Posts Tagged fast growth
Heart & Sole
Posted by vianova in Cause-Related Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility, Customer Loyalty, Sustainability, Values-based Business on February 21, 2009
One of the most inspirational social entrepreneurs today, I believe, is Blake Mycoskie, founder and “chief shoe giver” of TOMS Shoes.
Blake founded TOMS Shoes with the idea that for every pair of shoes sold, they will give a pair of to a child in need. According to Blake’s blog, TOMS “started as a “project” to give 250 kids in Argentina their first pair of new shoes.” Since its founding in May of 2006, TOMS has become one of the fastest growing shoe companies on the planet. Amazing story. To date Blake and his team have given over 85,000 shoes to children in Argentina, South Africa and Ethiopia.
Here are just a few examples of why we are big fans of TOMS Shoes and it’s founder, Blake Mycoskie:
- Giving back has been incorporated into the DNA of TOMS from the start. It is a core value that is evident in all aspects of their business.
- TOMS partners with nonprofit organizations around the world to ensure that kids with the greatest need are given shoes. They do their research to ensure they partner with the right organization.
- TOMS is incorporating environmentally sustainable materials in the production of their shoes.
Check out this video of TOMS’ first “shoe drop” in Argentina in 2006:
Frank G Scarpaci is the president and founder of The Vianova Group, LLC, a corporate social responsibility consulting and training firm based in San Diego, CA.
