Start Something That Matters (original 2011; edition 2012)

4 stars ( )

Blake Mycoskie gives wonderful anecdotes about different entrepreneurs who have made a difference in this world while making profit. The one story that really got my attention was about his Mom who self published a cook book and later on was picked by an actual publisher. It's a great read. ( )

There are certainly parts of the Tom's story that are uplifting and inspirational, and Blake manages to keep the gushy over-the-top-save-the-children stuff to a minimum. The interesting parts detail the struggles the company had and case studies from other do-good for-profits. However, he does seem to gloss over quite a few lucky breaks that put a rocket boost behind the initial success of Tom's. The saying "It's not what you know, it's Who you know that matters" definitely plays here. Not to mention a workforce of unpaid interns. Overall an easy read, his main thesis is good but slim (I'm sure it would have many business school professors spinning at their lecterns). Very self-centered focus when discussing customer and employee interactions with the "mission" - the free shoes play second fiddle to the "life-changing experiences" of the shoe-droppers (without any discussion of sustainable local support or aid besides foot coverings). ( )

(14) ( )

Start Something that Matters is the story of Tom’s Shoes Founder Blake Mycoskie, and his One to One initiative to provide a pair of shoes to a child in need for each one sold. In addition to detailing the formation of and inspiration for the company, it is a how-to book for starting your own “something”. Mycoskie, and co-writer Gene Stone, share the details of Toms Shoes unique business model - a for-profit company that has charity built into its operating system, not as an after thought for public relations or tax benefits, and one that trusts and empowers its employees. It is an inspirational read as the authors challenge the reader to “Commit to seeing the world through the lens of how you can initiate meaningful change.” Even if we can’t all start up a business, Mycoskie reminds us that we can all change the way we think about these issues. In keeping with Tom’s one-to-one initiative, for each book sold, Random House is donating a book to a child in need through Firstbook.org. ( )