Meet the Family 
About Leif J. Ostberg
Our History
30 Years Of Experience Designing, Developing And Sourcing Footwear.
We know our clients want to feel special, so with us, they are a priority, a focus,and they get the personal attention they deserve. Our clients appreciate we are a family business, an international family business, but with one significant distinction – this family is run with the efficiency of a finely tuned global corporation.
“We maintain the edge, but the thing about the edge, it’s always evolving.”
Leif J. Ostberg was established in 1983. Family owned, internationally driven, the company gained an immediate reputation for expertly crafted cleated footwear and athletic footwear.
“You are only as good as you are able to execute overseas, and we are very good.”
LJO acquired the Rawlings license in the early 90’s and quickly expanded into sporting goods chains throughout the country. Rawlings continues to be a major cleated and athletic footwear brand today.
“We never run away from anything. We never turn our back on a commitment. Ever.”
In 2005, 40+ year footwear veteran Jim Kimberlin bought the LJO company. In a short 10 years, the company has established dynamic relationships with iconic licensees, manufacturers, and retailers across the US and the world.
“Always be up for the challenge, a new technology and always be better than last season.”
The 2000s was a decade of expansion for LJO. In 2010 the company acquired the cleated footwear license for Italian manufacturer, Lotto. In 2012, Lotto athletic footwear quickly expanded into sporting goods chains. Other highlights included major brand partnerships, SSE patent pending compound (2014), and clear fit technology design and utility patents in 2010.
“In partnerships-- trust goes a long way.”
The future is exciting for LJO. Unlimited potential. Overseas power. Impassioned designers. Loyal partners. A commitment to do whatever it takes to serve our customer.
The Executive Team
Meet the Family
Jim Kimberlin CEO/Owner
Jim Kimberlin is the CEO/Owner of LJO. He is a footwear veteran for over 40 years. Jim became the owner of LJO in 2005. Prior to LJO he was a buyer at Meldisco for 10 years.
Brian Kimberlin President/Owner
Brian Kimberlin is the President/Owner of LJO. He has a BA of Economics and is a Two-time Fencing All American. Brian is a loyal NY Giants and NY Mets fan.
Brian Thompson Chief Financial Officer
Brian Thompson is CFO at LJO. He joined the company in 2013 after previously owning an accounting and computer consulting business from 1993 to 2013. Brian is married with three children and enjoys coaching youth sports.