Blake Mycoskie is the visionary Founder of TOMS and the creator of the globally influential One for One business model. His accidental journey, sparked by witnessing children without shoes in Argentina in 2006, led to a revolutionary insight: to create a sustainable, for-profit business built entirely around social good, shifting the paradigm from reliance on charity to empowered commerce.
Mycoskie's model proved highly successful, with TOMS providing millions of new shoes to children in need within its first five years. He successfully expanded this ethos across multiple product lines: the launch of TOMS Eyewear in 2011 helped restore sight to hundreds of thousands of people, and TOMS Roasting Co. in 2014 was launched to provide clean water to underserved communities. This strategic expansion showcased the versatility and scalability of the One for One concept across various consumer goods and essential needs.
The commercial and social impact of the model is substantial: by 2013, Mycoskie launched The Marketplace, a platform that featured over 30 socially conscious brands, providing a dedicated destination for purpose-driven purchasing. To date, TOMS Shoes alone has given over 35 million pairs of new shoes to children, validating the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of his entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy.
Recognized by Fortune on its "40 Under 40" list and lauded as "one of the most interesting entrepreneurs" by former President Bill Clinton, Mycoskie is an influential voice. His book, Start Something That Matters, became a New York Times bestseller by sharing his story and providing a clear framework for incorporating giving into business strategy. As a speaker, he inspires audiences with the power of his vision, encouraging them to find simple, revolutionary solutions to complex problems and to embed social purpose directly into their organizations.
