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21 comments


There are lots of rumors flying around about the p-1603. So I just want to post my version of what really happened. Now that the photo shoot is over, I'm trying to think back on how I was conned by the photographer into posing in them.

The photo shoot started out innocently enough. The photographer chose one of the conference rooms at Zappos headquarters and told me to just relax and be comfortable, and he took normal shots of myself and Brent sitting or standing casually in our normal clothes and shoes. We did various shots in the conference room for about half an hour, and a couple of them were pretty fun poses. There were a few shots of Brent wearing a Viking hat and me wearing a Burger King-like crown.

When it looked like the whole photo shoot was over, the photographer said "Oh, and just one more thing... I want to do a quick shot outside if you don't mind." Sounded innocent enough, so I agreed.

And then he said, "But outside, I'd like you to wear different shoes, do you mind wearing something more colorful or bright?"

And I said, "I don't think I have colorful or bright shoes that fit me here at the office."

And then he said, "That's okay, anything is fine... you could just have something like these high heels near you."

I'm not quite sure what happened after that. I think I blacked out. There's a 15-minute period of my life that just disappeared. The next thing I knew, I was sitting on a bench with Brent gingerly removing the thigh high boots off of my legs and the photographer telling me that those were great shots and I looked really good.

And next thing I know, my photo was uploaded by a passing employee on our company blog.

So that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Tags: zappos, high, boots, ceo, thigh

Comments

John H. 26 Apr 08 at 06:54AM

I dunno Tony, you looked like you were pretty into it, strutting about and all. And how about those pictures from the Holiday Party?

Tony H. (CEO) 27 Apr 08 at 04:58AM in response to: John H.

Holiday party? What pictures?

Also, I'd just like to announce that effective immediately, John H is no longer working at Zappos.

So there are no pictures from the holiday party.

John H. 28 Apr 08 at 05:25AM

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE! (and soylent green is people!)

ZC4833 29 Apr 08 at 05:17AM

I am a design student and I would like to include you guys in my paper. Any samples would be appreciated (preferably size 9). I can see you hittting that billion dollar mark. Your shoes are awesome! I will be telling all of my fellow classmates about you guys. I know they will want the hook up when they are designing and need those special shoes for their models.

ZC4887 29 Apr 08 at 12:25PM

LMAO!!! You guys are hilarious. It's great to see that you all aren't uptight and stiff about your business like a lot of other companies are. You've set a great example for many other businesses and deserve an award for being so outstanding. In the mean time, I just want to say THANK YOU and keep up the great work. Peace & Blessings!

ZC5219 01 May 08 at 10:18PM

You know what's great about acrylic heels?

They go with everything.

ZC6507 14 May 08 at 03:45AM

Tony...I just read an article that played a major role in in Adweek...I wanted to contact you some way to...just say THANKS!...I loved the article...the point that was illustrated was that you are doing things a little bit differently...I've never bought shoes from you before...actually never online...but I'll do it for next pair...I work for 2 radio stations here in Chicago...When you are here next...Please give me the opportunity...to connect with you...no strings attached...just admire the fact that you are trying to do things differently...I'm trying to do the same...Be well....my contact info...
J. Love
312.321.6271
jlove@q101.com

ZC7126 19 May 08 at 07:20PM

Sounds like you have a lot of fun at your photo shoots. We are hosting the Junior National Track Cycling Championships in LA this August (actually Carson but LA sounds better). If you are interested in coming out for some PR at the event or getting involved from a sponsr pint of view for all thes kids (age 10-18) anfd their families from all over the country, please e-amail me at howard@momentumcycling.com .

ZC7436 22 May 08 at 05:48AM

Tony,

I like your story about the boots. Quite interesting if I do say so myself.

I'm not sure, if this is the right place for me to make this post, but I want to speak with you regarding my experience interacting with the contact center and website. From my experience, I believe that there may be a very large opportunity for Zappos to further improve customer experience (WOW)and cusotmer satisfaction, while reducing operating expenditure.

I have talked with others within Zappos with little response, but believe that you would find great value in what RightNow Technologies offers and the retail customers that we work with.

If you are interested and open to suggestions, feel free to contact me. 406-522-2989 or paul.bosshart@rightnow.com

Thanks Tony and I apologize if this is not the correct place for me to make this post.

