The Speak Up For Blue Podcast

Alex Schulze grew up on a small island on the west coast of Florida, where he developed a passion for the ocean through activities like surfing, diving, and fishing. He initially pursued a degree in ocean engineering but later switched to business management and entrepreneurship after realizing he preferred hands-on work over desk jobs. Inspiration: The idea for 4ocean emerged during a surf trip to Bali, where Alex and his friends were confronted with the stark reality of plastic pollution on the beaches. This experience motivated them to find a way to fund ocean cleanup efforts. Initial Concept: They created the 4ocean bracelet, made from recycled materials, with the promise that each bracelet sold would fund the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean. This model was inspired by TOMS Shoes, aiming to connect consumers with a cause. Challenges: In the early days, Alex faced skepticism from potential employees who found the idea of being paid to collect trash unusual. The initial struggle to hire local c