By Barret Baxter
In an industry often seen as buttoned-up, Danny Rubin, a Schwab creative designer on the Business Consulting and Education (BCE) Visual Strategy and Design team, is proving that financial services can have personality—and even a little swagger. Danny’s day job is all about transforming complex studies and resources into compelling visuals for advisors. And at IMPACT 2025 in Denver, his creativity wasn’t just on display—it was walking around the convention floor in the form of custom-designed Schwab sneakers.
“I’ve always been interested in sneakers,” shares Danny. “I’ve been a collector for years, love to paint, and I also do graphic design for Schwab, so I thought—why not bring all of these passions together?”
This year marked Danny’s second round of custom sneaker art for IMPACT, and his designs were pure Colorado pride. From the majestic Rockies and Denver skyline to the iconic blue bear at the Convention Center, and even the horse from the airport, Danny infused local flavor into every detail. Of course, Schwab’s branding and IMPACT logos tied it all together, creating a perfect blend of place and purpose.
The response? Overwhelmingly positive. Advisors and teammates alike flocked to see the shoes and snap photos. “People love them,” says Danny. “They’re already asking about next year.”
Beyond the artistry, these sneakers symbolize something bigger: the evolution of the RIA industry. “Financial services used to feel stuffy,” explains Danny. But now, we’re connecting with younger generations and diverse audiences. As a creative person in this space, I feel like I’m helping bridge that gap.”
His design process is as thoughtful as it is imaginative—starting with research, moving to digital mockups in Illustrator, and finishing with meticulous hand-painting and decal application. The Denver skyline is his favorite element, a nod to his roots and the city hosting this year’s event.
What’s next? With IMPACT heading to Boston in late October 2026, Danny’s ideas are already brewing. One thing’s certain: wherever IMPACT goes, creativity will follow, and Danny will continue bringing the sole of IMPACT to life—one step at a time
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