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TOMS Shoes recently had a domain switch from tomsshoes.com to toms.com and these edits reflects this domain switch
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==Philanthropy==
==Philanthropy==
===Background===
===Background===
After his visit to Argentina in 2006, Mycoskie decided to get involved in shoe giving. Considering sustainability, he concluded that starting a business rather than a charity would help his impact last longer. In his speech at the Second Annual Clinton Global Initiative<ref name="tomsshoes.com">www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=268</ref>, Mycoskie recalled that children without shoes were not only susceptible to health risks, but were not allowed to go to school.
After his visit to Argentina in 2006, Mycoskie decided to get involved in shoe giving. Considering sustainability, he concluded that starting a business rather than a charity would help his impact last longer. In his speech at the Second Annual Clinton Global Initiative<ref name="toms.com">http://www.toms.com/blog/node/273</ref>, Mycoskie recalled that children without shoes were not only susceptible to health risks, but were not allowed to go to school.
When asked "why shoes?" Mycoskie's main reason is a disease called [[podoconiosis]]. Also known as "Mossy Foot", Podoconiosis is a fungus that gets into the pores on the bottom of the feet and eventually destroys the lymphatic system. It is a soil-transmitted disease caused by walking in silica-rich soil. <ref>Sharaby, Orli. "TOMS Shoes' Blake Mycoskie Talks to PSFK". Syfy. 9 March 2009.
When asked "why shoes?" Mycoskie's main reason is a disease called [[podoconiosis]]. Also known as "Mossy Foot", Podoconiosis is a fungus that gets into the pores on the bottom of the feet and eventually destroys the lymphatic system. It is a soil-transmitted disease caused by walking in silica-rich soil. <ref>Sharaby, Orli. "TOMS Shoes' Blake Mycoskie Talks to PSFK". Syfy. 9 March 2009.
www.psfk.com/2009/03/toms-shoes-blake-mycoskie-talks-to-psfk.html</ref> This causes one's feet to swell along with many other health implications. In many third world countries, walking is the primary mode of transportation whether it be to get water or to go to school. Shoes are the most basic solution to these health risks.
www.psfk.com/2009/03/toms-shoes-blake-mycoskie-talks-to-psfk.html</ref> This causes one's feet to swell along with many other health implications. In many third world countries, walking is the primary mode of transportation whether it be to get water or to go to school. Shoes are the most basic solution to these health risks.
According to the TOMS Shoes website, [http://www.tomsshoes.com], there are over 1 Billion people at risk around the world, and shoes can prevent it. Mycoskie emphasizes that his company's goal is to not only give shoes, but to also educate others on the importance of shoes.<ref name="tomsshoes.com"/>
According to the TOMS Shoes website, [http://www.toms.com], there are over 1 Billion people at risk around the world, and shoes can prevent it. Mycoskie emphasizes that his company's goal is to not only give shoes, but to also educate others on the importance of shoes.<ref name="toms.com"/>


