Wayne Elsey
Founder

About Wayne

Transforming Business Through Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

Wayne Elsey has spent his career proving business can do more than make a profit—it can change lives. As founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises, he leads companies like Funds2Orgs and Sneakers4Good that give shoes and sneakers a second life and communities a chance to thrive.

His journey started after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Seeing people in need, Wayne acted quickly to collect shoes. That simple response grew into a movement. Today, his companies have helped redistribute over 37 million pairs of shoes, keep them out of landfills, support micro-entrepreneurs in 24 countries, and create jobs across the U.S.

Wayne works with an execution-first philosophy: act boldly, measure results and build teams that get things done. This approach has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, the Today Show and Fox News.

He’s also a Forbes Business Development Council member, a contributor to Brainz Magazine and the author of books including Tied Together: A Pathway to Hope, the Not Your Father’s Charity series, and

Almost Isn’t Good Enough. Through coaching and speaking, Wayne encourages entrepreneurs and leaders to see they already have the tools to make impact—they just need to take the first step.

At the end of the day, Wayne believes sustainability is about people as much as the planet. Every reused pair of sneakers tells a story of dignity, opportunity and a better future.

Wayne's latest articles

Grip & Rip and Kick into Gear for Year-End

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”  —Steve Jobs, Apple Inc. co-founder, chairman and CEO How have you spent... READ MORE

In Memory of Uriel: A Guy Who Wanted to be in the Sun

Today was the first day back for my team and me back in the office after Hurricane Irma. But, the relative destruction and inconvenience of the most recent hurricane in our area was in stark relief because we had news of the passing of a member of our team. Our team member, Uriel, passed away... READ MORE

What Questions Should You Ask If You’re Donating to Charity?

Have you ever wondered what questions you should ask of a charity if you’re going to make a gift to them? A small number of donors take the time or the effort to make a considered and thoughtful gift to a nonprofit, but I think more of us should be doing a little more due... READ MORE

A New Chapter with the Forbes Business Development Council

Last week I received great news that I’d like to share with you because of my supporters, including my team, who are the reason I have some great news to report to you. I was accepted into the Forbes Business Development Council, which is an invitation-only community for senior level sales and business executives. I... READ MORE

How You Can Help People Affected by Hurricane Harvey

As I’m writing this in my office, I see images of people young and old, walking through floods with all of their worldly possessions in bags on small boats or being carried in their hands. Some also take their dogs and cats in their arms. I’ve seen news footage of seniors sitting in nursing homes... READ MORE

Please, Don’t Start a Nonprofit

As I write this, I’m about to begin writing a new book in collaboration with a partner that’s been a nonprofit leader in the fundraising and donor management space for more than 30 years. I look forward to writing more about it in the coming weeks and months ahead, as this is an exciting partnership.... READ MORE

Why You Shouldn’t Follow Your Passion

Not too long ago someone wanted to know if she should follow her passion and teach, or take the “comfortable” job that was offered to her. My reply was simply this, “Did you know that adjunct professors make about $22,000 a year? Can you live on that?” “No,” she said. “So that might be your... READ MORE

Donate Your Change Out of Your Pocket for a Good Cause

As you may know, if you follow me, I’m all about unique fundraising ideas that help you grow and develop your organizational sustainability. I’m also a fan of organizations that are continually seeking different ways to raise money because those are the ones that understand that different donors need different approaches for supporting the cause.... READ MORE

What Are You Doing with Your One and Precious Life?

As another summer will soon be drawing to a close, and as we get ready for a busy time of year, I’m grateful. I came across an old poem the other day called “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver, and I want to share part of it here with you. Tell me, what else should... READ MORE

5 Reasons Why Nonprofit Employees Quit

If you’re a nonprofit leader, I hope you’re spending some time each day getting on social media and reviewing posts and comments from people who work in the industry. Although I have a busy schedule of travel and meetings, I try to check out what’s happening in social media nonprofit groups because it helps me... READ MORE

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