Jeffrey Mosher talks with Ryan Roff, CEO of one of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch in 2018, Bold Socks of Grand Rapids, MI
Bold Socks, Grand Rapids
Located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, boldSOCKS operates an online retail and brick and mortar store that provides distinctively bold, fun and uniquely expressive socks.
Founded in 2011 as an online retailer of top sock brands from around the world, boldSOCKS continues to provide a unique, curated offering of socks online and in store, but now also offers over 250 sock designs in its own brand, Statement Sockwear.
Statement Sockwear was founded on two core principles: a social enterprise model that provides clean water for every purchase and ethical manufacturing practices.
Every pair of Statement Sockwear sold provides 100 days of clean drinking water in Rwanda, Africa through a partnership with 20 Liters that provides clean water filters and rainwater cisterns. The hope is to invite customers into a bigger story—one that involves, on average, a seven-fold return on investment.
In addition, fashion is one of the worst offenders of poor manufacturing models, so it became a priority to find an ethical alternative. Using a vertically integrated model, Statement Sockwear’s manufacturer oversees every step of the supply chain to ensure the same high standards and values apply across the entire process, from the time the cotton is picked all the way to the finished product.
Ryan Roff, CEO
Founded in 2011
Primary Business: Internet Retailer
Sites in Michigan: 1
Full-time equivalent employees in 2017: 8
To Listen to their full interview please click on the embedded SoundCloud PodCast shared below!
