The New Life Team Profiles

Tom Adams has a successful history in launching companies, particularly shoes companies. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the 1975 launch of Kaepa, Inc., a San Antonio shoe company which patented a shoe with two laces in each shoe. Over a ten year period, he grew the company from a small start-up to a multi-million dollar enterprise. He has extensive experience in real estate sales management and has counseled numerous footwear and product development start-up companies. Adams has served on the boards of the San Antonio Credit Union, The San Antonio Literacy Council and is a charter member of the women’s athletic committees for both the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at San Antonio. He holds two Bachelor’s degrees from Maryknoll College and Master’s degrees from New York University and the University of Texas.

Mark Connors has held senior leadership positions with Reebok International, Avia International, and developed national programs for national chain drug stores and for Foot Locker, among others. He was president and COO of Spenco Medical Corporation and VP of Global Business Development for RBX Industries. He started his career with the Proctor & Gamble Company. Connors holds a BA degree from Davidson College in North Carolina.

Joe Kirk has more than 40 years in the footwear industry, including sales, marketing, account management and design & development areas. He has held leadership positions with multinational footwear companies including Nike, Lotto and Reebok. He has expertise in materials management and factory processes.

Board of Advisors:

Beth Allen is an obstetric nurse and lactation specialist in Atlanta, Georgia who focuses on maternity education programs and women’s healthcare initiatives. An expert in her field, she has spent more than 25 years assisting pregnant women and new mothers with health and wellness issues. Her experience includes prenatal care, genetic screening, prenatal testing and education, as well as obstetrics experience in the hospital environment. She has managed obstetrics departments in one of the largest birthing hospitals in the U.S.

Dr. Blank has been a practicing OBGYN in Atlanta, GA for more than 25 years. His research on foot comfort and pregnancy was the genesis of New Life Shoes.

Dr. Czelusta has been practicing sports and family podiatry in San Antonio for 30 years and is widely recognized as a leading voice in sports podiatry and care of sports injuries.