S05 EP 06: Kim Falkenhayn, Okabashi Shoes

When “Made in America” Means “Made Sustainably”

Currently, fewer than 2% of shoes worn in the United States are made here. Most are
manufactured overseas by a labor force that works in conditions that would not be acceptable for
American workers.
In contrast, Okabashi, a family-owned and operated footwear manufacturer, makes all of its
shoes in America, employing more than 200 people at its factory and headquarters in Buford,
GA. As a result, its flip flops, sandals and clogs travel almost 10,000 fewer miles than the
average imported shoe, substantially reducing their carbon footprint.
The Bard MBA’s Cory Skuldt recently spoke with Kim Falkenhayn, the company’s President,
about the challenges and opportunities presented by Okabashi’s commitment both to local
manufacturing and to closed-loop recycling.