Steppin' Out
Recap of “Boots on the Ground” Fireside Chat at the Texas Venture Gala & Forum
by Annie Vann, May 31,2025
Steppin' Out
Recap of “Boots on the Ground” Fireside Chat at the Texas Venture Gala & Forum
by Annie Vann, May 31,2025
On May 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM, the second annual Texas Venture Gala & Forum brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from across the state. Alvies Boots and 2 the Moon Ventures were proud to be front and center.In a packed second-floor conference room at the W Austin Downtown, attendees gathered for “Texas CPG Story: Boots on the Ground”, a 15-minute fireside chat exploring the powerful intersection of heritage, innovation, and consumer storytelling in the Western wear market.The conversation featured Alvie Faulkenbery, Founder & President of Alvies Boots, alongside George Baker, Sr., Managing Director of 2 the Moon Ventures & Operating Partner of Rujo Boots.Telling a Texas Story Through BootsThe session unpacked the founding story of Alvies Boots, which started with backyard boot parties and has since grown into a beloved lifestyle brand known for its comfortable, stylish boots and laid-back, customer-first ethos.George Baker, Sr. shared insight into Rujo Boots, a Dallas-based company crafting premium exotic leather boots while staying true to honest pricing and legacy craftsmanship. Together, the two brands now span a dynamic range of Western wear, from everyday go-anywhere boots to handcrafted luxury styles.The fireside chat also delved into 2 the Moon Ventures’ recent acquisition of Alvies, and the strategic reasoning behind investing in not one, but two iconic Texas boot brands.More Than Boots: A Vision for Consumer Brands with SoulIn a state known for bold steps and big ideas, this conversation offered attendees a real-time look into how Texas-grown consumer brands are making waves nationally, without losing their roots.Topics included:
- Alvies’ journey from startup to fast-growing lifestyle brand
- Rujo Boots’ growth in the premium D2C space
- The importance of brand voice, community, and cultural storytelling
- The future of both brands, including category expansion and broader lifestyle offerings
- How 2 the Moon Ventures supports founders while preserving authenticity
- Legislator of the Year: Ted Cruz, US Senator
- Investor of the Year: Clayton Christopher, Sweet Leaf Tea, Deep Eddy Vodka, Waterloo
- Innovator of the Year: Tyson Tuttle, Silicon Labs
On May 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM, the second annual Texas Venture Gala & Forum brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from across the state. Alvies Boots and 2 the Moon Ventures were proud to be front and center.In a packed second-floor conference room at the W Austin Downtown, attendees gathered for “Texas CPG Story: Boots on the Ground”, a 15-minute fireside chat exploring the powerful intersection of heritage, innovation, and consumer storytelling in the Western wear market.The conversation featured Alvie Faulkenbery, Founder & President of Alvies Boots, alongside George Baker, Sr., Managing Director of 2 the Moon Ventures & Operating Partner of Rujo Boots.Telling a Texas Story Through BootsThe session unpacked the founding story of Alvies Boots, which started with backyard boot parties and has since grown into a beloved lifestyle brand known for its comfortable, stylish boots and laid-back, customer-first ethos.George Baker, Sr. shared insight into Rujo Boots, a Dallas-based company crafting premium exotic leather boots while staying true to honest pricing and legacy craftsmanship. Together, the two brands now span a dynamic range of Western wear, from everyday go-anywhere boots to handcrafted luxury styles.The fireside chat also delved into 2 the Moon Ventures’ recent acquisition of Alvies, and the strategic reasoning behind investing in not one, but two iconic Texas boot brands.More Than Boots: A Vision for Consumer Brands with SoulIn a state known for bold steps and big ideas, this conversation offered attendees a real-time look into how Texas-grown consumer brands are making waves nationally, without losing their roots.Topics included:
- Alvies’ journey from startup to fast-growing lifestyle brand
- Rujo Boots’ growth in the premium D2C space
- The importance of brand voice, community, and cultural storytelling
- The future of both brands, including category expansion and broader lifestyle offerings
- How 2 the Moon Ventures supports founders while preserving authenticity
- Legislator of the Year: Ted Cruz, US Senator
- Investor of the Year: Clayton Christopher, Sweet Leaf Tea, Deep Eddy Vodka, Waterloo
- Innovator of the Year: Tyson Tuttle, Silicon Labs
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