VANS has published its memoir “Authentic” by founder Paul Van Doren. “Authentic” features a unique journey Paul, who dropped out of high school, went on to become an industry legend.
Raised in a blue-collar family, he began working as an errand boy for a local rubber factory when he was 16 years old. Based on his talent for handling numbers, natural efficiency, and know-how in producing canvas tennis shoes, his shop has grown into VANS, a global brand with annual sales of more than $4 billion.
Paul Van Doreen is not just a businessman, as evidenced by the fact that no retailer exclusively selling sneakers existed at the time of VANS’ first store opening in 1966, and that he adhered to experimental strategies in design, distribution and marketing. Behind the business, there were also challenges and crises to be solved, including hard work, bankruptcy, family discord, and improved consumer awareness of sneakers. The business memoir “Authentic” introduces his personal history in detail what process has led to the present VANS over 60 years, and what lessons and visions it contains.
“Authentic”, published by VANS, is available on its official website.
