With the recent publication of "Start Something That Matters," Blake Mycoskie, the philanthropic founder of TOMS shoes and evolving entrepreneur, can include published author on his list of accomplishments. In the book, Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, currently one of the fastest-growing shoe companies, and the lessons he has learned from other innovative organizations, such as method, charity: water, FEED Projects and TerraCycle.
Without a background in fashion design or retail, Mycoskie created one of the most iconic shoe companies using the popular alpargata in Argentina as the basic design for his shoes.
TOMS is based on the revolutionary business model of One for One, which matches good morals with good sales. For every pair of shoes the company sells, TOMS (short for “Tomorrow’s Shoes”) donates a pair to a child in need. With the help of charities and other groups, the company reported last year that its donations exceeded one million.
“Start Something That Matters” traces the evolution of a company that started out in a poverty-stricken pocket in Argentina, moved to a modest Los Angeles apartment and continued on to become a retail movement.
In his memoir, Mycoskie shares his transformation from a “regular business guy” looking for profit into one of the “emerging leaders in Conscious Capitalism.” Though at times, the book describes gushy do-goodisms in a clichéd and somewhat hokey manner, the idea is inspiring and the message is endearing.
Told in a colloquial style, Mycoskie presents the six simple keys for transforming life and business. The means to success are familiar to any person who has glanced at other motivational business books, but Mycoskie identifies them as: finding your story, facing your fears, being resourceful without resources, keeping it simple, building trust and seeing that giving is good business.
In the book, Mycoskie also shows how he has applied his business philosophy to his personal life as well. His belief in simplicity in message and design influenced his decision to streamline his property and personal belongings by moving into a 200-square-foot sailboat.
The idea of wealth and status equating to success has been dispelled before, but Mycoskie reminds readers of this forgotten fact. Even if he is not able to offer revelatory insight regarding business, he does provide a creative and openhearted business model for entrepreneurs, which for our times, is worth considering.
To further the concept of One for One, TOMS has recently launched eyewear. Additionally, with every copy of “Start Something That Matters” purchased, a new book will be provided to a child in need, keeping the TOMS philosophy that profit, passion and meaning do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Reach the reporter at mgrichar@asu.edu
Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
