Tom Austin, who once took streetwear brand AND1 to unsurpassable heights, also inadvertently led to its downfall, sales-wise. Now, he’s the subject of Netflix’s Not to mention: The rise and fall of AND1. Here we try to provide you with details about his net worth, wife, age and current residence.
So, learn more by reading this article.
Meet Tom Austin, Co-Founder of AND1 on Netflix Not to mention: The rise and fall of AND1
Tom Austin, one of the co-founders of AND1, is the subject of Netflix Not to mention: The rise and fall of AND1. The show takes viewers through a fascinating story of how a successful streetball-inspired company grew from strength to strength and then its market share suddenly plummeted. Growing up, he felt shy but soon discovered that basketball, both his true passion and an inherently individual group activity, allowed him to connect with others without significant difficulty.
As a result, Tom readily accepted Seth Berger’s proposal to start a basketball-focused company with him in 1993. Seth was his classmate at Wharton and an athlete.
“I don’t have any technical skills. [at the time],” Tom said on the show. “I just did very low-level jobs. You know, washing dishes, waiting tables. So when I heard [Seth and Jay Coen Gilbert] working for a basketball startup, that was like a lifeline for me, right? Because I just wanted to connect with the game and I wanted to wear shorts to work.”
In fact, Tom immediately showed that he was capable of working as a partner because his initiative and diligence helped found AND1 through his t-shirts that said bad words. The two original co-founders were Seth Berger and Jay Coen Gilbert but things changed when Tom Austin was brought in. The three of them came up with the idea of creating a clothing line that used catchphrases used on the basketball court.
Tom served as CEO of the company for two years, oversaw the creation of footwear for five years, and even Jay admits that he was the “brains behind” the business. He also created the brand’s signature shoes, his biggest contribution to the brand’s growth.
They decided to enter the sneaker market to compete with companies like Nike. However, things did not go as they had hoped. In his NBA debut, Stephon Marbury wore their first pair of shoes and injured his ankle after falling awkwardly. Austin took over the creation of AND1’s signature shoe after this mistake. His design eventually became very popular, even with NBA players. Vince Carter wore a pair of AND1 sneakers during his legendary dunk performance. Unfortunately for them, the All-Star forward soon signed an endorsement deal with Nike.
But AND1’s fate took a turn that no one could have imagined.
“I ended up being diagnosed with dyslexia,” Tom said on the show. He added, “I lost about 20-30 pounds… I just got worse, physically and mentally. For the first time in my life, it wasn’t fun.” He left. AND1 in 2003, not realizing that his departure alone would result in a $130 million drop in sales and a fundamentally changed work environment.
Tom Austin apparently took a few years to focus solely on himself and his overall health after leaving AND1 before deciding to continue his education.
As for the original co-founders, Seth serves as the CEO of Sixers Innovation Lab. Jay is the CEO of Imperative 21 and co-founder of B Lab (the B Corporation movement). In 2006, he founded B Lab, which certifies businesses called B Corps that are driving systemic improvements in the economy. He has also contributed to Forbes.
Tom Austin’s career
After AND1, where Tom Austin worked from 1993 to 2003, he probably took a two-year break to take care of his health.
Tom then attended the University of Pennsylvania to earn his Master’s degree in Human Development/Education, graduating in 2008. Furthermore, in 2008, he attended the University of Southern California, where he joined the Department of Cinematic Arts and studied Fine Arts, Screenwriting, Directing, and Editing. He graduated in 2011.
Furthermore, he earned a Bachelor of Business with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School in 1993 and completed his high school education at Bishop Guertin High School in 1989.
In June 2011, Tom joined Sumo Ant as Managing Partner. He served the company for eight years until 2019.
In 2022, Tom worked at Talytica as an advisor and Masterchats as CEO & Co-Founder.
Furthermore, his LinkedIn reveals that he has also volunteered at Mucker Capital, StartEngine, and Make In LA as a mentor and advisor to startups.
What is Tom Austin’s net worth?
At the time of this article’s publication in late August 2022, Tom Austin’s net worth exceeds $15 million.
Tom Austin’s wife
Despite Tom Austin’s prolific and successful career, his personal life is kept out of the public eye. However, on his blog, he has mentioned that he is married and has two daughters with her.
Tom Austin’s age
November 1971 marks the year Tom Austin was born. Therefore, he is 50 years old in 2022.
Related FAQs
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Where is Tom Austin from?
Tom Austin is said to be from New England but his family has moved around several times. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Other sources on the web also reveal that he is from Nashua, New Hampshire.
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Does Tom Austin use Instagram and Facebook?
No, Tom Austin doesn’t appear to be on Instagram or Facebook. But he is on Twitter (@TalyticaHR).