Wayne Elsey - Founder

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

Be Kind, You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through

I had a conversation recently with an executive director of a nonprofit and he told me about an experience his organization that says a lot about kindness and compassion. Not too long ago, the

25 Examples of the Worst Advice You’ve Ever Received

I’m always about thinking big and staying positive as much as I can. But, today I was in a meeting, and one of the people in the room was telling us about the

Ending Charity as We Know It with Opportunity

If you’re a donor, executive director or team member at a nonprofit, I have a question for you. Do you think the current philanthropic model works and empowers those you serve in deciding how

25 Ways to Walk the Walk of Social Good

Recently I had a conversation with a colleague who talked to me about the fact that she wondered if nonprofit professionals walked the walk of social good after work. I asked her what

Pass the Damn Ball to the Kid Who May Fumble

Someone recently posted the article on social media, “Dear Kids: If I Die, Please Don’t Be a Sh**head.” As a parent and grandfather, it caught my attention due to the bluntness. But I

What Not to Do When You’re Trying to Sell

Let me tell you what happened with a team meeting called to evaluate a video conferencing service. We’re in the process of expansion and with team members around the country, and even the

The True Meaning of Digging Deeper

What if I told you that you could have what you want in life, but you’re going to have to work harder? You wouldn’t be too happy. Perhaps you’d roll your eyes or give me

Today Matters So Let Yesterday Go

Some of the greatest excuses in life come from our inability to forgive ourselves for past mistakes. That’s a shame and an incredible waste of energy and time. And, we all know how

The Natural Disaster Happening in People’s Lives Every Day

Don’t Let Yesterday Use Too Much of Today – Indian Proverb Although I’m someone who has a significant presence in life, I don’t want you to think I’ve got it all figured it out.

The Ventura Sunshine Ladies Club Create Therapy Dolls for Children in Need

People ask me sometimes how someone can get involved in doing good for someone else. It’s not difficult. There’s something anyone of us can do any day of the week. I live in Orlando, and

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