Chris Kaufman
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| Chris Kaufman | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | American |
| 🎓 Alma mater | Eastern Michigan University |
| 💼 Occupation | Entrepreneur, author |
| 📆 Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Co‑founder of StockX |
Christopher Kaufman is an American entrepreneur and author, best known as a co‑founder of the online resale marketplace StockX.[1] He has been featured in industry interviews and podcasts discussing startup strategy, design, and e‑commerce innovation.[2]
Early life and education
Kaufman attended Eastern Michigan University, where he studied graphic design. He later returned to campus as a featured speaker and alumnus entrepreneur at university events.[1] [3]
Career
StockX
In 2015, Kaufman co‑founded StockX with Josh Luber, Greg Schwartz, and Dan Gilbert.[4] The platform launched in 2016 as an online resale marketplace for sneakers, later expanding into streetwear, electronics, and collectibles using a stock market‑inspired pricing model.[5]
Kaufman contributed to brand development and product strategy. In 2023, amidst broader shifts in sneaker resale trends, the company named a new CEO.[6]
Podcast appearances and interviews
Kaufman has appeared on several podcasts and interviews discussing his entrepreneurial journey and insights into StockX’s growth. In February 2023, he featured on The Startup Pioneers Podcast, where he discussed how StockX revolutionized the sneaker market and the importance of design and founder attributes in scaling the business.[2]
In August 2024, he appeared on THE FLIP SIDE with Andy Mai, sharing how StockX grew into a multi‑billion‑dollar company and the strategic decisions behind scaling the platform.[7]
He has also been featured in additional recorded interviews that explore leadership, team building, and culture in startup environments.[8]
Awards and recognition
Kaufman has been recognized by his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, for his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to business innovation.[9][10] He received an alumni entrepreneur award from the university, which highlighted his role as a co‑founder of StockX and his impact in the technology and e‑commerce sector.[11]
Other work
Kaufman has participated in entrepreneurial forums and university programs, contributing to discussions on creativity, business growth, and innovation.[12][13]
Authorship
In 2025, Kaufman published Empathy at Work: Building Better Businesses Through People-First Leadership[14] with Forbes Books.[15]
Kaufman has written on leadership and organizational culture. He contributed an article to Forbes Books Authors titled “The Business Case for Empathy at Work: What the Research Says,” in which he discussed academic and organizational research on empathy, emotional intelligence, and their relationship to workplace performance and leadership effectiveness.[16]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "From sketching to sneakers: How EMU alumni Chris Kaufman co‑founded StockX". The Eastern Echo. December 2023.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Chris Kaufman: How StockX Revolutionized the Sneaker Market". The Startup Pioneers Podcast.
- ↑ "EMU announces former alumni entrepreneur as graduation speaker". The Eastern Echo. April 2024.
- ↑ Roberts, Adrienne. "StockX's CEO will step down at the end of the year, company's co-founder will be next CEO". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ "From sketching to sneakers: How EMU alumni Chris Kaufman co‑founded StockX". The Eastern Echo. December 2023.
- ↑ "StockX co‑founder named CEO as sneaker resale declines". Retail Dive.
- ↑ "TFS#194 – Chris Kaufman Co‑founder @StockX Shares How They Built a $3.8 Billion Company". THE FLIP SIDE with Andy Mai.
- ↑ "I Made That Episode 13 – Chris Kaufman, Co‑Founder StockX on Recruiting and Building a Team". YouTube.
- ↑ "Eastern Michigan University announces spring commencement speaker and honorary degree recipients". today.emich.edu. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ "Special Thanks to Our Sponsors". www.emich.edu. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ "Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Awards". Eastern Michigan University College of Business.
- ↑ "EMU Alumni Spotlight: Chris Kaufman". EMich Today.
- ↑ "Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Awards". Eastern Michigan University College of Business.
- ↑ Kaufman, Christopher (2025-10-14). Empathy at Work: Building Better Businesses Through People-First Leadership. Forbes Books. ISBN 979-8-88750-577-0. Search this book on
- ↑ "Former Startup Executive's New Book Explores How Empathy Is A Leader's Greatest Asset". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2025-10-16. Retrieved 2025-12-22. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Kaufman, Chris. "The Business Case For Empathy At Work: What The Research Says". Forbes.
External links
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