Key Takeaways
- Combat Flip Flops is a veteran-owned business founded by former U.S. Army Rangers who wanted to promote economic opportunity in conflict-affected regions.
- The company operates under the motto "Business, Not Bullets," emphasizing entrepreneurship as a pathway toward long-term stability and peace.
- Its products including footwear, apparel, and accessories are manufactured in locations such as Colombia, Laos, and the United States while supporting local artisans and communities.
Every successful business starts with an idea.
Some begin in a garage. Others begin in a college dorm room.
Combat Flip Flops began with a very different experience service in Afghanistan.
Founded by former U.S. Army Rangers Matthew "Griff" Griffin, Donald Lee, and Andy Sewrey, the company was created after the founders witnessed firsthand how limited economic opportunity could contribute to instability in conflict zones. Rather than asking how to win the next battle, they began asking a different question:
What if business itself could become part of the solution?
That question eventually became the foundation of one of the most recognizable veteran-owned lifestyle brands in America.
More Than Footwear
At first glance, Combat Flip Flops appears to be an apparel company.
The business sells flip-flops, shoes, clothing, bags, scarves, jewelry, and accessories.
But the products are only part of the story.
The founders built the company around a simple philosophy:
"Business, Not Bullets."
Instead of focusing solely on profits, Combat Flip Flops partners with manufacturers and artisans in regions that have experienced conflict, helping create sustainable employment opportunities while encouraging entrepreneurship and local economic development.
The company's mission demonstrates how commerce can sometimes become another tool for building stronger communities.
Turning Military Experience Into Entrepreneurship
Many veterans leave military service with leadership skills, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
Combat Flip Flops is an example of how those qualities can translate into entrepreneurship.
The founders took lessons learned during military service and applied them to business not by recreating military life, but by approaching global challenges through economic opportunity.
That perspective has helped the company build a distinctive brand that resonates with veterans, travelers, entrepreneurs, and customers interested in businesses with a broader social mission.
Supporting Education Through Business
One of the company's most well-known initiatives has been its support for education.
For years, Combat Flip Flops directed a portion of its business toward helping fund education for girls in Afghanistan through nonprofit partnerships, believing that education and economic opportunity are powerful tools for creating long-term change. The company has reported helping support the education of more than 1,000 Afghan girls through these efforts.
While programs have evolved over time, education has remained an important part of the company's broader mission.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Combat Flip Flops offers several valuable lessons for aspiring business owners.
First, successful businesses often begin with solving meaningful problems rather than simply selling products.
Second, a clear mission can become a competitive advantage. Customers increasingly support businesses whose values align with their own.
Finally, entrepreneurship can create positive impacts that extend far beyond financial performance. A business has the potential to strengthen communities, create jobs, support education, and inspire others while remaining commercially successful.
Looking Ahead
Combat Flip Flops continues to demonstrate that entrepreneurship and service do not have to be separate paths.
By combining military experience with business innovation, the company has created a brand that encourages customers to think differently about how commerce can influence communities around the world.
Whether someone purchases a product or simply learns about the company's story, Combat Flip Flops serves as a reminder that successful businesses can pursue both financial sustainability and meaningful social impact.
For veterans considering entrepreneurship, it is another example of how leadership developed through military service can become the foundation for building something that lasts long after the uniform comes off.
Editorial Note
Veteran-Owned Business Spotlight is a recurring series published by New To Education that highlights veteran-owned businesses and the stories behind them. These articles are intended for educational and informational purposes only. Inclusion in this series does not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of any company, product, or service. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making purchasing or business decisions.
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Sources
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Combat Flip Flops – Leadership Team
https://www.combatflipflops.com/pages/bios -
Military.com – How These Airborne Rangers Built a Successful Peacebuilding Company
https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/how-these-shark-tank-airborne-rangers-built-successful-peacebuilding-company.html -
Inc. – How an Afghani Prayer Rite Became One Entrepreneur's Aha Moment
https://www.inc.com/magazine/201611/leigh-buchanan/combat-flip-flops.html
