DE RE PODCAST

Thomas Bruinsma

Podcast

Episode #78

Summary

In episode 78 of the RE Podcast, we speak with Thomas Bruinsma, co-founder of sneaker brand Qurc. The brand creates shoes from alternative materials such as cork, grape leather, and cactus leather. For Thomas, sustainability is not the end goal but the starting point. The real focus lies in branding, positioning, and building a product people genuinely want to wear. Thomas shares how Qurc challenges the outdated image of eco-fashion, how a collaboration with football legend Patrick Kluivert came about, and what it takes for a young brand to stay relevant in a culture driven by speed, style, and visibility. It’s a conversation about strategy, intuition, and the courage to build a brand on your own terms.

“Don’t wait for the perfect product, start at 80% and improve along the way.” - Thomas Bruinsma, Qurc @ReTheAgency

Summary

In episode 78 of the RE Podcast, we speak with Thomas Bruinsma, co-founder of sneaker brand Qurc. The brand creates shoes from alternative materials such as cork, grape leather, and cactus leather. For Thomas, sustainability is not the end goal but the starting point. The real focus lies in branding, positioning, and building a product people genuinely want to wear. Thomas shares how Qurc challenges the outdated image of eco-fashion, how a collaboration with football legend Patrick Kluivert came about, and what it takes for a young brand to stay relevant in a culture driven by speed, style, and visibility. It’s a conversation about strategy, intuition, and the courage to build a brand on your own terms.

About

Thomas Bruinsma is a Dutch entrepreneur and co-founder of sneaker brand Qurc, a footwear label built around innovative materials such as cork, grape leather, and cactus leather. Rather than positioning sustainability as a niche feature, Bruinsma focuses on creating sneakers that people genuinely want to wear combining strong branding, contemporary design, and responsible materials.

With Qurc, he aims to challenge the outdated image of eco-fashion by proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Through strategic collaborations and a clear brand vision, Bruinsma works to position Qurc as a modern sneaker brand for a new generation of conscious consumers.

About

Thomas Bruinsma is a Dutch entrepreneur and co-founder of sneaker brand Qurc, a footwear label built around innovative materials such as cork, grape leather, and cactus leather. Rather than positioning sustainability as a niche feature, Bruinsma focuses on creating sneakers that people genuinely want to wear combining strong branding, contemporary design, and responsible materials.

With Qurc, he aims to challenge the outdated image of eco-fashion by proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Through strategic collaborations and a clear brand vision, Bruinsma works to position Qurc as a modern sneaker brand for a new generation of conscious consumers.

Summary

In episode 78 of the RE Podcast, we speak with Thomas Bruinsma, co-founder of sneaker brand Qurc. The brand creates shoes from alternative materials such as cork, grape leather, and cactus leather. For Thomas, sustainability is not the end goal but the starting point. The real focus lies in branding, positioning, and building a product people genuinely want to wear. Thomas shares how Qurc challenges the outdated image of eco-fashion, how a collaboration with football legend Patrick Kluivert came about, and what it takes for a young brand to stay relevant in a culture driven by speed, style, and visibility. It’s a conversation about strategy, intuition, and the courage to build a brand on your own terms.