===Social Entrepreneurship===
===Social Entrepreneurship===
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| accessdate = 2009-04-07
| accessdate = 2009-04-07
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
Also in 2007, Blake was invited to speak along with President Bill Clinton at the Opening Plenary of the Second Annual CGI U Meeting.<ref> [http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=268.com "CGI U"] ''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-06. </ref> This meeting in Austin, Texas hosted over 1,300 students and activists from around the world.
Also in 2007, Blake was invited to speak along with President Bill Clinton at the Opening Plenary of the Second Annual CGI U Meeting.<ref> [http://www.toms.com/blog/node/273 "CGI U"] ''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-06. </ref> This meeting in Austin, Texas hosted over 1,300 students and activists from around the world.
In February 2009 Mycoskie also spoke at the TED conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design), a meeting of peers including people such as Bill Gates and JJ Abrams.<ref>"[http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=267.com "TED"] ''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-06. </ref>
In February 2009 Mycoskie also spoke at the TED conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design), a meeting of peers including people such as Bill Gates and JJ Abrams.<ref>"[http://www.toms.com/blog/node/266 "TED"] ''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-06. </ref>
Blake has also visited the White House. On March 6, 2009 he attended a meeting with President Obama's Senior Administration with other business leaders to present viable solutions and ideas regarding U.S. economic policy. <ref>[http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=248.com "TOMS In the White House"]''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-06. </ref> Specifically, he presented information regarding potential in the economic plan to support small businesses in the U.S.
Blake has also visited the White House. On March 6, 2009 he attended a meeting with President Obama's Senior Administration with other business leaders to present viable solutions and ideas regarding U.S. economic policy. <ref>[http://www.toms.com/blog/node/271 "TOMS In the White House"]''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-06. </ref> Specifically, he presented information regarding potential in the economic plan to support small businesses in the U.S.
More recently, Mycoskie was featured along with the owner of Frontera Foods, Rick Bayless in a CNBC segment titled "The Entrepreneurs". Hosted by Donny Deutsch, the show highlighted the innovators' profiles and the stories behind their companies.<ref>[http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=457 ''CNBC's The Entrepreneurs''] ''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.</ref>
More recently, Mycoskie was featured along with the owner of Frontera Foods, Rick Bayless in a CNBC segment titled "The Entrepreneurs". Hosted by Donny Deutsch, the show highlighted the innovators' profiles and the stories behind their companies.<ref>[http://www.toms.com/blog/node/272 ''CNBC's The Entrepreneurs''] ''TOMS Shoes''. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.</ref>
On April 8, 2009, an AT&T commercial aired during the Master's Golf Tournament featuring TOMS Shoes. Directed by award-winning Bennet Miller, the piece is slated to run at least twelve weeks. It is the first time the AT&T mobile unit has displayed a real company.<ref>http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/at-t-toms-shoes-commercial/17316235 "AT&T TOMS Shoes Commercial." ''AT&T''. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.</ref>
On April 8, 2009, an AT&T commercial aired during the Master's Golf Tournament featuring TOMS Shoes. Directed by award-winning Bennet Miller, the piece is slated to run at least twelve weeks. It is the first time the AT&T mobile unit has displayed a real company.<ref>http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/at-t-toms-shoes-commercial/17316235 "AT&T TOMS Shoes Commercial." ''AT&T''. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.</ref>


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Currently, TOMS is working to expand their business. They are working on building their shoe factory in Ethiopia. Here they are developing a specialized rubber boot that will help to further prevent disease in the surrounding areas. <ref>http://laist.com/2009/04/15/what_happens_when_you_travel.php "PhiLAnthropist Interview: TOMS Shoes Founder Blake Mycoskie Plans to Give Away 300,000 Pairs in 2009". ''Laist''. Retrieved on 2009-05-08.</ref> The company is also expanding its merchandise list to include clothing and different types of shoes.
Currently, TOMS is working to expand their business. They are working on building their shoe factory in Ethiopia. Here they are developing a specialized rubber boot that will help to further prevent disease in the surrounding areas. <ref>http://laist.com/2009/04/15/what_happens_when_you_travel.php "PhiLAnthropist Interview: TOMS Shoes Founder Blake Mycoskie Plans to Give Away 300,000 Pairs in 2009". ''Laist''. Retrieved on 2009-05-08.</ref> The company is also expanding its merchandise list to include clothing and different types of shoes.


TOMS aims to give at least 100,000 pairs of shoes to children in Haiti through 2009 with the help of the Clinton Global Initiative.<ref>http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=268 TOMS Shoes Website. Retrieved on 2009-05-08.</ref>
TOMS aims to give at least 100,000 pairs of shoes to children in Haiti through 2009 with the help of the Clinton Global Initiative.<ref>http://www.toms.com/blog/node/273 TOMS Shoes Website. Retrieved on 2009-05-08.</ref>


