Why NNormal Hires Trail Runners and Builds From Inside the Community

Sito Luis spent more than two decades at Camper before an idea born during the pandemic eventually brought him together with Kílian Jornet to launch NNormal. Now, as CEO, he’s helping build a trail running brand around authenticity, durability, and a genuine connection to the sport.

Sito joins the show to talk about how NNormal came to be, why Kilian’s role as a co-founder goes far beyond having a famous athlete attached to the brand, and what he’s learned about building a company from the ground up. He explains why NNormal hires people who actually run trails, how the brand approaches growth without chasing demand too quickly, and why run specialty stores have played such an important role in its expansion.

They also get into the growing crossover between technical outdoor products and fashion, the differences between trail running consumers in the U.S. and Europe, using AI for demand forecasting, and NNormal’s decision to prioritize shoes that last longer rather than simply using materials that sound more sustainable.

Sito also shares his thoughts on the rapid growth of trail running, why brands can’t fake belonging to the community, and how the sport can welcome more people without losing what makes it special.

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