began as a simple gift from a friend to another friend in need. Now, they have sold over a million pairs of shoes and are continuously growing, adding value to people's lives.

Weeks into his Freshman year at the University of Washington, Billy suffered a spinal cord injury in a fall from a three-story building and became paralyzed from the chest down. His athletic life came to a halt as he dealt with his paralysis.

Billy's mind initially went to a dark place after discovering his condition. Toxic language floated in his mind as he grappled with lifelong paralysis. During these moments, Billy's family and friends supported him. They believed in him before he believed in himself. They helped him escape toxic thoughts. They stayed by Billy's side as he relearned basic skills such as brushing his teeth.

However, he always needed help putting on his sneakers, but using his creative mind and unyielding spirit, he never gave up. He continued on, facing life's challenges with tenacity and determination steadfastly refusing to succumb to adversity.

Mingling at a Christmas party in 2011 a simple gift from a friend was a concept pitched that would help him conquer one of the only routine tasks he hadn't resumed since becoming quadriplegic putting on stylish shoes.

Billy Price, co-founder of BILLY Footwear, speaks on tragedy, overcoming, and adding value to the footwear space with universally wearable zippered shoe for children and adults and customers looking for an easy-on / easy-off pair of shoes.

Billy will talk about the successes and struggles in building a company and staying true to its values no matter how much time passes and how big their company grows. Surrounding himself with the right people gave him hope. Once he decided to change and believe in himself, he took action. Billy knew he had value to provide and more things to do in his life.

Billy will reflect on overcoming adversity, navigating tragedy, and making a significant impact on the footwear industry. His primary focus lies in offering accessible and convenient solutions for customers in search of easy-on/easy-off footwear.

Billy shares the unique marketing strategy, getting into wholesaling and retail channels, and the inspiration behind their shoe styles. Billy Footwear looks to continue their mission -- "Make a measurable difference in the world with one foot at a time."

Today, Price is a co-founder of BILLY Footwear. Headquartered in Kent, the company offers high-tops, low-tops and cozy boots with adaptive zippers in more than a hundred unique styles to customers around the world. Their shoes, sold in stores including Nordstrom, Zappos, Kohl's, DSW, and Target, plus on their website billyfootwear.com run from toddler sizes all the way to adult women's and men's sizes.

A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Billy Price is not only a resilient entrepreneur but also a devoted family man. Happily married with one son and a daughter, he resides in Normandy Park.