In September 2009 TOMS shoes started to sell cordones as part of their expansion.
In September 2009 TOMS shoes started to sell cordones as part of their expansion.
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.tomsshoes.com/ TOMS Shoes official website]
* [http://www.toms.com/ TOMS Shoes official website]
* [http://friendsoftoms.org/ Friends of TOMS official website]
* [http://friendsoftoms.org/ Friends of TOMS official website]


Revision as of 23:44, 16 March 2010

TOMS Shoes is an American footwear company that is based in Santa Monica, California, which also operates a non-profit subsidiary, Friends of TOMS. The company was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, a business owner from Arlington, Texas.[1][2][3] The company designs and sells lightweight shoes based on the Argentine alpargata design.[4] For every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.[5]

Business Operations

Founder Blake Mycoskie attended James Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. He was a member of the varsity tennis team. In college, he started a laundry service for college students. He later dropped out of Southern Methodist University and developed the concept for a shoe company while vacationing in Argentina in January 2006.[2][6][7] Blake has said" I was sitting on a farm pondering life, and it occurred to me, 'I'm going to start a shoe company, and for every pair that we sell, I'll give a pair to someone who needs them'"[8] Mycoskie took to wearing the local alpargata shoes.

Alt text
A traditional Alpargeta style shoe.

Alpargata shoes have been worn by Argentina farmers for 100 years.[9] Recently, TOMS added a lace-up version of its shoes. These canvas or cotton fabric shoes are now manufactured in hundreds of styles and fabrics. The sole is constructed of rope or of rubber, depending on the type of shoe. Many styles of TOMS are vegan as well. [10] After Mycoskie noticed the numerous children without shoes in the poorer villages, he returned to the United States and sold his online driver education company to self-finance the shoe company.[11] The company name is derived from the word "tomorrow",[4] and evolved from the original concept, "Shoes for Tomorrow Project".[11]


Manufacturing

According to the corporate website, TOMS currently manufactures in Argentina, China and Ethiopia. [12]

"We require that the factories operate under sound labor conditions, pay fair wages and follow local labor standards. A code of conduct is signed by all factories. Our production staff routinely visits these factories to make sure they are maintaining these working standards. We also have third parties audit the factories at least once a year to ensure they adhere to proper labor regulations. http://www.intertek-labtest.com/services/auditing/intertek_compliance/?lang=en " [13]

The company's FAQ's also clarify that TOMS is not a non-profit but operates on a One for One mission. [14]

Philanthropy

Background

After his visit to Argentina in 2006, Mycoskie decided to get involved in shoe giving. Considering sustainability, he concluded that starting a business rather than a charity would help his impact last longer. In his speech at the Second Annual Clinton Global Initiative[15], Mycoskie recalled that children without shoes were not only susceptible to health risks, but were not allowed to go to school. When asked "why shoes?" Mycoskie's main reason is a disease called podoconiosis. Also known as "Mossy Foot", Podoconiosis is a fungus that gets into the pores on the bottom of the feet and eventually destroys the lymphatic system. It is a soil-transmitted disease caused by walking in silica-rich soil. [16] This causes one's feet to swell along with many other health implications. In many third world countries, walking is the primary mode of transportation whether it be to get water or to go to school. Shoes are the most basic solution to these health risks. According to the TOMS Shoes website, [1], there are over 1 Billion people at risk around the world, and shoes can prevent it. Mycoskie emphasizes that his company's goal is to not only give shoes, but to also educate others on the importance of shoes.[15]

Social Entrepreneurship

When someone buys a pair of TOMS Shoes, a pair is given to a child in need. Over 300,000 pairs of shoes have been given to children under the One for One movement since TOMS launched in 2006. The canvas shoes have been given to children in the United States (Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Florida), Argentina, Ethiopia and South Africa. In collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative, TOMS gave a one time donation of shoes to Haiti. During 2009, TOMS Shoes hopes to give away 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need. They're sold at more than 500 stores nationwide and internationally, including Nordstrom and Whole Foods, which features styles made from recycled materials.[17] In January, TOMS collaborated with Element Skateboards to create a line of TOMS shoes, skate decks and longboards. For each pair of TOMS Element shoes and/or skateboard is bought, one of the same will be given to kids at the Indigo Skate camp in the village Isithumba in Durban, South Africa. Blake Mycoskie is hoping to expand the One for One model into other areas like housing, water and schoolbooks. Mycoskie would like to create partnerships with companies so his customers can buy what they need while the same things are given to those who need it across the globe.

