Jason Smith - Founder & Executive Director
Lou Kaucic - Treasurer
Jason Smith brings over 25 years of experience working with at-risk populations, including individuals navigating prison re-entry, homeless youth, homeless veterans, and others facing housing insecurity. Jason has led programs to include street outreach, rapid re-housing, transitional living, eviction prevention and low-income tax relief. Currently serving as the Director of Housing in Chatham County, North Carolina, Jason is a committed advocate for dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.
Jason holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. His career has been guided by a simple philosophy: meet people where they are, see their potential, and walk alongside them toward a better future.
Jason’s journey to founding Soleful Kicks is deeply personal. As a middle schooler, he was bullied for wearing shoes with loud, hard plastic soles—an experience that stayed with him. Branded with the nickname “Plastic Soles,” he learned early on how something as basic as a pair of sneakers could affect a child’s confidence and ability to belong. This experience planted a seed that would one day grow into a mission.
Soleful Kicks is the realization of that mission. Through partnerships with schools, mentors, and community leaders, Jason ensures that the sneakers distributed through Soleful Kicks come with more than just style—they come with encouragement, support, and a sense of pride earned through positive behavior and goal-setting.
Outside of work, Jason is a sports fanatic and avid runner. He truly knows the value of a great pair of sneakers. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and two children.
Lou Kaucic is founder and CEO of CCI, Coaches Collective International, a 501c3 organization, providing progressive organizations with high impact executive,
professional, and life coaching services. Founded in 2007, CCI’s mission is “Life Changing Coaching. World Changing Impact”. The 6 coaches of CCI currently offer
their services in over 18 for-profit and non-profit companies around the country.
Prior to his retirement at 55 from Applebee’s and corporate America, Kaucic served for eight years as executive vice president and chief people officer (CPO) of Applebee’s International, Inc., the world’s largest casual dining concept, based in Overland Park, Kansas. In this role, Kaucic was responsible for all people and human resource initiatives that touched over 100,000 employees systemwide. He particularly enjoyed and excelled in providing thought leadership to his peers on the Senior Executive team as well as leaders and associates throughout the system. During his tenure as CPO, Applebee’s became the recognized industry leader in employee retention, culture management and innovative people practices. He was named HR Executive of the Year Honoree in 2005 and recipient of the People Report’s Workplace Legacy Award in 2006, as well as helping Applebee’s receive industry recognition and awards over the years for its progressive HR practices and superior people results. Prior to Applebee’s, Kaucic worked in HR executive leadership roles at Daka International, a New England
based foodservice company; Pepsico-Pizza Hut Division, Kellogg’s Mrs Smith’s Division, and GTE.
Kaucic is currently on the boards of Canterbury Shaker Village, a national historical site; and Coaches Collective Ont’l. He’s a former board member of Flynn Restaurant Group, the largest restaurant franchisee organization in the country, and Black Box Intelligence based in Dallas. He is past president of the board of directors of the De LaSalle Education Center in Kansas City and former executive director and board member for the Women’s Foodservice Forum.
He completed his Coaching Certification Program at the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara in November 2003 with additional courses and programs at the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and the Enneagram Institute. His current executive coaching client list includes executive men & women from diverse disciplines across multiple industries intent on personal & professional growth.
Kaucic earned his bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio and has extensive post-grad training including the Gestalt Institute, Outward Bound, DDI’s Interaction Management, CTI’s Leadership Course, the Enneagram Institute and the Hoffman Institute . He and his spouse, Billy Merritt, live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Katie Childs - Secretary
Cassie Smith - Youth Advisor and Creative Contributor
Coming Soon!
Cassie Smith plays a vital role in the heart and spirit of Soleful Kicks. As a 15-year-old with a deep sense of empathy and creativity, Cassie brings a youth’s perspective to the mission—ensuring that the organization resonates with the very kids it seeks to uplift.
Cassie helped shape the foundation of Soleful Kicks, contributing to its name, designing the logo, and selecting the brand’s vibrant color scheme. Her input has been invaluable in making the program relatable and inspiring to children and teens alike.
More than just a creative mind, Cassie is passionate about giving back. She believes that no child should be made to feel “less than” because of the shoes they wear—and she is committed to helping Soleful Kicks empower students with pride, purpose, and positivity.
Cassie’s thoughtful leadership, compassion, and fresh perspective serve as a reminder that young people aren’t just the future—they are an essential part of the movement today.