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Joe Topinka, Chief Information Officer of Red Wing Shoe Company

February 11, 2013

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About the Guest

Joe Topinka

Chief Information Officer of Red Wing Shoe Company

Episode Overview

Among other topics, Joe discusses the following issues with Metis Strategy:

Joe’s role as the organization’s first ever CIO, and how he demonstrates the capabilities IT can bring to the table to the organization
The importance of field research in not only understanding the pain points of the organization, but also how IT can be appropriately leveraged in addressing them
How Joe conveys IT strategies in a unique, story-telling fashion that allows individuals in the business to fully grasp how IT can change the way they function
Red Wing’s ongoing eCommerce initiative, and the implications it has for the business
The importance of R&D, and how Joe seeks to learn from other companies and leverage ideas in a pragmatic and practical fashion at Red Wing
Eye on Trends: Cloud computing and the plethora of available cloud-based solutions, as well as Big Data and the implications it has for Red Wing’s evolving eCommerce initiative

Joe Topinka’s Biography

Joe is the CIO of Red Wing Shoe Company, a privately held U.S. based global manufacturer of performance footwear and garments. Joe is also the founder of CIO Mentor, LLC, a consultancy focused on helping companies leverage the power of technology to achieve profit-driven business results.

Prior to joining Red Wing Joe was Chief Information Officer of RSM McGladrey, the 5^th largest accounting firm in the U.S. Joe was responsible for the firm’s IT strategy and operations.

Joe also served as Chief Information Officer for BNY Clearing Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of New York.

Joe began his IT career at Metavante, Inc, a major financial services and software provider. As a Business Unit Manager, Joe was responsible for developing software solutions for commercial banks.

Joe has bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and completed the Management Development Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

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