Blake Mycoskie

Date of Birth: August 26, 1976

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Blake Mycoskie is an American entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist best known as the founder of TOMS Shoes, a company that pioneered the “One for One” business model. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, Mycoskie attended Southern Methodist University on a partial tennis scholarship but left school before completing his degree. His entrepreneurial journey began with a successful laundry service, which he sold to a larger company. He then ventured into the world of reality TV, participating in CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” which exposed him to global issues and inspired his future business ventures. In 2006, after a trip to Argentina, Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes with the mission to provide a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. The company’s unique model quickly gained traction, leading to widespread recognition and success. Mycoskie has since expanded the TOMS brand to include eyewear and other products, each with a similar charitable component. He is also the author of the bestselling book “Start Something That Matters,” which encourages others to incorporate social good into their business endeavors. Mycoskie’s commitment to social entrepreneurship has earned him numerous awards and accolades. He continues to be a prominent voice in the world of business and philanthropy, advocating for sustainable and ethical business practices.

5 Interesting Facts about Blake Mycoskie

1. Blake Mycoskie participated in the second season of CBS’s “The Amazing Race” in 2002, finishing in third place with his sister Paige.

2. TOMS Shoes was inspired by a trip to Argentina, where Mycoskie saw children without shoes and wanted to help.

3. In addition to shoes, TOMS has expanded into eyewear, coffee, and bags, all of which follow the “One for One” model.

4. Mycoskie sold a 50% stake in TOMS to Bain Capital in 2014 but remains actively involved in the company.

5. He is an avid traveler and has visited over 30 countries, often incorporating his experiences into his business philosophy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Blake Mycoskie

1. “I believe that the more you give, the more you live.”

2. “The most important thing for me is to understand that when you have a company that’s driven by purpose, it can help you achieve things you never thought possible.”

3. “I’m not a businessman; I’m a social entrepreneur.”

4. “You don’t have to have a lot of money to make a difference. You just have to have a heart.”

5. “If you want to start something that matters, you have to be willing to take risks.”