Chris Kaufman

Christopher Kaufman is an American entrepreneur and author, best known as a co‑founder of the online resale marketplace StockX. He has been featured in industry interviews and podcasts discussing startup strategy, design, and e‑commerce innovation.

Early life and education

Kaufman attended Eastern Michigan University, where he studied graphic design. He later returned to campus as a featured speaker and alumnus entrepreneur at university events.

Career

StockX

In 2015, Kaufman co‑founded StockX with Josh Luber, Greg Schwartz, and Dan Gilbert. The platform launched in 2016 as an online resale marketplace for sneakers, later expanding into streetwear, electronics, and collectibles using a stock market‑inspired pricing model.

Kaufman contributed to brand development and product strategy. In 2023, amidst broader shifts in sneaker resale trends, the company named a new CEO.

Podcast appearances and interviews

Kaufman has appeared on several podcasts and interviews discussing his entrepreneurial journey and insights into StockX’s growth. In February 2023, he featured on The Startup Pioneers Podcast, where he discussed how StockX revolutionized the sneaker market and the importance of design and founder attributes in scaling the business.

In August 2024, he appeared on THE FLIP SIDE with Andy Mai, sharing how StockX grew into a multi‑billion‑dollar company and the strategic decisions behind scaling the platform.

He has also been featured in additional recorded interviews that explore leadership, team building, and culture in startup environments.

Awards and recognition

Kaufman has been recognized by his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, for his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to business innovation. He received an alumni entrepreneur award from the university, which highlighted his role as a co-founder of StockX and his impact in the technology and e-commerce sector.

Other work

Kaufman has participated in entrepreneurial forums and university programs, contributing to discussions on creativity, business growth, and innovation.

Authorship

In 2025, Kaufman published Empathy at Work: Building Better Businesses Through People-First Leadership with Forbes Books.

Kaufman has written on leadership and organizational culture. He contributed an article to Forbes Books Authors titled “The Business Case for Empathy at Work: What the Research Says,” in which he discussed academic and organizational research on empathy, emotional intelligence, and their relationship to workplace performance and leadership effectiveness.

External links

• StockX official website