TOMS humble beginnings happened unintentionally. While on a 2006 trip to Argentina, TOMS founder and Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie, witnessed the extreme poverty and health conditions that burdened the native population. But above all, he was moved by the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes and sought out to make a difference in any way he could. So, he came back to America with a simple, yet innovative plan: to create a for-profit business fueled by the idea of One for One, in which for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS provides a pair of shoes to a child in need (www.toms.com). In the process, TOMS is also able to turn a profit, support itself, and keep the business of shoe giving a sustainable reality.
             Pursuing more trips around the globe Blake recognized other unmet needs of impoverished nations and realized that the idea of One for One could be applied to more than just shoes. Hence, in 2011, Blake and his team developed TOMS Eyewear, which provides eye care to a person in need every time an eye product purchase is made (www.toms.com).
             As a company, TOMS has been awarded several times for its unique approach to business and has received multiple accolades (www.toms.com). In 2009, Blake and TOMS received the Secretary of State's Award of Corporate Excellence because of their commitment to corporate social responsibility. TOMS Shoes beat out eleven other finalists including Chevron, Cisco Systems, and Intel Corporation to become a recipient of the ACE award.
             Company Values/ Corporate Responsibility
             The company's ultimate vision is to demonstrate the effect of how working together as a society can "create a better tomorrow by taking compassionate action today" (www.toms.com). TOMS is about giving back to the global community, not sacrificing quality for profit, and "improving people's lives through business", a term the company coined to portray their position in t...