OTTO Shoes 40 Years

Summary

Auto Shoes traces its roots to Manuel P. Sampson, a young shoemaker from a family tradition of craftsmanship in Marikina. Growing from backyard production to a full retail arm of SOG Manufacturing Corporation, the brand now produces 4,000 pairs daily and operates 72 stores nationwide. Known for stylish, durable Filipino-made leather footwear for all ages, Auto Shoes modernizes production with advanced equipment and e-commerce partnerships while preserving artisan quality. The company invests in environmental measures—solar panels, activated carbon filters, biodegradable packaging—and supports its 576 employees through ethical practices. Celebrating nearly 50 years, Auto Shoes aims to evolve with Filipino tastes while keeping its shoemaking legacy alive.

Takeaways

• 😀 Auto Shoes was founded by Manuel P. Sampson, a member of a family of shoemakers, who started crafting shoes in his backyard in Marikina.
• 😀 The company grew from a small operation into a renowned brand known for stylish, high-quality leather footwear for all ages.
• 😀 As of 2019, Auto Shoes operates 72 stores across the Philippines and produces 4,000 pairs of shoes daily.
• 😀 In addition to shoes, the MPS Group manufactures rubber sheets, injection-molded shoes, slippers, and supplies components for shoe production.
• 😀 Auto Shoes embraces e-commerce, partnering with major online platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora to expand its market reach.
• 😀 The company invests in modern equipment to keep production efficient while maintaining traditional craftsmanship.
• 😀 Auto Shoes is committed to reducing its environmental impact, using solar panels, carbon filters, and eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging.
• 😀 The company fosters ethical business practices, focusing on the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of its 576 employees.
• 😀 With almost 50 years in the shoe business, Auto Shoes plans to continue growing, upgrading its facilities, and increasing revenue in the coming years.
• 😀 Manuel P. Sampson envisions Auto Shoes adapting to modern Filipino aesthetics while continuously improving the customer experience and maintaining a 'business to human' approach.
• 😀 Auto Shoes credits its success to the dedication of its employees and is proud of the new generation of shoemakers who will continue its legacy.

Q & A

What inspired the creation of Auto Shoes?

Auto Shoes was born out of Manuel P. Sampson's passion for shoemaking, coming from a family of shoemakers who instilled in him the value of hard work. He started making shoes in the backyard of their ancestral home in Marikina.

How did Manuel P. Sampson grow Auto Shoes into a successful business?

With the help of his parents and wife, Manuel P. Sampson was able to establish Auto Shoes as a retail arm of SOG Manufacturing Corporation, growing it into a well-known brand in the Philippines.

What is Auto Shoes known for today?

Today, Auto Shoes is known for its stylish and high-quality leather footwear, offering products for all ages including school shoes, work shoes, and leisure footwear.

How many pairs of shoes does Auto Shoes produce daily?

As of 2019, Auto Shoes produces 4,000 pairs of shoes every day.

How has Auto Shoes adapted to the digital age?

Auto Shoes has expanded its presence by utilizing online platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora, making their products available to a wider market.

What kind of environmental initiatives does Auto Shoes implement?

Auto Shoes has incorporated solar panels in its workshop, uses activated carbon filters to clean the air, and ensures that its packaging is biodegradable and eco-friendly to reduce waste.

How does Auto Shoes take care of its employees?

Auto Shoes provides a positive work culture for its 576 employees, ensuring their emotional, physical, and financial well-being. The company is committed to ethical business practices and treats each employee equally.

What does Manuel P. Sampson envision for Auto Shoes in the future?

Manuel P. Sampson envisions that Auto Shoes will continue to evolve by adapting to the aesthetics of modern Filipino design, redesigning its brand, improving customer experience, and embracing a business-to-human approach.

What legacy does Auto Shoes intend to carry forward?

Auto Shoes aims to carry on the legacy of hard work and dedication that its employees have contributed over the years, ensuring the brand remains trusted and relevant for future generations.

How does Auto Shoes plan to maintain its quality in the future?

The MPS Group of Companies plans to upgrade its facilities to maintain high standards of workmanship, ensuring Auto Shoes continues to produce quality products and expand its revenue in the coming years.