Trans Planted

Michael & Don did …

Growing up in Detroit, Michael & Don were just kids when they met at summer camp in Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario. They loved the place and its tremendous natural beauty. They came back year after year after year.

They loved it so much that after graduating from University and despite having their roots in Michigan they both ended up moving to Toronto.

Around that time the fashion industry was entering a phase of comfort over style. So the friends looked around for a product that made sense … and saw an opportunity in a negative heel shoe … essentially a shoe that would follow the natural arch of the foot.

They opened a small store on Yonge Street and came up with a simple brand name that reflected everything they loved about summer camp and Canada.

Well the shoes were a big hit … and many new stores were opened … but Michael & Don soon realised that maybe they should diversify in case the negative heal shoe business was a fad. So they got into clothing and branded sweatshirts and jackets … and it worked.

Today, the Michael & Don’s company has over 120 stores across Canada and the US … and is still true to its .. Roots.

Roots is a Great Idea because creating a product that stands for something can help you grow wildly.