Wayne Elsey
Head Coach/CEO Elsey Enterprises
Media
Social
Biography
• str@tegic - focusing on leadership and business strategy
• Funds2Orgs - a social enterprise, with subsidiary brands, Sneakers4Funds and Shoes With Heart, that enable nonprofit organizations, civic groups, businesses and other to raise funds while helping to support micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations and the environment."
• SocialGoodU - an online university for non-profit education
• Not Your Father’s Charity (NYFC) - a forum that enables social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, non-profits, the media and general public to learn how to succeed in 21st Century social enterprise.
Additionally, Wayne is also a highly sought and dynamic public speaker and authority on topics related to leadership, branding, social activism, motivation, and community engagement. His network appearances include: NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, Today Show, & Fox News. He is also the author of “Almost Isn’t Good Enough”.
Prior to establishing Elsey Enterprises, Wayne was the CEO of Soles4Souls, which is a nonprofit he founded and turned into a $74 million organization in fewer than five years to help ensure that individuals in developing nations have access to shoes, which are necessary for hygiene, medical reasons, going to school and being able to work.
Wayne got started in business in the footwear industry at the age of 15. He went on develop in the field in various positions in manufacturing, management, sales and marketing. He served as President of Kodiak-Terra USA and as President and CEO of Footwear Specialties International (FSI) and grew the revenue 400 percent during his five-year tenure.
He has traveled extensively and continues to seek ways to make a difference on society and innovate new ways of doing business. During his spare time, Wayne enjoys water sports and the beach, travel and especially time with his family and young grandchildren.
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Founder - Soles4Souls
2004-12-26
Soles4Souls became one of the fastest-growing nonprofits in the country and resides in the top 1% of nonprofits in the US. From New Orleans to Nepal, Soles4Souls distributed more than 17 million pairs of shoes in more than 129 countries around the world.
President- Kodiak Group Holding CO.
2016-01-18
Developed and implemented the US roll out of a heritage brand based in Canada. This included marketing, product, operations and setting up the operation in Tennessee.
CEO-FSI
2016-01-18
Developed and implemented the overall marketing, operation, product and financial strategy to poise the company for growth after several tough, upstart years. We completely revamped the entire strategy to better position the company for the future.
Executive VP Business Development- Weinbrenner Shoe Company
2016-01-18
Managed and developed incremental opportunities to expand the companies profitability.
Exec VP of Business Development- EJ Footwear Group
2016-01-18
Worked closely with CEO and Divisional Presidents to identify, develop and implement strategies to offer incremental revenue to the company.
Regional Vice President- Stride Rite
2016-01-18
Developed and managed District, Store and sales associates throughout the region generating record top line sales and profitability. Developed strong team and enhanced the operations by new systems and strategies that were implemented company wide. Noted at the youngest VP of Stride Rite at that time.
Education
Stafford High School
1983
Affiliations
- MDRT
- Feed the Children
- Willow Creek Association
- Soles4Souls
Links
Testimonials
Fiona Odumosu, Communications & Recognition Supervisor
http://www.mdrt.orgMDRT Foundation
“Wayne Elsey was an impactful speaker who motivated thousands of our global conference attendees to stand up and make a difference. His personal story of perseverance and compassion resonated with our diverse group of professionals, and reminded everyone that we all do matter!”
Event Appearances
Almost Isn't Good Enough
MDRT Atlanta
Sample Talks
Almost Isn't Good Enough
In this presentation, Wayne walks through his story as a corporate executive that left the glamorous corporate world to start a new social enterprise venture. This presentation focuses on identifying people as drivers of their destinies who have the capacity to change the world. We must demand more from ourselves because almost, simply, isn’t good enough. We know people are hurting and suffering near us and around the world. This motivational talk will challenge you to do something that matters…today. You’ll leave inspired to get off the couch!
Get Off The Couch
Learn the 7 Grip & Rip Principles so you can get a handle on your life. Wayne has developed these principles after learning what it takes to be successful, and he shares them with you. He also talks how these 7 principles can be adapted to deal with your relationships, beginning with yourself. It then follows through on your relationships with your family and co-workers. Finally, Wayne helps you understand how to apply the 7 Grip & Principles to money and work so you can find the path to living your destiny, as you want to live it.
Rise and Fail of the Social Sector in the 21st Century
Running a nonprofit or social enterprise should parallel any for-profit company, but not according to cultural expectations. The enormous disruption that is happening in the charitable and philanthropic sectors because of technology is changing the dynamics of the industry. Learn how to stay ahead of the curve. During this presentation, Wayne discusses the philosophy and practice of each of these elements and offers an extensive Q& A session.
The Power of Brand Simplicity
After a stellar career in the footwear industry, Wayne learned the importance of driving a brand. Wayne discusses how the “simplicity” of the brand is what has propelled the success of his companies and organizations. The steps to “simplicity” will be explored as a way of maximizing the success of any company, organization or cause.
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Digital marketing and social media for a small business, social enterprise or nonprofit can be the quickest, most efficient way to tap into a wealth of supporters and followers. Dive deep into digital marketing. Learn the current tools Wayne and his team use for his businesses. Understand how to successfully engage people on everything from your website to your social media accounts.
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Author Appearance
- Corporate Training
