Seattle is rich with legends and deeply rooted in a history characterized by unmatched creativity and cultural identity.

From Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix making waves in the music scene to Bruce Lee and the city’s famous Chinatown-International District, the Emerald City has cast a long shadow in pop culture and various genres for many years.

At the center of Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square lies Hometeam Seattle—a premium Italian restaurant, art gallery, and sneaker boutique that embodies the city’s creative spirit and cultural heritage.

“Hometeam is a collective of Seattle people all aiming to give back and represent the community,” explained Ben Kirschner, a former Nike executive and one of the founding members of Hometeam. “The primary motivation behind our venture was to create a sneaker store that originated from Seattle and serves the entire city.”

Joining forces with fellow Seattle natives Marcus Lalario and Dustin Winegardener, Kirschner sought to establish Hometeam with a strong focus on one key principle: the Seattle community.

“We aspired to create a store that was for the people and by the people.”

Before the inception of Hometeam, Kirschner’s impact in Seattle and sneaker culture was already notable.

While studying at the University of Washington, he interned at Nike, battling the prowess of the legendary Jesse Leyva, known for his role in some iconic projects including the “Ostrich” Stussy x Nike Dunk High, KAWS x Nike Air Force 1, and the Opium x Nike Air Max 180, among others.

Kirschner’s portfolio with Jumpman and Swoosh is equally notable.

His experience spans DJ Clark Kent’s “AF-1 Boroughs pack” collection, the fragment x Air Jordan 1 High, the Supreme x Air Jordan 5, the “Slam Dunk” Air Jordan 6, the Eminem x Air Jordan 4, the Travis Scott x PlayStation Dunk, and the Don C x Air Jordan 2, contributing to a wide array of culturally significant collaborations, special projects, and models, such as the Jordan Future and Nike Special Force Air Force 1.

After concentrating on product development, he transitioned to leading influencer marketing at Nike, collaborating with prominent athletes for off-court style initiatives.

After his tenure at Nike, Kirschner explored new avenues by establishing Benny’s, his own consulting agency which focuses on creative direction, design, and serves as his overall creative outlet.

Much of his design passion is channeled through Hometeam as it celebrates Seattle’s identity. The boutique’s name pays homage to local basketball star Jamal Crawford, whom Kirschner heralds as the “mayor of Seattle,” likening him to the city’s own version of Michael Jordan. He asserts that Crawford surpasses His Airness without hesitation.

“The concept of Hometeam originated from Jamal Crawford,” Kirschner stated. “If you grew up in Seattle and excelled in basketball, you were part of a group they called ‘Hometeam.’”

This group included notable figures such as Crawford, Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, and Isaiah Thomas, with members forging connections through basketball and a common tattoo—a crest that inspired Kirschner.

Moving from Nike’s dynamic projects back to his roots, Kirschner and his team are harnessing their network and the popularity of the award-winning Darkalino’s and Hometeam.

Just two months ahead of MLB’s All-Star Game in Seattle in 2023, Hometeam transformed from a concept into a reality, unveiling its doors with an exhibition showcasing Hall of Fame-worthy sneakers from baseball history.

Designed by Olson Kundig, who also crafted the Nike LeBron James building, Hometeam features real bleachers sourced from a local high school as a centerpiece of its design.

The vacant shelves became a narrative stage, portraying the history of baseball through sneakers and cleats, including Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie cleats and Derek Jeter’s World Series Air Jordans.

“The vision behind Hometeam is to elevate Seattle’s culture through athletics,” Kirschner explained.

Through collaborations, partnerships, and art exhibitions featuring Seattle icons such as Sue Bird, Jamal Crawford, and Isaiah Thomas, Hometeam also honors the rich cultural tapestry of Seattle, including entities like Filson CC, Nirvana’s photographer Charles Peterson, local artists like CHITO, and classic car gatherings organized by Wreckless Whips.

“[Hometeam] represents the revival and creation of Seattle’s cultural community, offering a space for people to express, ‘This is what genuine Seattle stands for.’”

Kirschner, whose experience spans various local boutiques like Rock, Paper Scissors, Goods, Capital 1524, and Trickwood, envisions Hometeam as the cultural epicenter reminiscent of his memories from sneaker campouts and product release events that shaped his career.

“Those sneaker campouts were an education in themselves; we absorbed a lot while waiting in those lines,” he reminisced. “Although campouts are now less common, we’re establishing an environment for everyone, especially kids, to socialize.”

“They can gain cooking skills, delve into sneaker culture, marketing, and design, while also connecting with the legends of the city. We are dedicated to teaching and providing learning opportunities,” Kirschner shared.

As a seasoned professional in the industry with a keen sense of the evolving culture, Kirschner and the Hometeam community understand the significance of the current sneaker market and the unique place the boutique holds within Seattle.

“Modern consumers, especially young people, desire more than mere transactions or products; they yearn for genuine experiences that resonate with them and their community,” he noted.

With partnerships involving brands such as Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Vans, Saucony, and PUMA, along with their custom apparel line, Hometeam forges ties with the local community that extend beyond mere retail. The boutique collaborates with figures like Isaiah Thomas and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to endorse youth teams, marking Hometeam’s authenticity.

In its short lifespan of just over a year, the journey of Hometeam is merely beginning. For Kirschner, the shop embodies his aspirations of a true representation of Seattle.

“While I may not have played in the NBA, my journey from Seattle to the industry has kept my pride alive; I proudly represent the Hometeam,” Kirschner expressed.

“Seattle to the world.”