Mitscoots embodies the nature of their philanthropic cause

Mitscoots behind closed doors

Last week, AGBeat ran a feature story about how various companies are incorporating philanthropy in meaningful ways into their business model, and instead of the traditional corporate giving structure wherein a company shells out a percentage of profits, companies like Mitscoot (highlighted in the story) are making philanthropy the core of their business.

Inspirational American author, H. Jackson Brown Jr. once said that “our character is what we do when we think no one is looking,” echoing Henry Ford’s sentiment that “quality means doing right when no one is looking.” Often, companies are aware we are writing about them, and we receive gracious notes of thanks, but we were moved by Mitscoot’s response, who had no idea they were to even be mentioned in the very popular story.

Mitscoots founder, Tim Scott wrote the following unsolicited note to us, which we feel reiterates their mission and reveals the true nature of their company which embodies their mission:

“My name is Tim Scott and I am one of the co-founders of Mitscoots. I just wanted to take a second and give you a heartfelt and emphatic “thank you” for the article you wrote on Mitscoots. My wife Agata (the other co-founder) and I were recently on the Carnival Cruise ship Triumph drifting out at sea. Well it was about as bad as what you might have heard on the news and the both of us had come home in pretty low spirits with heavy hearts.

After getting back home to Austin last night, we have been trying to make sense of everything and trying to figure out how to pick up on the lives we feel so disconnected from. Well your article has reminded me of how important what we are doing is. We come off that boat knowing even more so the impact and dignity of the simple things in life and the need to help our fellow man. Call it a crash course in perspective.

In any case, I can’t thank you enough. You have served as the catalyst to get our company motor running at 110%. We love what we do and feel even more passionate to help those in need after our experiences.

You have done a great thing for me personally and for that I wish you all the best.”

Mitscoots.com founders Tim & Agata Scott stranded on Carnival’s Triumph ship (image via Facebook).

Tim had no idea we would publish these words, he had no idea we would write about them in the first place, but at every encounter we’ve had with the company, they are an inspirational example of living out their culture of altruism, dignity, and goodness.

What do you and your employees or team members say behind close doors to perpetuate the company culture? Are you true to the mission no matter who is watching?

^{About Mitscoots: “The retailer sells socks that are more durable than most other brands as they are designed for homeless people and others who may need to wear them for several days. For each pair of socks sold, the company donates another pair of socks to an organization that assists the homeless. The business also provides jobs to those that are unemployed, hiring workers to help with the packing and shipping process.”}