Margot Fraser

Margot is the founder of Birkenstock Footprint Sandals, Inc., the original U.S.
distributor of Birkenstock footwear, and serves as chairman of the board of directors for the company.
In 1966, at a health spa in Bavaria during her annual visit to Europe, a fitness trainer suggested Margot try a new German sandal to soothe her chronic foot pain.
Inspired by the comfort of Birkenstock's contoured cork footbeds, Margot began purchasing small quantities of the footwear from the German manufacturer and selling them from her home.
Margot began her business without the benefit of formal business training or much in the way of financial resources.
What she did possess was a wholehearted belief in the product, a strong work ethic and a vision of a market for healthy footwear.
That vision has become a reality.
Margot's focus has always been on achieving sustainable growth that will ensure the longevity of the company.
Margot's simple yet innovative approach to business has brought Birkenstock Footprint Sandals, Inc. from a small home-based business to the multi-million dollar company it is today.
But, in her usual modest way, she credits Birkenstock employees for the success of the company.
Margot's vision of the future of Birkenstock is for it to remain a people-oriented company that values the participation and contribution of each employee.
She has retired from the day-to-day operations of the company and has sold the organization to its employees, creating a very rare 100% employee-owned company