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

A Young Boy’s Life-Changing Fundraiser for a Service Dog

Robert is a 10-year-old boy who likes to play games. He’s a great young boy who cares about his family, and he’s fortunate to be a member of a large family of 12,

25 of the Best Definitions of Leadership—Ever

I’m a consummate student of leadership. I have a passion for the subject and it helps drive the decisions I make in my multiple businesses. I also share a lot of posts on

Pay-What-It-Takes Philanthropy is Beginning to Take Root

Finally, it seems that the insanity around the “nonprofit starvation cycle” is coming to an end. For those of you who may be new to the world of philanthropy, the nonprofit starvation cycle

What Do Poverty and Climate Change Have to Do with Shoes?

A recent study by the Pew Research Center, Americans have a great standard of living. Yes, we do have inequality in our country. That’s a global issue as well. However, we have more

As We Enter into the New Year, Look in the Mirror

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” – Margaret Mead I can’t believe this is my final post for 2016. It went by

Reflecting on a Young Boy’s Story During the Holidays

I know this has been a tough year for many people for a lot of reasons. It’s been a divisive year. It’s been a year of anger and strife. But, it’s our choice how

A Volunteer Helps a Family Raise Money for an Adoption

We all need a little help at times. And, when people or organizations are looking to raise awareness and money for their good cause, it’s an opportunity for people to become volunteers and

A Thanksgiving Day Message to My Town, Orlando, After Pulse

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Maya Angelou, Celebrations: Rituals of

Grow a Mo, Save a Bro This Movember

Movember is here. Don’t know what it is? If you care about men’s health, this is the month that for 30 days, men around the world do a clean shave on November 1st and

How You Can Help the Forgotten Victims of the Louisiana Floods

Recently, I spent my day hunkering down as Hurricane Matthew swept through Florida. During that time at home, I took to social media to promote and raise awareness about the suffering that was

Get this free resource by entering your information below.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name