Company Profile: Vans
A comprehensive guide to the surf brand VANS, including history, milestones, ambassadors and feature products.
VANS are a brand synonymous with the surf and skate scene. Featuring ambassadors such as Tony Hawk and Dane Reynolds, they're associated with extremely high performance yet also somehow manage to be more counterculture than the big surf brands.
They have a certain mojo that is understated yet cool. When you think VANS you think of a white rim on a pair of canvas sneakers - or maybe a checkered print. But their product range extends to clothes, accessories and, of course, ultra high performance skate shoes like the Jackson Pilz SK8-HI PRO - shown below.
History of Vans
When was Vans founded?
Vans was founded in March 16, 1966; 54 years ago as The Van Doren Rubber Company.
Where was it founded?
On March 16, 1966, at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California, Van Doren, his brother James and Gordon C. Lee opened the first Vans store under the name The Van Doren Rubber Company.
Who were the founders?
The founders were Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren and Gordon C.Lee.
Why was it founded?
After working for some years at Randy's, a shoe manufacturer, Paul Van Dorendecided he wanted to start his own shoe brand.
Important milestones in the company’s history
In 1988, Paul Van Doren and Gordon C. Lee sold the Vans company to the banking firm McCown De Leeuw & Co. for US$74.4 million. In 1989, many manufacturers of counterfeit Vans shoes were apprehended by the US and Mexican officials and ordered to cease production and Jasper Lutwama and Aidan Vryenhoek decided to revamp the company and revitalise the vision and ethics of VANS.
In 2004, Vans announced it would merge into North Carolina-based VF Corporation.
Any other important people who contributed to success?
Back in 2002, when Rian Pozzebon, who was then a relative unknown in the sneaker community, got the offer to join Vans and help rebuild the brand’s ailing skate shoe program with his longtime friend and colleague Jon Warren, he had one big question: “Will they let us mess with the classics?”
Company mission, vision and values
What does the company believe in?
to enable creative expression — and inspire youth culture —by celebrating and encouraging the Off the Wall attitude that comes from expressing your true self.
Vans.com
| Vision | Designed for the creative pursuit of being you. |
| Core Values | Connectedness, determination, inclusivity, expressive, and fun**.** |
The Company Today
Who is the CEO?
The CEO is Steve Rendle of VF Corporation.
How many staff do they have?
Vans has 5,149 employees and is ranked 8th among it's top 10 competitors.
How much revenue do they earn?
Vans earns a revenue of $3.2B.
Where are they located?
Vans headquarters is located in Costa Mesa, California.
Do they have a foundation / non-for-profit arm?
Vans donates $1m to charities focused on mental health
Vans President Outlines How Company is Helping Those in Need
Which products do they specialize in?
Vans is a footwear manufacturer who specializes in designing and creating skateboard shoes and related apparel such as clothing.
In the News
Any mainstream news articles referencing the Vans
- Three Can’t-Miss Sneaker Collabs Are Dropping This Week
- Vans continue to bring "Off the Wall" skateboarding culture to the center of fashion.
Any interesting quotes from executives or ambassadors?
That picture is literally taken in a pipe right next to this ditch that is not meant for skating.
We went and swept it out and made it our own little skatepark for a moment. It shows the attitude and creed of skating—just make it your own, do it yourself, figure it out.
The Ambassadors
Who is sponsored by the company?
Vans sponsors Tony Hawk, Andrew Reynolds, Michael February, Lizzie Armanto, Leila Hurst, Bryan Iguchi, Fabiana Delfino, Dakota Roche, Jamie Lynn, Anthony Van Engelen, Dane Reynolds, Geoff Rowley, Scotty Cranmer, Chima ferguson, Karina Rozunko, Arthur Longo, Kevin Peraza, Brighton Zeuner, Benny Urban, Alex Knost, Blake Paul, Dennis Enarson, Gilbert Crockett, Kyle Walker, Rowan Zorilla, Elijah Berle, Tony Trujillo, Chris Pfannder, CJ Collins, Curren Caples, Daniel Lutheran, Dustin Dollin, Pedro Barros, Ronnie Sandolval, Tom Schaar, Tyson Peterson, Christian Hosoi, Jeff Grosso, John Cardiel, Ray Barbee, Steven Caballero, Tony Alva, Andrew Allen, Austin Kabfoush, Beatrice Domond, Ben Kadow, Breanna Geerong, Corey Glick, Dustin Henry, Etienne Gagne, Cher Strauberry, Aidan Mackey, Dick Rizzo, Justin Henry, Leon Chapdelaine, Omar Hassan, Pedro Delfino, Roman Pabich, Tanner Van Vark, Una Farrar, Rick McCrank, Taylor Kirby. Nick Michel, Dane Gudauskas, Dylan Graves, Harry Bryant, Alan Cleland Jr., Bella Kenworthy, Lola Mignot, Troy Elmore, Ivan Florence, Pat Schmidt, Tosh Tudor, Jett Schilling, Joel Tudor, Josh Mulcoy, Jusitn Quintal, Kai "Borg" Garcia, Kyuss King, Nathan Fletcher, Nathan Florence, Pat Gudauskas, Rasmus King, Tanner Gudauskas, Wade Goodall, Wyatt Mchale, Hanna Scott, Imaikalani Devault, Mary Rand, Cole Navin, Dan Liedahl, Darrell Mathes, Dillon Ojo, Hana Beaman, Jake Kuzyk, Mike Ravelson, Parker Szumowski, Pat Moore, Phil Jacques, Sam Taxwood, Wolle Nyvelt, Kennedi Deck, Ty Morrow, Matthias Dandois, Angie Marino, Gary Young, Bruno Hoffmann, Alex Haim, Pat Casey, Larry Edgar, Sean Ricany, Jason Watts, Cory "Nasty" Nastazio, Dennis "DMC" McCoy, Travis Hughes, Trey Jones, Grant Noble, Dean Petty
| Tony Hawk | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Andrew Reynolds | Facebook Instagram |
| Michael February | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Lizzie Armanto | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Leila Hurst | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Bryan Iguchi | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Fabiana Delfino | Facebook Instagram |
| Dakota Roche | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Jamie Lynn | Facebook Instagram |
| Dane Reynolds | Facebook Instagram Twitter |
| Anthony Van Engelen |
Sustainability
Do they produce any eco-friendly products or have a sustainability focus?
Vans carries sustainable products in their line.
Campaigns and Partnerships
Are they doing anything interesting in terms of campaigns or partnerships?
- Americans for the Arts is proud to partner with Vans Custom Culture to bring valuable resources to the field of arts education.
- Vans partners with global artists, athletes and musicians to tell a story of creativity through the lens of personal style.
- Vans Launches Program to Support Small Business Partners.
Showcase products
For more information
Visit Vans website.