TOMS entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie to bring message of hope to OU

Sponsored by the OU Student Life Lecture Board, Mycoskie’s presentation, “One Day Without Shoes,” will chronicle his efforts to launch a successful business that serves people in need. In 2006, Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes, which donates a new pair of shoes to children in need for every pair sold. The company’s “One for One” business model harnesses the power of consumers for good and has become the hallmark of social enterprise, a concept now being taught in universities around the world.

Since its founding, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children through giving partners in 28 countries. This June, TOMS launched its second “One for One” product, TOMS Eyewear, to help save and restore sight to people in need.

Last fall, Mycoskie released his first book, “Start Something that Matters,” which offers an inside look at his personal journey and celebrates individuals who make philanthropy and business a joint enterprise.

TOMS received the 2010 Footwear News Brand of the Year Award. In 2009, Mycoskie received the Secretary of State's Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE) The award celebrates a company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, innovation and democratic values worldwide.

At the Clinton Global Initiative University plenary session, former President Bill Clinton introduced Mycoskie as "one of the most interesting entrepreneurs (I've) ever met."

Mycoskie was also featured in People Magazine’s "Heroes Among Us" section, and TOMS Shoes was featured in the Bill Gates Time Magazine article "How to Fix Capitalism."

Born in 1976, Mycoskie has created several businesses, beginning with a successful national campus laundry service. His second start-up, Mycoskie Media, caught the attention of Clear Channel Media and was later bought by the company. Between business ventures, Mycoskie competed in the CBS primetime series, "The Amazing Race," in 2002.

Tickets for this event will go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the CSA Service Window. Admission is free for current OU students and staff, and $10 for the general public. For additional information, contact the Center for Student Activities at (248) 370-2400 or csa@oakland.edu.