Midwest Shoe Merchants Transitions Leadership to Third Generation

Family-owned footwear retailer promotes David Sajdak to CEO as part of long-term succession plan.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a pair of premium leather dress shoes, a leather briefcase, and a set of keys arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the abstract ideas of family business leadership and succession planning.The transition of leadership at Midwest Shoe Merchants symbolizes the careful planning and premium quality that has sustained this family-owned retail business for generations.Today in Milwaukee

Brookfield-based footwear retailer Midwest Shoe Merchants, formerly known as Stan's Fit For Your Feet, has announced a transition in leadership to the third generation of the Sajdak family. David Sajdak, son of majority owner Jim Sajdak, has been promoted to CEO, while Jim will continue to serve as board chair. David's siblings, Megan and Andy, have also been promoted to chief strategy/marketing officer and chief operating officer, respectively.

Why it matters

The transition of Midwest Shoe Merchants to the third generation of the Sajdak family highlights the challenges and opportunities facing family-owned businesses as they navigate succession planning. The company's rebranding and expansion efforts over the past several years also demonstrate its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences in the retail industry.

The details

As part of the planned succession, Jim Sajdak will continue to serve as board chair, while his wife, Susan Sajdak, will remain as vice chair. The company has also expanded its board of directors to include both family members and external advisors to bring additional expertise and perspective. Midwest Shoe Merchants has undergone several rebranding and expansion efforts in recent years, including the opening of a Vionic store in Brookfield in 2019, the renaming of its New Balance stores to Goodmiles Running Company in 2022, and the opening of a new location in Niles, Illinois in 2022.

  • In 2019, Midwest Shoe Merchants opened a Vionic store in Brookfield.
  • In 2022, the company renamed its New Balance stores to Goodmiles Running Company.
  • Also in 2022, Midwest Shoe Merchants opened a new location in Niles, Illinois.

The players

David Sajdak

The new CEO of Midwest Shoe Merchants and a third-generation member of the Sajdak family that owns the business.

Jim Sajdak

The majority owner of Midwest Shoe Merchants and David's father, who will continue to serve as board chair.

Megan Sajdak

David's sister, who has been promoted to chief strategy and marketing officer.

Andy Sajdak

David's brother, who has been promoted to chief operating officer.

Susan Sajdak

Jim Sajdak's wife, who will remain as vice chair of the company's board.

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What’s next

The company's board of directors, which now includes both family members and external advisors, will continue to guide Midwest Shoe Merchants' strategic direction and growth plans under the new leadership team.

The takeaway

Midwest Shoe Merchants' successful transition to the third generation of the Sajdak family demonstrates the importance of long-term succession planning and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The company's rebranding and expansion efforts have positioned it for continued growth and success in the competitive retail footwear industry.