The Sustainable Innovation MBA (SIMBA) cohort recently visited Darn Tough Vermont in Waterbury for an immersive site visit that brought sustainable manufacturing, social impact, and purpose-driven leadership to life. The experience offered a firsthand look at how the iconic sock company—famous for its “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life” promise—is weaving sustainability and innovation into every stitch.
The day began with a warm welcome from Kristen Graf, Global Director of Environmental and Social Responsibility. Kristen provided a deep dive into Darn Tough’s evolving approach to environmental stewardship. Highlights included innovative efforts to repurpose wool waste into proprietary new products, as well as R&D projects transforming sock waste into emergency blankets and insulation for vehicles and airplanes. Graf also discussed how the company is improving its material sourcing, traceability, and data tracking systems to enhance transparency and circularity.
Next, Courtney Laggner, Communications & Community Manager, shared how Darn Tough builds and sustains its strong community culture. The company’s social impact work reflects its values as a Vermont-rooted, family-owned business, from investing in local partnerships to deepening diversity and inclusion initiatives.
In a moment students won’t soon forget, Marc Cabot, Darn Tough’s 85-year-old founder and longtime visionary, made a surprise appearance. With humor, heart, and a twinkle in his eye, Cabot captivated the room with tales of the company’s founding, his unexpected journey to Vermont, and the passion that first got him into the sock business. You could hear a pin drop as students listened to the stories that continue to shape Darn Tough’s legacy.
The visit concluded with a behind-the-scenes factory tour led by Andrew Oliveri (SIMBA ’19), giving students a rare look at the sock-making process in action—from raw materials to finished product.
Students received a warm send-off from three SIMBA alumni now working at Darn Tough: Ted Carrick (’17), Andrew Oliveri (’19), and Sarah Wason (’21). Students had the chance to hear about their career journeys post-SIMBA and how their values and education have shaped their work at a mission-driven brand.
As the visit wrapped up, one message echoed loud and clear: at Darn Tough, they believe they’ve yet to make their best sock. That spirit of continuous improvement, curiosity, and commitment to doing better—one stitch at a time—is exactly what SIMBA students carry with them as they prepare to lead in a world that demands better business. Just like Darn Tough, they’re not done innovating—and their best work is still ahead.
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About the Author:
Emily Listowich is a current SI-MBA student with a background in outdoor recreation advocacy, nonprofit development, and creative storytelling. A proud Vermont transplant, Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree from UVM’s Rubenstein School in 2018, where she focused on Natural Resources and Community Development. Her professional experience includes managing multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, directing national film tours, and co-founding UVM’s Chicks on Sticks VT, a club dedicated to inclusivity in snowsports. Passionate about mission-driven work and cross-sector collaboration, Emily aspires to build bridges between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds to strengthen Vermont's communities and economy.