Bombas was already thriving—scaling rapidly, achieving billions in sales, and donating more than 200 million items to people experiencing homelessness—when founder David Heath recognized that the company’s next phase of growth would require a different kind of leadership. He made the intentional decision to step aside as CEO, and Jason LaRose, a seasoned operator with experience scaling brands, was thoughtfully brought in—first as president, then as CEO—creating a seamless transition rooted in shared respect for Bombas’ purpose, culture, and product excellence.

We invited David Heath and Jason LaRose to share what it really takes to navigate a founder-to-CEO transition while preserving the soul of a purpose-driven company. They discuss the importance of humility, trust, and deep respect for what’s already been built, as well as the discipline required to scale without disrupting culture or diluting mission. From Jason’s intentional “listen-first” leadership approach to David’s continued role as a strategic partner, their conversation reveals how purpose can act as a north star through change and growth. They also explore how Bombas continues to innovate, expand into new categories and channels, and grow its giving network, all while proving that purpose isn’t a tradeoff to profitability, but a driver of it. For purpose-driven leaders, it’s a compelling story of how one leader passes purpose to the next—and how impact can grow without losing what matters most.

Listen for insights on:

Recognizing when founder leadership must evolve
Building trust before stepping into CEO role
Scaling operations without compromising mission integrity
Protecting culture during periods of rapid growth

Resources + Links:

Watch this episode on YouTube!
David Heath’s LinkedIn
Jason LaRose’s LinkedIn
Bombas Impact Report
Bombas Giving Partner Directory
Previous Purpose 360 Episode: The Love That Bombas Socks Made

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:13) - Meet David and Jason from Bombas
(02:56) - Backstories
(05:35) - How They Met
(07:32) - The Germ of the Idea
(10:13) - Jason’s Start
(14:30) - Dave’s Role
(16:46) - CEO Advice
(18:30) - First 60 Days and Volunteering
(20:41) - Expand Products
(22:31) - Superior Production
(24:18) - Moving Into Retail
(25:55) - Giving Partners
(28:17) - Looking to the Future
(30:12) - Message to Young People
(33:28) - Fast Track Questions
(38:42) - Last Word
(39:45) - Wrap Up