In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie was struck with inspiration. While interacting with children in a small village in Argentina he was shocked by the fact that many of them had no shoes to protect their feet. Through this experience Mycoskie decided that he wanted to try and make a difference. The result of this was TOMS.
TOMS is more than just a shoe company striving to make a high quality product that its consumers can be proud to wear. TOMS is a company that is devoted to driving change in this world. For every pair of shoes purchased they match this by giving a pair to a child in need. This is their idea of One for One.
Along with providing people with the gift of shoes, TOMS has expanded its business model to include the gift of sight and the gift of water. When an individual purchases TOMS eyewear they are helping to restore another’s sight. This is achieved either through sight-saving surgery, prescription glasses or medical treatment. Similarly, every bag of TOMS coffee that is purchased grants them the ability to provide clean water to one person in need for a week. Again the idea of One for One.
Many companies are in the business for the sole purpose of making money, but that is not true of TOMS. They deliver great products to their consumers, but not at the cost of others. They are a great company because of their offerings, but more importantly due to their willingness to help those who need it.
I think we are all aware of the brand “TOMS” but honestly, I’ve never heard of them expanding their markets both of what they’re selling, and the markets of issues within the world that they’re trying to fix.
As I walk down the streets really anywhere, especially during the warmer months, I see many American’s sporting their Toms. Immediately as I see them, I think of the company’s mission, to make a difference in the world, and then I suddenly feel the urge that I could help.
While I don’t own a pair of toms yet, it is something that I could see myself, along with many other humans around the world, buying simply for the sole purpose of trying to help those in need.
Great post, Bryson! I have a pair of TOMS and I LOVE them. I think that what they do is really cool and I really enjoy the fact that investing money into something that I like is also benefiting someone else. It’s a heartwarming experience!
The compassion that this company possesses is incredible. That is what sticks out to me about TOMS. Great post Bryson.
Like Jade said above, I think it’s especially incredible that when someone sees these shoes they immediately are reminded of the mission of this company. So often companies can have a global connection or humanitarian aspect to their business, but those facets are not what customers are drawn to. TOMS provides not only a quality product, but brings a global mindset with it that inspires many people. Good post!