Business Speakers
Rob Forkan and Paul Forkan are the co-founders of Gandys.
Initially just selling flip-flops, Gandys is now positioned as a travel inspired lifestyle fashion label with a number of London stores.
As well as their signature flip flops, Gandys other products include their best-selling backpack, a clothing line for men and women and a popular selection of unisex items.
The unique history of Gandys began with a trip halfway around the world, when the Forkan family sold everything they owned to explore and volunteer around the world together.
On Boxing Day 2004, Rob and Paul’s lives were changed forever when they tragically lost their parents in the devastating Tsunami which hit Sri Lanka.
Narrowly escaping the tsunami, Rob and Paul faced a perilous journey across Sri Lanka, hitch-hiking with their younger siblings (aged 7 – 18) across the decimated country.
“Rob and Paul’s story was very moving and I was humbled by their ability to turn a personal tragedy into something so positive”
Sir Richard Branson
Rob and Paul’s parents raised them to believe they should do more in life than just exist, instilling in them a keen interest in travelling and adventure.
This awakened a burning desire to create something unique in honour of their adventurous parents, and so Gandys was born.
The brand’s mission was to stop people passively letting life go by when they could be doing more.
Rob and Paul founded Gandys in order to support their Orphans for Orphans foundation.
Gandys donate 10% of their profits to help underprivileged children by building children’s homes across the world.
They have a number of stores in central London and multiple pop-ups throughout the year.
As keynote speakers, available together or individually, Rob and Paul Forkan’s story is an enthralling, harrowing, but ultimately uplifting journey from the slums of India and the tsunami, to the boardrooms of the City of London, Downing Street and beyond.
Speaking topics include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Motivation
- Overcoming Adversity
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Inspiration
- Social Awareness
- Sustainability
- Enterprise
- Retail
