Vans founder passes away

Co-founder of Vans brand, Paul Van Doren, has passed away at the age of 90. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. 

“Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator,” Vans said on its statement.

“Paul’s bold experiments in product design, distribution and marketing, along with his knack for numbers and efficiency turned a family shoe business into a globally recognized brand.”

In 1966, Paul Van Doren founded the Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim, California with his brother Jim Van Doren and partners, Gordon Lee and Serge Delia. They initially offered only three different style of shoes, which prices ranged from US$2.49 to $4.99. Paul Van Doran ran the company until 1976 before his brother took over. 

The brand was sold to the banking firm McCown De Leew & Co before being merged into VF Corporation for about US$400 million in 2004. 

Paul Van Doren’s memoir, Authentic, was published nine days before his death. 

“Paul Van Doren’s dream and legalcy live on in the dedicated and passionate associates that make up the Vans, a VF Company, family,” VF Corporation said on its social media. 

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