By Chase Anderson | April 6, 2020
greater good products

Andrew Eastman, a Senior Recruiter for Portland-based KEEN Footwear, spent time at Utah State University meeting with Outdoor Product Design and Design students as well as hosting an information session on internship and full-time opportunities with the company.

Eastman shared a brief history of the company and discussed the company’s product line and company values, which include a focus on people and products. KEEN is known for going above and beyond to find new ways of creating more sustainable and ethically sourced products. This includes finding more sustainable alternatives to chemical-based odor control in shoes or sourcing only ethically sourced leathers that are certified “Better Leather”.

The company not only strives to reduce impact on the planet through the products it creates but works to create a people-centric environment in the workplace. A dog friendly office is the norm as well as onsite daycare and a subsidized in-house kitchen where food is locally sourced from the surrounding area.

Eastman made it clear during his visit and throughout the presentation that KEEN is leading the outdoor industry when it comes to impact. He believes the Outdoor Product Design and Development program, which shares similar values, is doing what it takes to prepare students to further that impact across the industry.

Eastman's complete presentation can be seen in full below as well as a podcast interview from the Highlander Podcast team.

Industry collaborations made possible through the Manufacturing and Outdoor Products Support Hub, a partnership between Utah Manufacturing Extension Service and Outdoor Product Design & Development.