Hristo “Risto” Petkov is a brand builder, filmmaker, and entrepreneur whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, creativity, and business.

As the co-founder of Stinky Socks, he transformed a small idea into a global movement — one that champions individuality, authenticity, and community. Over the past 14 years, Stinky Socks has expanded across continents, collaborating with cultural icons such as Netflix, Airblaster, and High Cascade Snowboard Camp, among many others worldwide, while staying true to its roots of empowering people to express themselves.

Beyond Stinky, Hristo brings his expertise to the world of marketing and communications as Business Director at Next-DC, where he helps brands connect meaningfully with their audiences. His approach blends creativity with strategy, always rooted in a belief that the strongest brands are not built on trends or hype, but on real stories and values that resonate across cultures.

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs, Hristo leverages his experience to demonstrate how ideas can transcend borders and industries — transforming local visions into global realities.