Bombas Co-Founder Shares Entrepreneurial Insights with SCH Academy Students

Andrew Heath, co-founder of popular sock and apparel brand Bombas, recently visited SCH to share his entrepreneurial journey with Upper School CEL students, faculty, and staff. Heath emphasized the importance of innovation, passion, and a strong “Bee Better” mission in building a successful business.

He recounted how a seemingly simple idea—improving the humble sock—led to the creation of a thriving company. Highlighting the need to differentiate products in a crowded market, he illustrated how Bombas achieved success by focusing on quality, comfort, and a unique social mission. 

"Everyone can have an idea," Heath said, "but executing that idea is what differentiates you." 

Heath’s brother had years of sales experience and the initial idea for a sock company, and he brought Heath in as the finance and marketing guru. "Surround yourself with people who have what you don’t, do what you don’t, are what you aren’t – that’s how you build a successful team,” advised Heath.

Together, the brothers fashioned an ideal sock and co-founded a company that eventually had the top-selling product in the history of Shark Tank with more than 1 billion dollars in lifetime sales. 

Bombas' commitment to giving back, donating one pair of socks for every pair sold, has been a key driver of its success. Heath explained how the company has evolved its giving model over time to align with the specific needs of those in need, never losing sight of its original authentic mission to give back. Bombas has now donated more than 100 million essential apparel items—socks, underwear, t-shirts—to those at-risk, in need, and experiencing homelessness. 

"Through speaker events like this one," says Ed Glassman, director of CEL, "CEL teaches students the value of creative thinking, relentless effort, and social responsibility."