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Seattle is filled with legends, cemented in history from unparalleled creativity to shaping the city’s cultural identity.
From Kurt Cobain to Jimi Hendrix dominating the music industry to Bruce Lee and Seattle’s renowned Chinatown-International District, the Emerald City has been a gem, a beacon in pop culture and multiple genres for decades.
Located in the heart of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square is Hometeam Seattle — a high-end Italian restaurant, art gallery, and sneaker boutique that stands as a testament to the city and enduring legacy of creativity and culture.
“Hometeam is a collective of Seattle people all trying to give back and put on for the community,” said Ben Kirschner, a former Nike veteran and a member of Hometeam’s founding trinity. “The main reason we started was that there are sneaker stores in Seattle, but none of them are from here and cater to the city as a whole.”
Kirschner, who joined forces with other Seattle natives Marcus Lalario and Dustin Winegardener, wanted Hometeam’s foundation rooted in one principle: the Seattle community.
“We wanted to make a store for the people and of the people.”
Before launching Hometeam, Kirschner’s footprint in Seattle and sneaker culture was significant.
As a student at the University of Washington, he interned at Nike, Inc. with the legendary Jesse Leyva. The same Jesse Leyva behind some of the most iconic special projects and energy initiatives, including the “Ostrich” Stussy x Nike Dunk High, KAWS x Nike Air Force 1, the Opium x Nike Air Max 180, and so much more.
Kirschner’s Jumpman and Swoosh portfolio is equally impressive.
From DJ Clark Kent’s “AF-1 Boroughs pack” collection to the fragment x Air Jordan 1 High to the Supreme x Air Jordan 5 and Nike Supreme Air More Uptempo, the “Slam Dunk” Air Jordan 6, the Eminem x Air Jordan 4, Travis Scott x PlayStation Dunk, the Don C x Air Jordan 2 and the list goes on. Kirschner has been a part of numerous culturally game-changing collabs, special projects, and inline models, such as the Jordan Future and Nike Special Force Air Force 1.
After focusing on product, he led influencer marketing at Nike, working with high-profile athletes from an off-court style perspective.
Following his run at Nike, Kirschner expanded his ventures, focusing on Benny’s, his own consulting agency that focuses on creative direction, design, and is his overall personal creative outlet.
Much of his passion for design can be found celebrating Seattle through Hometeam. The boutique’s name was inspired by Seattle legend Jamal Crawford, whom Kirschner reveres as the “mayor of Seattle” and likens to the city’s version of Michael Jordan. Without hesitation, he claims J Crossover is superior to His Airness.
“The idea of Hometeam is because of Jamal Crawford,” Kirschner stated. “If you came up in Seattle and you’re a good basketball player, he has this clique they label ‘Hometeam.’”
Starting with Crawford, Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson then Isaiah Thomas, and others, “Hometeam” members reportedly bonded through basketball and a shared tattoo — a crest that served as inspiration for Kirschner.
Transitioning from Nike’s high-energy projects to reinvesting in his roots, Kirschner and his team are leveraging their connections and the appeal of the award-winning Darkalino’s and Hometeam.
Just two months before MLB’s All-Star Game hit Seattle in 2023, Hometeam transformed from an idea into a reality, opening its doors with an installation showcasing Hall of Fame-level sneakers throughout baseball history.
Hometeam’s design, crafted by Olson Kundig, architect of Nike’s LeBron James building, is centered on real bleachers from a local high school.
The empty shelves became a stage that told the story of baseball through sneakers and cleats, from Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie cleats to Derek Jeter’s World Series Air Jordans.
“The goal of Hometeam is to amplify the culture of Seattle through sport,” Kirschner added.
With collaborations, partnerships, and art shows with Seattle legends like Sue Bird, Jamal Crawford, and Isaiah Thomas, Hometeam also celebrates broader Seattle culture, including Filson CC, Nirvana photographer Charles Peterson, local artists like CHITO and old school car meets led by Wreckless Whips.
“[Hometeam] is about building back and creating the cultural community of Seattle and give people a place to say, ‘[t]his is what real Seattle is about.’”
Kirschner, who previously worked at Rock, Paper Scissors, Goods, Capital 1524, Trickwood, and other Seattle boutiques, aims for Hometeam to be the cultural hub he remembers from sneaker campouts and release days, which inspired his career.
“Sneaker campouts were another school; we were learning in those lines,” he reflected. “Although campouts aren’t as much a thing anymore, we’re creating a space for kids and everyone to hang out.”
“They can learn how to cook, learn about sneakers, marketing, and design along with interacting with the OGs of the town. We’re here to teach and give you opportunities to learn,” Kirschner added.
As a journeyman in the industry and a savant with a pulse on the culture, Kirschner and the rest of Hometeam know the importance of the modern sneaker landscape and the role that the boutique and Seattle have at the plate.
“Kids and consumers don’t want things or shoes just to buy them, they want experiences that are authentic to them and their community,” he said.
With accounts like Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Vans, Saucony, PUMA, and their cut-and-sew apparel line, Hometeam connects with the community beyond retail. The boutique partners with Isaiah Thomas and two-time Cy Young-winner Blake Snell to support youth teams with Hometeam’s stamp of authenticity.
A little over a year old, Hometeam’s journey and legacy are just getting started. But for Kirschner, the store and its essence have lived up to the expectations of representing Seattle to the fullest.
“I may not have played in the NBA but leaving Seattle and then going and doing what I’ve done in the industry, I still have the pride for where I’m from; I’m part of the Hometeam,” Kirschner said.
“Seattle to the world.”
Stay tuned to Nice Kicks on Instagram for the latest news and sneaker release dates.
