Proof was founded a few short years ago in 2011, but its roots run deep and can be traced back to the 1960s, when Bud Dame started a sawmill in southern Utah. The company Bud started is still in the family 60 years later; his grandsons, Brooks, Tanner and Taylor, spent their early years working in the family business and still have direct ties today. Their experience taught them a deep love for entrepreneurship, nature and all things wood.
The idea to start Proof surfaced in 2010, when founder Brooks was trying to create a bamboo ski pole in his garage. The idea was a failure, but it planted the seed that would eventually morph into Proof. In the following year, while building up the idea of a bamboo or wood consumer product, the first prototypes for Proof were created.
“To date, proof have opened two charitable eye clinics and they have plans for many more”
From the day the first pair of Proofs sold, the team have been involved in different charitable opportunities and ways to give back. Proof provides a sight giving surgery to people in the developing world who can’t afford it. Typically these are cataract surgeries that can be fixed easily with the right amenities. For every pair of shades sold, one of these sight giving surgeries is funded for a person in need. To date, proof have opened two charitable eye clinics they have plans for many more.
Beyond this, Proof ensures all wood is sustainably sourced, manufactures in a world class fair-paying factory with great worker conditions, and supports a range of other social causes.
