Hank [BS/MSEE,
MSM $$$, Ph.D. Mgmt] teaches 
Blake is a different kind of Texan and a former Amazing Race contestant. As an entrepreneur, he did lots of stuff “right.” Perhaps the first and foremost is his effort is based in Santa Monica, California, a haven for rights-based groups from Hollywood. His shoes, a modification of the alpargata, a traditional Argentine rope-soled shoe, were quickly adopted by the fashion pack and recently received the Cooper-Hewitt People’s Design Award. Celebrity fans include Bono, Brad Pitt, Geena Davis, Sienna Miller, Lindsay Lohan and Robert 
Downey Jr. BTW, these are designed to be worn without socks. You may find these at Nordstrom, Macy’s and Urban Outfitters as well as www.tomsshoes.com.Ok, they are a for profit but they are also giving to those less fortunate. You can do both you know. The video describes in Blake’s own words the how and why of TOMS. What say you? Hank
This a great concept to also make money but also give back to the community. I like how he saw a new product and design it so other people would like it and then he took it from Argentina and brought it to the US. The market for shoes is tough and he was able to get in the market and make some money but also give to the people who need is amazing.
TOMS shoes is an example of product everybody could need and he will have success since he has several stars wearing them already.
As well as being a great idea, I think this boosts sales especially with that celebrity crowd mentioned. It’s kind of funny how that works, but it does. They want to feel good about themselves too while they’re sporting their latest fashion. Reminds me a little bit of the recent Toyota Prius craze with all the stars. Luckily the shoes are a much better purchase and are much more beneficial to the earth
This “Give one, get one” idea is catching on and if used properly, I think it has a lot of power. I’m curious if this has been used in the past or if it’s a new unique strategy.
On the note of helping others, there’s been a good Truemor’s posting about landmine awareness. I found it on Guy Kawasaki’s blog: http://truemors.com/?p=17630
Sometimes when an entrepreneur talks about the benefit he brings to the local community, I have to question if it’s a sincere effort or if he’s doing just enough to portray a good image. I hope this is a sincere effort.
TOMS shoes really makes you think about the help and need of those around the world. I know I have at least 5 or 6 pairs of shoes sitting in my house right now, or all different types, that many people around the world would love to have. I think this really makes us put into perspective how lucky we all are here in the states. We have been lucky enough to not only never have to worry about the shoes on our feet, but also the food we will eat and the places we will stay. As the holiday season approaches, and Thanksgiving later this week, the story of TOMS shoes and impact it is making on the lives of those much less fortunate than ourselves should make each and every one of us be even that more thankful. It’s not everyday you run across a product like this that really makes you think about how much you have and reevaluate things, but maybe that is why TOMS have gained so much support and help from people of all walks of life.
Opportunities can come at you anytime during your life such as Blakes case when he was
vacationing in Argentina. Who knew that he would be presented with a great opportunity such
as this. I think that opportunites such as this can happen anywhere and anytime, one just
has to be aware and alert in order to recognize an opportunity and then visualize an idea
from that.
I think this is a great idea and all….. I mean the saying that opportunities can arise at anytime couldnt have been any truer with ths story! Who wouldve thought that while a man was on vacation he wouldve come up with this concept o idea? As they say though its sometimes helps when the celebrities are backing you. Cause then you not only have their advertising but you’ve also got your other ads as well, just famous people tend to do more for you. I mean would nike be as well known as it is if not for Micheal Jordan. So by these actors buying these shoes it supports and will get the business going!
Now this is a deal that is more on the financial level that most of us are able to contribute to. These give and get deals are really cool because not only do you get something but you also know that you are contributing to society.
Hey Hank,
FYI in Men’s Health Magazine, the One Laptop Per Child computer is one of this years top 100 sexist (even though it is meant for children but who cares) gifts for this Christmas. I think that these guys are getting great media attention and I hope all of this works out for them.
I love this idea! I think that these buy one for yourself and give one promos are really catching on! TOMS are actually a pretty cute shoe and definately affordable, if you think about it they average about $45 so your paying about $23 for the pair you wear but then you get the gratefullness of children who are also receiving shoes! I am looking at a cute pair and most likely buying them so I’m pretty excited that I get to actually participate! Blake is a great entrepreneur and it’s great he is helping the less fortunate at the same time.
This is a great idea and cause. It reminds me of the concept of the LifeStraw, being very inexpensive yet very beneficial to those in need. Things like TOMS shoes, LifeStraw, and the One Laptop Per Child computer show that entrepreneurs arent always looking for the big profit.
This is a really good idea. Its nice to see that people care about others more than making money. I thought it was really cool to see how he got the idea and decided to actually do something about the problem he saw.
I have noticed that now that many ex-hippies from the 60’s are getting older, they are starting to there own company and are triing to make the world a better place. This is great.
While the shoes that he makes might be a fad, it will die off very quickly. Plus, when has the average American ever cared about other countries. There are shoes that are Free trade. This means that a NGO (non-government Organization) watches over the factories and makes sure that they are non-polluting and humain. How many of us buy those shoes, no one. It is far easier to go down to footlocker and buy some Nike made buy a Chinese worker who lives in absolute poverty and works 12 hour days. I wish it wasn’t this way, but it is.
I never understood this buy one donate one deal. I would rather buy the product I really want and donate the money I have extra. I give to the Chatholic church, because they know the best ways to destribute it.
I wish that more companies would look into this kind of advertising. It is really a great cause..and would be able to do alot of good. I would be much more likely to pay a little more money- and participate in something like this..than save a few $ and buy something cheaper. I think this is amazing!!