Shoe Drops

To deliver the shoes Friends of TOMS hosts "Shoe Drop Tours" around the world. The most recent being filmed as part of an AT&T commercial was based in Uruguay in early 2009. [18] With help from 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGO's), TOMS schedules shoe drops year-round. Volunteer opportunities are open to the public. Volunteers on shoe drops are able to hand-deliver shoes to children. TOMS currently conducts Shoe Drops in Argentina once a month and gives away shoes 5 days a week in Ethiopia.

Vagabond Tour

In early 2009 the second Vagabond Tour launched (sponsored by Dave Matthews Band) to reach campuses across the United States. The tour began on February 23 and ended on May 15. Volunteers are broken up into five regional teams (SW, NW, NE, SE, and MW/TX) in an effort to reach different campuses nation-wide to spread information regarding TOMS' One for One movement. Campuses like those of Whitworth University followed with great enthusiasm. Students shared their thoughts in the local paper, The Whitworthian. They put events on at high school and college campuses, which include a screening of the TOMS Shoes documentary, "Shoes For Tomorrow: The TOMS Shoes Story" as well as a Style Your Sole event where students can purchase and decorate shoes. www.Facebook.com/TOMSvagabonds [19]

Charity

Friends of TOMS is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate of TOMS Shoes.[20] The organization operates a website to coordinate volunteer activities and the parent company's "Shoe Drops".

In 2006, TOMS Shoes distributed 10,000 pairs of shoes in Argentina.[5][21] In November 2007, the company distributed 50,000 pairs of shoes to children in South Africa.[22] As of April 2009, TOMS Shoes has distributed 140,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina, Ethiopia, South Africa as well as children in the United States.[23]

Recognition

In October 2007, TOMS Shoes received the People's Design Award, as determined by an online popularity contest by the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum and has been noted as a successful model of social entrepreneurship.[24][25] Also in 2007, Blake was invited to speak along with President Bill Clinton at the Opening Plenary of the Second Annual CGI U Meeting.[26] This meeting in Austin, Texas hosted over 1,300 students and activists from around the world. In February 2009 Mycoskie also spoke at the TED conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design), a meeting of peers including people such as Bill Gates and JJ Abrams.[27] Blake has also visited the White House. On March 6, 2009 he attended a meeting with President Obama's Senior Administration with other business leaders to present viable solutions and ideas regarding U.S. economic policy. [28] Specifically, he presented information regarding potential in the economic plan to support small businesses in the U.S. More recently, Mycoskie was featured along with the owner of Frontera Foods, Rick Bayless in a CNBC segment titled "The Entrepreneurs". Hosted by Donny Deutsch, the show highlighted the innovators' profiles and the stories behind their companies.[29] On April 8, 2009, an AT&T commercial aired during the Master's Golf Tournament featuring TOMS Shoes. Directed by award-winning Bennet Miller, the piece is slated to run at least twelve weeks. It is the first time the AT&T mobile unit has displayed a real company.[30]

Current projects

Currently, TOMS is working to expand their business. They are working on building their shoe factory in Ethiopia. Here they are developing a specialized rubber boot that will help to further prevent disease in the surrounding areas. [31] The company is also expanding its merchandise list to include clothing and different types of shoes.

TOMS aims to give at least 100,000 pairs of shoes to children in Haiti through 2009 with the help of the Clinton Global Initiative.[32]

In September 2009 TOMS shoes started to sell cordones as part of their expansion.

TOMS shoes also plans to give 1 million shoes by 2012.

