From Foot Locker to Fashion Empire
Going from a minimum wage job to running a luxury sneaker brand with multiple locations isn’t something you hear about every day. But that’s exactly what Ryan Gazinski did with Guest List. His journey is a masterclass in hustle, patience, and building real relationships.
Ryan’s story starts in Connecticut, but he grew up in Arizona, where he went to Dobson High School. At just 16, he was determined to work at Foot Locker. He didn’t just apply once and wait—he showed up to the store every week for two months until they finally gave him an interview. That persistence paid off. He worked there for six years, eventually becoming a store manager and earning top sales awards.
What makes Ryan stand out is how he never saw any job as too small. He scrubbed floors, did whatever was needed, and soaked up everything he could about retail. That hands-on experience taught him how to run a business—how to connect with customers, manage operations, and lead a team. At just 21, he used $20,000 of his own savings (plus another $20,000 from a mentor) to open his first store, Swag, in Fiesta Mall.
Breaking into the sneaker game wasn’t easy. Big brands like Nike wouldn’t open accounts with newcomers. While other stores had those relationships, Ryan took another route—he focused on consignment and brought in streetwear brands that other shops didn’t carry. He went to trade shows like Magic and Agenda to meet up-and-coming designers from all over the country. That helped Guest List build a unique vibe that set it apart.
Fast forward to today, and Guest List has stores at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arizona Mills Mall, and a new spot in San Francisco called Levels, a partnership with Ronnie 2K (from NBA 2K). Levels is more than just a store—it’s a three-level experience with retail, an event space, and even a speakeasy. It connects what people wear in video games with what they can wear in real life.
Ryan didn’t stop at retail. He’s also in manufacturing and media. Guest List Print makes merch for big names like the Phoenix Suns and 50 Cent’s G-Unit. He recently bought a 6,000-square-foot building to grow that side of the business. And with One Take Studios, he created a space with 25 film sets for content creators—showing he understands how fashion, retail, and media are all connected now.
What really sets Ryan apart, though, is how he builds relationships. Whether it’s athletes, musicians, or local customers, he focuses on keeping his word and doing business the right way. He believes your reputation is everything and never chases fast money over long-term trust.
His advice to future entrepreneurs? It’s simple: there’s no secret shortcut. It’s about showing up, working hard, and playing the long game. In a world full of quick wins and viral moments, Ryan’s story is proof that real success comes from consistency, grit, and staying true to your vision.
