Today we’d like to introduce you to Randall Engstrom.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been fortunate enough to grow up around water, beaches, and boats my whole life. What started as a passion for lakes and rivers quickly adopted mother nature’s largest bodies of water, the oceans. I am proud to call San Diego, CA my home and business center. I believe a home isn’t just where you lay your head every night. A home is a place you feel safe, loved, and togetherness. It is in these moments we come together for a common purpose; to unite our communities and to help this unique world of ours thrive.
Without the community around me, I would never have been able to open a business; or been willing to take what I call the largest gamble of my life. There were some skeptics and some people that said starting a brick and mortar business dedicated to Local, Eco Friendly, and Charitable purposes and products in the times where big box retailers, fast fashion, and online mega stores are able to reach the masses couldn’t work. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a concern, but when you learn of the harm the textile and fashion industry cause to the environment(2nd largest harmful industry behind oil/plastic), I knew I wanted to set the goal of learning more about the industry and how to change it from the inside. So the process began 15 years ago, and finally reached its official beginning 5 years ago.
What was once an idea of carrying every single sandal known to man in one store evolved into creating a fun environment for the local community to enjoy year round; while also providing a unique experience to our yearly visitors. So finally in 2016 the doors opened and am super fortunate to not only reach my 5 year anniversary, but in that time with the help of my community and supporters have been able to donate over 6,000 shoes to impoverished communities here locally and around the world. I take the shoe donations and offer a 10% Donation Discount on any of the new items that fall into the local, eco-friendly, and charitable categories.
My shoppers have saved over $8000 just from donating unwanted shoes and sandals. I also have hosted 17 beach clean ups, and saved over 15,000 bottles and cans from ending up in the landfills or worse the oceans. The community has been amazing and rewarded me with an award for each year in business, best new business, best small business, best gift shop twice and the biggest, Small Business of the Year. I look forward to doing more beach clean ups and events every month.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are new challenges that arise everyday. I am very hands on and am at the shop daily. I think it’s important to do as much as I can and experience everyday so that when I am ready to bring on a staff, I will be able to discuss the challenges and successes each team member experiences from first hand knowledge. Anytime I catch myself beating myself up over an obstacle; I remind myself of some words of wisdom, everyday is a good day; some days are just better than others. It’s a great reminder to appreciate everyday we have, even when life can throw some challenges and disappointments in your direction.
As you know, we’re big fans of Randall’s Sandals. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Randall’s Sandals is the first brick and mortar store whose entire platform is based around helping the environment and giving to charities, locally and globally. This once simple sandal shop has now become an important pillar in the San Diego community, and the smaller, and smaller world we are living in today. The concept is still simple: focus on carrying the best beach essentials with an emphasis on local, eco-friendly, and charitable products that give back to the community.
Embrace the beach mentality and Keep it Simple in Sandals! Sandals are the #1 footwear worn around the world! Sandals are a staple for locals, and a must have souvenir for our beloved tourists. What better combination than that of carrying these great local products, the “farm to table” concept, and carrying eco-friendly and charitable products all in one friendly, free spirited, brick and mortar storefront called Randall’s Sandals, where you can shop with pride!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love San Diego!! I love how we have access to such wonderful natural wonders and environments. You can visit amazing mountains, waterfalls, and snow as well as beaches, parks, deserts, and forests. I’m trying to get Pacific Beach to be termed “San Diego’s Playground” because all of our amazing outdoor amenities. Surf, skate, bike, walk, run, boat, kayak, etc the list goes on it truly is an amazing place for an outdoor enthusiast and sunshine chaser and flip flop wearer such as myself. Haha.
Contact Info:
- Email: Randallssandalsrock@gmail.com
- Website: www.RandallsSandals.com
- Instagram: Randalls_Sandals
- Facebook: Randall’s Sandals
- Youtube: Randall’s Sandals
- Phone Number: 619-241-6138
