A. J. Steigman

Soletron was acquired in July 2014, by its industry leader and the world's largest global streetwear retailer Karmaloop, for an undisclosed amount.

In July, 2012, Steigman challenged Billionaire Peter Thiel to a $1mm chess match for an investment in Soletron. Steigman wanted to convey to fellow entrepreneurs to look for unconventional fundraising tactics in tough economic climates. Steigman proposed that if he won, Thiel would invest in Soletron's Series A financing, while if he lost, then Thiel would win a stake in Soletron. Steigman wished that all sponsorship capital raised for the match, would go to charities highlighting chess & entrepreneurship. Both Thiel and Steigman are lifetime chess masters. The proposed event by Steigman received international syndication.

After college, Steigman became an investment banker for Merrill Lynch in New York City before deciding to become an entrepreneur. He opened up one of the top Nike Tier 0 accounts in the country at the Hard Rock Casino. Steigman came up with the concept for Soletron when he realized that accessory designers attempting to match out exclusive sneakers had difficulty in getting distribution in brick and mortar stores due to the retailers' limited square footage. He created the business plan and brought in his partner Shane Robinson. They co-founded Soletron at the end of 2010.

Steigman has been honored by the mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, twice. He received the key to the City of Parkland, and a day was named in his honor. He received the Governor's seal in 2003 and was honored by Gov. Jeb Bush.

Steigman was born in Orlando, Florida, but grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. Steigman, a childhood prodigy, was an international chess champion, and one of the best chess players in the United States. He attended University School of Nova Southeastern University for high school. In high school, Steigman contracted Lyme Disease and almost died. He had to take a year off from school. He credits chess in helping his mind recover from the disease. Steigman went on to win in the 2002 US Junior Open one year after being diagnosed.

Steigman was selected by the United States Chess Federation to represent the U.S. in international competitions. He represented the U.S. in the World Youth Championships in Sao Lourenco, Brazil (1995); Cannes, France (1997); and Oropesa del Mar, Spain (1999). Steigman's highest international performance was tying for 12th in the world in Cannes, France. He and Irina Krush of New York were the highest-scoring members of the 11-person U.S. team. Several years later, he traveled to the Pan-American Championships in Argentina (2001). Steigman, though currently inactive, is ranked in the top 1% of all chess players in the U.S.

A.J. Steigman learned chess at the age of 4, and played in his first tournament at age 5. He was coached by Bill Cornwall, a nationally known chess teacher and award-winning columnist. Steigman has numerous chess accomplishments such as: being ranked #1 in the U.S. for his age group for 8 years in a row (1993–2001), being awarded the title of Chess Master at age 13 (the same age as when Bobby Fischer became a master), being the first Floridian ever to make the All-America Chess Team of which he was a member for 8 years. Steigman was one of the best professional Quickchess players in the United States for years. Steigman won the 2002 U.S. Junior Open Championship and turned down a full scholarship to The University of Texas to attend Emory University.

Allen "A. J." Steigman (born June 23, 1985) is an American entrepreneur, chess player, and former investment banker. Steigman is currently CEO of Steignet.com.