Veteran Owned and Operated Combat Flip Flops Funds Education, Provides Jobs

As U.S. Army Rangers with several Afghanistan tours behind them, Matthew Griffin and Donald Lee witnessed firsthand the devastations of war. “We saw that lack of education and employment was the main driver of negative effects in these war-torn areas,” Matt said. “These countries were filled with hard-working, creative people who wanted jobs, not handouts.” Understanding the tremendous good that could arise from opportunities for fair employment, the two veterans, along with Matt’s brother-in-law, Andy, launched Combat Flip Flops in 2012. They support textile manufacturers in war-torn countries and use the profits to fund education and de-mining efforts around the world.

“The internet allows us to go directly to our consumers, the people who understand our product and care about our mission.”

Matthew Griffin, co-founder

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Since their early days as a three-man operation in Matt’s garage, Combat Flip Flops has relied on the internet “to sell directly to consumers, compete with big brands, and ultimately level the playing field,” Matt said. Today, online sales comprise 80 percent of their revenue. AdWords, Google’s advertising program, helps them market their footwear, clothing and accessories to consumers who believe in their mission. Google Analytics provides the customer insights “to refine our marketing in a thoughtful and methodical way and drive forward as a profitable company,” Don said. And G Suite tools Gmail, Docs, and Drive give them the logistical muscle of a much larger company.

“Google enables us to act as a very nimble team. Coming from a Special Operations environment, we love that,” Matt said.

Combat Flip Flops has been experiencing 450 percent annual growth.

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In 2016 alone, Combat Flip Flops generated nearly $1.5 million in revenue, growing 450 percent year-over-year. Through their sales, they’ve helped fund the clearing of 7,700 square meters of landmines in Laos, put 255 girls through school in Afghanistan, and provided permanent jobs for 40 at-risk workers in Colombia.

They’ve also partnered with a veteran-owned-and-operated apparel manufacturer in Washington state to support jobs at home while still advancing their cause. “When we first started, we felt alone and isolated. But now there are tens of thousands of people who want to see our mission go forward,” Matt said. “The ability to connect with all of them across any boundary, language, and timezone—that’s the best feature Google has provided us.”