References

  1. ^ Blair, Jennifer (January 2009). "A Mile in his Shoes". Fort Worth, Texas: The City's Magazine. Fort Worth Texas Magazine. p. 38.
  2. ^ a b Wong, Grace (September 26, 2008). "Blake Mycoskie: Sole ambition". CNN.com. Cable News Network. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  3. ^ Sellers, Patricia (October 11, 2008). "Power Point: Be the change". Fortune. Cable News Network. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  4. ^ a b Cook, Shannon (March 26, 2009). "These shoes help others get a step up". CNN.com. Cable News Network. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  5. ^ a b Mustafa, Nadia (January 26, 2007). "A Shoe That Fits So Many Souls". TIME. Time Inc. p. C2. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  6. ^ Chansanchai, Athima (June 11, 2007). "Happy feet: Buy a pair of TOMS shoes and a pair will be donated to a poor child abroad". seattlepi.com. Hearst Seattle Media, LLC. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  7. ^ Brune, Brett (December 28, 2007). "For-profit helps keep charity running". Marketplace. American Public Media. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  8. ^ Vogue http://cdn2.tomsshoes.com/images/uploads/2006-oct-vogue.jpg Retrived 07-20-09
  9. ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blake-mycoskie Retrieved online on 2009-05-13
  10. ^ Masssie, Meg. "TOMS Shoes". Trends and Advice. http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2009/04/27/toms-shoes/ Retrieved on 2009-05-13.
  11. ^ a b Miller, Linda (April 5, 2009). "Shoes offer a better tomorrow". NewsOK. NewsOK.com. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  12. ^ http://www.toms.com/faq/
  13. ^ http://www.toms.com/faq/
  14. ^ http://www.toms.com/faq/
  15. ^ a b http://www.toms.com/blog/node/273
  16. ^ Sharaby, Orli. "TOMS Shoes' Blake Mycoskie Talks to PSFK". Syfy. 9 March 2009. www.psfk.com/2009/03/toms-shoes-blake-mycoskie-talks-to-psfk.html
  17. ^ LA Times http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-greentoms19-2009apr19,0,1059085.story Retrived 07-20-09
  18. ^ www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=288 TOMS Shoes Website. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
  19. ^ http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/04/27/toms-shoes-kicks-off-spring-with-dave-matthews-band/ "TOMS Shoes Kicks Off Spring With Dave Matthews Band" SneakerFiles.com Retrieved on 2009-06-13.
  20. ^ "Search for Charities, Online Version of Publication 78 Search Results". United States Government. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  21. ^ "Amped-up alpargatas". HeraldTribune.com. HeraldTribune.com. October 30, 2006. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
  22. ^ Van Schalkwyk, Surika (February 11, 2008). "Steps in the right direction". Mail & Guardian Online. Mail & Guardian Online. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  23. ^ Booth Moore, "Toms Shoes' model is sell a pair, give a pair away", Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2009, Retrieved on 2009-05-06
  24. ^ McGuigan, Cathleen (October 19, 2007). "TOMS Shoes Wins Design Award". Newsweek.com. Newsweek, Inc. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  25. ^ Sherman, Lauren (July 24, 2008). "Can Green Retailers Make Green?". Forbes.com. Forbes.com LLC. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  26. ^ "CGI U" TOMS Shoes. Retrieved on 2009-05-06.
  27. ^ ""TED" TOMS Shoes. Retrieved on 2009-05-06.
  28. ^ "TOMS In the White House"TOMS Shoes. Retrieved on 2009-05-06.
  29. ^ CNBC's The Entrepreneurs TOMS Shoes. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
  30. ^ http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/at-t-toms-shoes-commercial/17316235 "AT&T TOMS Shoes Commercial." AT&T. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
  31. ^ http://laist.com/2009/04/15/what_happens_when_you_travel.php "PhiLAnthropist Interview: TOMS Shoes Founder Blake Mycoskie Plans to Give Away 300,000 Pairs in 2009". Laist. Retrieved on 2009-05-08.
  32. ^ http://www.toms.com/blog/node/273 TOMS Shoes Website. Retrieved on 2009-05-08.
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