From bathtubs to Selfridges - Rob Forkan on his great adventure

Rob Forkan from award winning social enterprise, Gandys flipflops, takes us on his incredible life-meets-business journey through India where he and his family moved when he was 13. They worked at different organisations while living in India and 'learnt more through those years of travelling than ever would in a classroom in Croydon.'

After being caught in the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka, where they tragically lost their parents, Rob and his siblings have used strength, courage and endurance to not only rebuild their lives but to help the lives of others. 

Gandys flip flops, which is now a popular brand sold in highstreet retailers across the UK, helps 'fellow orphans' through the Gandys Foundation. 10% of every pair of flip flops you buy goes to the Gandys Foundation. 

The brand represents the values Rob and his sibling's parents instilled in them - they returned to Sri Lanka and have funded a children's home for the next three years, doing something 'much more powerful' and giving back to the part of the world where their incredible adventure began.

"Gandys gives us the drive and the passion to do what we do," Rob said. "You need to make the most of life and you need to do something with it." 

In the long term, Gandys hopes to sell products and have children's homes all around the world. For now they go step-by-step, using the positive influences around them to ensure the business continues to thrive.

Rob's story is the perfect way to kick off this adventure summit. Gandys Flipflops is a fantastic example of how courage in life can inform determination in business - dare to think big and to follow your passion, whatever that journey may be. 

By Sophie Turton

@turtonsophie

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