TOMS’ Blake Mycoskie Is the Best Kind of Goody Two Shoes
by AG | May 6, 2009 - 8:18am | 0 comments - 27 readsBy implementing the One for One model, TOMS created a benefactor with each and every purchase. A donation is often a one-time interaction; TOMS Shoes chooses to maintain an active and sustainable relationship within our giving communities. This global perspective is integral to the ethos of TOMS. TOMS Shoes prefers to encourage our consumers to spend in a way that supports one another and preserves the traditions and sensibilities of those communities we serve. What were the biggest obstacles you faced in starting TOMS? Did investors (or friends or family or colleagues) think you were crazy? Mycoskie: At first, many people thought I was crazy and told me that a One for One model wouldn't work, especially since I did not have any background in the shoe industry. I had to learn everything quickly and rely on advice from trusted sources. Little did I know following my instinct would lead to something revolutionary. Which personal philosophies, business or otherwise, are essential to the way you run TOMS? Mycoskie: TOMS is special to me -- and different than the other companies I have started -- in that it combines my love of entrepreneurship and my desire to help others. When I started TOMS, I was ready to follow advice I'd received at the beginning of my career from Bob Dedman, an entrepreneur from Dallas: "The more you give, the more you live." [inline:toms]Through TOMS I wanted to show that entrepreneurs no longer have to choose between earning money and making a difference in the world. Profitability is achievable with a giving-based business. TOMS proves that conscious capitalism is a viable business model for innovators worldwide, and entrepreneurs can focus on being ambassadors of humanity. Who are your most important collaborators in your company? What do they bring to the table? Mycoskie: TOMS has so many young supporters who are passionate about the One for One movement, and who share the story and inspire others every day they wear their TOMS. Seeing them support this business model is proof that this generation is ready and able to create a better tomorrow. What was the moment when you realized that TOMS was going to be a success? Mycoskie: I think that moment is right now, actually, I don't think it's a minute before or a minute after, but it's the present moment. This is the year that TOMS is moving from an idea or a company to an actual movement. It's just the growth. It's the number of people I see on the street wearing TOMS. What advice do you have for an aspiring entrepreneur? What should every entrepreneur know before they jump in? Mycoskie: One for One is proving that you can bring closure to an issue by incorporating a conscious decision in to the actions you already take- whether its as a consumer purchasing a product, or a business looking for ways to inspire a better tomorrow. It makes consumerism and philanthropy come together full circle. My advice to all aspiring entrepreneurs, find a way to incorporate giving in what you do. There's no greater feeling than knowing you've helped someone. What's next for you and TOMS? Mycoskie: TOMS Shoes' main focus for 2009 is preventing a horrible disease in Ethiopia, called Podoconiosis (Podo). Podo is a deforming and debilitating foot disease caused by walking barefoot in silica-rich soil that has affected nearly 1 million people. This disease is completely preventable by wearing shoes. In an effort to decrease the affected number of people, TOMS Shoes is now giving in Ethiopia 5 days a week to all at-risk children.
