Although born in Detroit, Michigan,
they first met in 1963 at Camp Tamakwa in Ontario and were
inspired by the rugged outdoors. Budman was 13 and Green
was 10 years old. They became the campers who refused
to go home.
Despite their American 'roots', Budman and Green built a
company that was thoroughly Canadian, complete with a beaver
logo. They started out by opening a shoe store in Toronto
that sold specially hand-made 'earth shoes' which had a negative
heel. This fashion fad gradually faded out in favour
of the hugely popular line of ROOTS sweatshirts.
From the beautiful tranquillity of Algonquin Park, Budman
and Green describe the far from tranquil 25 years they have
spent building the ROOTS company and their marketing strategy
- ROOTS + Celebrities = Good Business. Old friends Dan
Aykroyd and Robbie Robertson
talk about their connection to the boys. Aykroyd confesses
to have been a shoe salesman in the original ROOTS store.
Despite their differing styles, Green and Budman's long standing
partnership seems as solid as the day it began. In family
scenes, viewers see that the two are living a Canadian dream.
Original Air Date - November 2, 1997
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