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

Hurricane Matthew, Haiti, the U.S. and How You Can Help the Forgotten

Approximately 1,000 people have been killed in Haiti due to Hurricane Matthew. As of this writing, some of the hardest-hit areas have yet to be reached by recovery personnel. There is currently an

How to Manage to the Vision: Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing

A favored business topic for me is leadership. And, within leadership, I believe in the big vision. But, I’ve seen managers out there who can’t find the path to delivering on vision. Great

Micro-Entrepreneurs Around the World Need Your Help

Over the weekend, I spent some time going through some micro-enterprise pictures of my trips to Haiti. A few hours later, I received a call from someone who spent a lot of time

How Your Shoes Can Save a Child’s Life

We’re all enjoying the lazy days of summer. It’s always a great time of year. But, as you’re walking around in your sandals and flip-flops, did you ever realize that your shoes can

Being Over 50 Should Inspire More Dreams, Not Less

Not too long ago an old buddy of mine, we’ll call him Sam, and I had breakfast. One of the best times of my week is when I’m meeting colleagues and friends for

10 Things That Require Zero Talent for Success

I’ve been asked more than once what’s the secret to my success. It’s not a secret formula. It really doesn’t take much. It’s simply doing some things a lot better than many other

A CEO’s Open Letter to His Team After the Tragedy in Orlando

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. This weekend, a stain was left on the fabric

Putting Your Management Attention on 66.66 Percent of the People

I’m not going to put all of my time into developing 100 percent of the people on my team. There you have it. That’s the truth. It may be harsh and cold, but

Get Beyond the Corporate Social Responsibility Lip Service

In 2014, corporations donated over $17.7 billion to charity. That was an increase of 13.7 percent over the previous year. Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is good for society but it’s also excellent

YOU are 6 Inches From Being Successful

Look around you. By your definition of success, are you successful? Do you have the life and money you need to have? Do you enjoy what you do for a living? Are you happy with your

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