Regards,

Paul Bosshart
Business Development - Retail
RightNow Technologies

ZC7615 23 May 08 at 08:08PM

Tony,

In the last twenty years I have been honored and very fortunate to work around two of the more interesting and innovative people in retail - Nicholas Hayek Sr and Bernard Arnault.

I'm writing this because I believe you are very possibly more interesting than both of them. Keep innovating.

Best,
A fan

ZC7670 24 May 08 at 04:39PM

How do I find this picture?

It would make lovely office decor. =)

ZC7670 24 May 08 at 04:40PM

ok just realized it was a link. duh.

ZC10836 26 Jun 08 at 03:39AM

Dear Tony,
As a fellow online, and offline, retailer, I just wanted to say what an amazing job you have done with your company and brand. I love watching companies like yours grow and brands become household names. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and thank you for showing the world what a vision and goal can accomplish.

Brian

ZC11428 03 Jul 08 at 05:10AM

Tony,

Just wanted to say thanks for starting Zappos!! I always shop for shoes on a variety of sites and then come to Zappos to buy them. I LOOOOVE getting my shipment the next day (every other online retailer needs to step it up or get left in the dust) and I love being able to make easy returns (doesn't happen too often!) Consider me one of your most loyal customers and biggest fans! I wish I could work for your company, but in the meantime I am content to shop with you :)

Cheers,

Laurie C., San Diego

ZC11706 07 Jul 08 at 05:46PM

Greetings Tony!

I saw your bit on nightline tonight and it was AWESOME! I've only shopped your site via a dear friend who has all the time in the world to web-shop for us "working slaves". She will be so proud of me for "browsing" your Uber site just to say - "this dude is awesome". Actually, I work in customer service training and am interested if you are willing to share "a day in the life" -- just to help all mankind to get a glimpse of why the "new happiest place on earth-workplace: zappos"

thanks - MP

ZC11849 08 Jul 08 at 03:37PM

Tony,
I knew you were out there, and today, I am energized with the possibilities that discovering you and your company could unfold. I knew there had to be a company still out there...that was dedicated to treating customers and employees like gold. Unfortunately, companies like yours are hard to find.
Currently, I am employed by a company that doesn't make customer or employee service a priority.
Everyday, my spirit fades a bit more for being there.
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. What can I do from here...to help? What can I do to be of some service to you, Zappos.com...and your customers?
I have been in Sales and Marketing, and Sales Management for 20+ years. I would leave it tomorrow to work for you and Zappos.com.

Eliz M.
Charlotte, North Carolina

ZC12620 23 Jul 08 at 04:01AM

T.H.

I actually contribute to one of your blogs and was pleasantly surprised by the ABC News piece on Zappos. It made me feel happy to be affiliated with a company that treats its employees and customers so well. Good for you!

Stephanie M.

ZC13699 01 Aug 08 at 03:35AM

I knew you were out there, and today, I am energized with the possibilities that discovering you and your company could unfold. I knew there had to be a company still out there...that was dedicated to treating customers and employees like gold. Unfortunately, companies like yours are hard to find.
Currently, I am employed by a company that doesn't make customer or employee service a priority.
Everyday, my spirit fades a bit more for being there.
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. What can I do from here...to help? What can I do to be of some service to you, Zappos.com...and your customers?
I have been in Sales and Marketing, and Sales Management for 20+ years. I would leave it tomorrow to work for you and Zappos.com. http://www.bestplanetsneakers.com

ZC21659 10 Nov 08 at 07:11PM

I respect the business ethic of Zappos but on the other hand i feel amazed. A company that makes about 800 million Dollars last year sacked his employes.
Because of profit maximization. It makes no difference if you lost your job on a fair way or rough way, the result is the same. -no job anno income.

ZC21659 09 Dec 08 at 02:18AM

The Service at Zappos.com is very good no question at all but not the one and only. Companies as Lufthansa, KLM-Air France, Siemens, Philipps and a lot others have excellent communication skills. Of course employees could not survive omly by "excellent Communications" alone.
They need also vacation minimum 20 days p.a and healthcare and vacation bonus and a good wage as in Europe. The Point is you can have a "Hi-Live Party" engagement but that does not pays your Rent. Companies in Europe are much innovative as you may think.
That Zappos.com is now shipping to Europe is a step in the right direction. Unfortunaly you have to speak Enlish well to order and pay a lot of Duty and import tax fee.

ZC51523 16 Jul 09 at 03:57AM

You should post the pictures on this blog for all to see. http://community.elgg.org/pg/profile/johnmorgan

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