Lessons from a 186-year-old Businessman, Innovator and Philanthropist

From Bill Gates to Ted Turner to Warren Buffet, today’s business world is full of leaders who put their wealth toward the philanthropic ideals they care deeply about. It’s hard to imagine that thinking as common practice nearly 200 years ago, but one innovator, entrepreneur and businessman was consistently ahead of his time: Levi Strauss. In 1854, after being in business only one year, Strauss gave $5 of his initial profits to an orphanage in San Francisco. And today, that legacy of profits through principles lives on — at his company, with our employees and across the community.

Today marks the 186th birthday of Levi Strauss, a business pioneer. And as the historian for Levi Strauss & Co., I like to go back to where it all started to reflect upon some of those great lessons our founder left us.

Born in Bavaria in 1829, Strauss immigrated to San Francisco during the Gold Rush to set up shop. While most people know him as manufacturer of the world’s first blue jeans, not as many know him as a humanitarian. That initial $5 contribution was the first of many displays of his compassion for underprivileged children and his determination to improve his community. It also set a precedent for the philanthropic culture that exists at Levi Strauss & Co. today.

Though Strauss led a fortunate life, he made a point to think of the underprivileged. Strauss gave back throughout his life to a variety of causes, including a senior home, a flood-ravaged community in Mexico, public monuments and even the family of a fallen firefighter. I may be biased, but I’m especially proud of Strauss’ commitment to education through his contributions to my alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley, which you can see from Levi’s Plaza in San Francisco. Strauss’ donations to the school supported some of the first electric lights at the campus and a multitude of scholarships over the years.

Strauss understood a concept few others did, the idea that building the community around you is just as important as building the company you created — and it can be good for business, too. Strauss’ “profits through principles” philosophy is still deeply woven into the fabric of the company. One way we honor Strauss’ legacy is by giving a grant on his birthday to one of the causes near and dear to his heart, such as education, youth or public safety. This year, we’re proud to give the Levi Strauss Legacy Grant to The Pollination Project to provide future leaders and young social change agents with seed grants to help them launch community projects. I like to think that, as a young innovator, Strauss would have been a kindred spirit to many of these kids; we look forward to seeing what these young leaders create.

Levi Strauss & Co. established many firsts: the first blue jean, the first jean for women and the first multinational apparel company to set industry worker standards. He was also the first to speak out about many social issues. I love sharing these milestones as I tell the company’s story. But there is something more to be learned from the legacy of Levi Strauss & Co.

During a recent interview, I was asked the simple question: “What do you love about your job?” Well, who wouldn’t love telling the story of an iconic American company? But being a storyteller is only part of what I love about my job. I also love that our brand is built on authenticity, an authenticity that colors every part of the company and can be traced back to our founder, a man who was genuinely interested in helping people. People followed Levi Strauss’ lead not only because of his business acumen but also because of his spirit of community and generosity.

I am proud to work for a company built on authenticity. Happy 186th birthday to Levi Strauss — a pioneer, adventurer, innovator, businessman and, most importantly, humanitarian.