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José Alejandro DeFlores, LLC Success Story

VOS WAS FOUNDED TO ANSWER A SIMPLE QUESTION: CAN PEOPLE AFFORD TO CARE?

VOS believes most people have a genuine desire to help others and the planet, but unfortunately the majority of these people don’t have the time or resources to have a significant impact on their own. Through their eco-friendly sandal and their Two Steps At A Time™ social initiative, VOS offers everyone the possibility to help others, keep the planet clean and they do it without asking people to spend more than what they usually spend.

The vision initially started 10 years ago in Brazil when José Alejandro saw the potential in a particular sandal he had not readily seen available in North America at the time. Over the next decade, he coupled this initial vision with his lifelong exposure to the developed and developing worlds and his keen consciousness of the natural environment that surrounds our daily lives.The initial product is a non-thong style sandal with a signature cross-over design made from 100% recyclable natural rubber engineered with a tire traction under sole for a secure grip. The initial collection is offered in a variety of eye-catching color combinations, which are readily available at www.vosflips.com.

José Alejandro genuinely believes in social responsibility and helping others in need, and he believes most people naturally want to help others but many times they do not know how to help. VOS is not only an eco-friendly brand but it also supports a social initiative. In partnership with Soles4Souls, for every pair of sandals sold, a pair will be given to a person in need in an under developed community, initially in Guatemala, where the product is currently being produced. The vision is for this social initiative to expand throughout all of Latin America and then into other regions of the world and to regions in need due to unforeseen natural disasters.

For every sandal that a consumer purchases they are also helping provide basic health care and education to the natural rubber producing communities that cultivate the raw material for the sandals. In partnership with AgroSalud and the Guatemalan National Rubber Association, natural rubber producing communities are bestowed clinics which provide basic health care and teach every day personal hygiene and education.
Having a recyclable sandal in a market filled with non-recyclable sandals helps differentiate the VOS brand, but that’s just half the battle. VOS has also designed a recycling program to truly fulfill its commitment to recycle its every step by offering consumers close to 900 recycling bins all over the United States. Thanks to the high quality of their sandals and their partnership with Soles4Souls, sandals that are gently worn will be donated to someone in need and worn out sandals will be recycled.

José Alejandro has worked with the International Trade Center by participating in training programs that provided him with in-depth training on import-related topics such as supplier management and quality control, import process, understanding US customs, paying for imports. Sr. International Trade Consultant Berenice Carmona has provided José Alejandro with in-depth market information, import regulations, assistance with distributor contract with manufacturer and helped him select the most appropriate trade shows for his products. Berenice also provided assistance in product marketing and finding potential buyers.

“We believe that it’s important to have short and long term goals in our business activities and social efforts if we want to operate successfully in the international business realm.” said José Alejandro Flores, President of DeFlores, LLC and Founder of VOS. “The unparalleled support and counsel provided by the International Trade Center has surpassed our expectations and is an undeniable pillar supporting the foundation of our organization.”

 

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