“We walk through life together with people who’ve been dealt a difficult hand,” explained Dan Fowler. It was such a simple thing, so humbly stated, it stopped podcast host, Laura, in her tracks! This simple sentence personifies who Dan Fowler is, how he thinks about and cares for people, and how and why he’s building his business, Reunion Shoes, in New Orleans.
Reunion Shoes happens to make and decorate (for lack of a better description of the artwork his team sends into the world) simple canvas sneakers. That’s the outer expression of what’s going on. Inside, however, lives are changing.
Dan is working under the umbrella of the Restoration Initiative, a non-profit incubator, providing space and support for small businesses committed to creating social good before other, more common business goals. Specifically, he’s working to support people who don’t live in traditional housing, who need access to certain kinds of support services (drug and alcohol rehab, counseling, medical care, and faith support, just to name a few).
The idea is to meet the needs of people – as they define them, rather than having services pushed upon them – and support them as they create the life they desire, learning to become self-sufficient, building dignity and respect along the way, and contributing to their communities in new ways.
It’s a deep and heartfelt conversation that touches on the ideas of asking, “How can I help?” as opposed to assuming we already know what’s best for someone else. It’s about taking baby steps that grow into considerable waves of change in a neighborhood or community. And it’s the personification of creating something with a great deal of consideration and intention.
If you thought your ideas were too insignificant to make a difference, I dare you to eavesdrop on this episode and walk away with that thought unchanged!
Dan’s Bio
Dan Fowler is the founder and director of Reunion Shoe Company, a social enterprise focused on hiring and supporting folks coming out of homelessness. He has worked in the homeless community in a variety of capacities, including advocacy, one-on-one ministry, and working alongside various systems of care. Dan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans. Dan grew up in Florida and has lived in New Orleans for the past 6 years. He loves tacos, old cars, and his wife, Audrey.
Connect with Dan:
Reunion Shoes on Facebook
