# TOMS: Blake Mycoskie (2019)

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2019-02-11
- Length: 53m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019

## Summary

Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS, recounts his journey from four early startups—including Easy Laundry and Wallscape—to creating the 'One for One' shoe model after a trip to Argentina. He details the rapid scaling of TOMS, from selling 250 prototype alpargatas to managing a viral launch driven by an LA Times feature and a Vogue spread. Mycoskie also discusses the operational challenges of manufacturing, the impact of an AT&T commercial, and his eventual sale of half the company to private equity in 2014.

## Chapters

- [0:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=54) Introduction: Blake Mycoskie and the TOMS Story
- [3:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=186) Easy Laundry: Solving a Dorm Problem
- [6:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=390) Wallscape: Outdoor Advertising in Nashville
- [13:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=788) Reality Central: The Failed TV Channel
- [18:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=1123) Driver's Ed: Online Instruction with Models
- [24:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=1468) Argentina Trip and the One for One Idea
- [30:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=1803) Launch: 250 Pairs and the LA Times Feature
- [35:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=2109) Scaling Production and Vogue Feature
- [39:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=2393) The AT&T Commercial and Mass Growth
- [43:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-02-11-toms-blake-mycoskie-2019#t=2604) Criticism, Manufacturing, and Exit

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch, early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- TOMS (product)
- Easy Laundry (company)
- Wallscape (company)
- Clear Channel (company)
- Reality Central (company)
- American Rag (company)
- LA Times (other)
- Vogue (other)
- AT&T (company)
- Gamer's Gift (company)

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- [Founder Feature: Sean Knecht of Tantos!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-05-08-founder-feature-sean-knecht-of-tantos) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [339 - Beyond the Dieline ep 1 with Tom Seymour and Jessica Kwon from Moka Energy!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-02-05-339-beyond-the-dieline-ep-1-with-tom-seymour-and-jessica-kwon-from-moka-energy) (People of Packaging)
- [029: Making a Social or Environmental Impact with Our Business, Adam Force of Change Creator](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-11-29-029-making-a-social-or-environmental-impact-with-our-business-adam-force-of-chan) (Product Startup)
- [Founder Feature: Tabi and Meena Hoshmand of Tursh](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-11-14-founder-feature-tabi-and-meena-hoshmand-of-tursh) (The Startup CPG Podcast)

## Citing this page

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