Mike Dodge, Hughes director of sales promotion, commented, "We are very pleased to have an exclusive agreement with a company like Nautilus. Safety shoes are a necessity for many of our customers, vendors, and employees, and Footwear Specialties International has developed this product from a commodity to a desired brand of fashionable, functional, and ergonomic footwear.

"Sales of these safety shoes at Hughes have taken off and we've established contracts with customers ranging from government entities to national accounts and our own vendors, as well as an ambulance company. They have been a great partner for us and we appreciate their loyalty to Hughes."

"We are delighted that Hughes Supply has partnered with us and launched their own Web site to sell our shoes," said Wayne Elsey, president and CEO of Nautilus Safety Footwear. "They have a strong commitment to their customers and their dedication to quality helps reinforce our ergonomic message."

Nautilus Safety Footwear is one of three brands owned and operated by Footwear Specialties International, manufacturer of ergonomic footwear. "The difference between ergonomic footwear and regular footwear is simple," said Elsey. "Ergonomics consider the whole muscular-skeletal system, not just where the toes end up in the shoe."

Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Hughes distributes over 300,000 products through approximately 460 wholesale outlets located in 34 states.

Publication date: 01/19/2004