Who is Footprint? How did two guys from Intel end up becoming environmentalists with an agenda to save the planet? Here’s how: Plastic is everywhere. It’s insane! Did you know you could be eating a credit card’s worth of plastic a week? The crisis in front of them prompted the Footprint Co-Founders to pivot entirely. Change is scary, but at the end of the day, they wanted to do something that their kids will not only be proud of but will help their futures. How much of a say do we have in the kind of earth we’re leaving to our kids? Water is bottled in plastic, paper cups have plastic coatings, fruit is wrapped in plastic. Where does this all end up — landfills… The world is drowning in plastic! Some people just want a challenge, just like the people fighting towards transforming climate change. By changing the thought process of waste and developing composting technologies, we can get to significantly eliminating plastic. In this episode, Troy and Heather talk about the founding of Footprint US, the crazy stories behind how the Footprint co-founders came together, and how Footprint is changing the world. Let’s save the world from drowning in plastic! In this episode we discuss COVID-19 made us miss traveling, connecting with people, and the worldLet’s work on changes we can make on this planet and listen to people working their tails offYoke and Troy’s unforgettable kayaking adventure: A precursor to their partnership Friendship is critical to developing and nurturing a great business Observing excessive plastic waste induced the shift from working for Intel to becoming founders of FootprintAt the end of the day, it is all about leaving the world a better place for our childrenSupport comes in after innovation but the suppliers will be let downWorking with a team with the same vision and burning passion for change keeps us optimistic Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Yoke Chung leads world-class engineers, scientists, environmentalists, and designers delivering new materials science technologies. As a first step, he’s worked in close partnership with our customers at some of the most well-known brands to innovate new, plant-based materials that perform like plastic while keeping harmful chemicals out of the food chain. His team does this through materials science, technical and manufacturing innovation. Yoke not only oversees all technology development at Footprint, but is also responsible for the design and development of the advanced automated processes in Footprint’s factories worldwide.Yoke served in many roles during a 14-year tenure at Intel where he developed Intel’s first environmentally friendly Pb-free electronic package, and where he also met his Footprint co-founder Troy Swope. He later went on to join Troy as the VP of technology, manufacturing, and materials at Unisource Global Solutions where he led material engineering, product development, quality engineering and technology development center teams, before the duo founded Footprint together in 2014. Yoke holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University Connect with Yoke Chung on LinkedIn . Senior Vice President of Sales Jeff Bassett leads global sales at Footprint focused on introducing global consumer brands to a sustainable alternative to plastic. Jeff joined the Footprint team at the company’s inception from Education Leadership Analytics (ELA), an organization focused on helping private and public school systems achieve scholastic excellence, where he served as the director of communications. Prior to ELA, Jeff spent nearly 8 years combined in marketing and research roles at Unisource Global Solutions and Commercial Properties Inc. Jeff graduated from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Connect with Jeff Bassett on LinkedIn This Podcast is brought to you by Footprint US Footprint is a materials science company founded to create a healthier planet. Today, we are inventing and manufacturing solutions that replace short-term use plastic. Learn More: www.footprintus.com Connect with Footprint US Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Youtube LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to help save the world from drowning in plastic. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Itunes or Libsyn.
