Paul Goodman, the Philanthropist Behind Pura Vida Bracelets

Paul Goodman had his life all planned out. Following high school in Agoura and college in San Diego, a career in finance  seemed well within reach. A straight shot apparently, until a trip to Costa Rica and a bunch of bracelets changed all that.

Surf’s up

Shortly after college graduation, Goodman and his pal, Griffin Thall, left for a trip to Costa Rica. The 22-year-old was eagerly anticipating the five-week breather. “I just wanted to relax and clear my head before I started working,” he said.

The Agoura native was also looking forward to hitting the beach and surfing, which is one of his passions. Then the duo met Jorge, a local, who was selling bright-colored, hand-made bracelets.

They hoarded Jorge’s bracelets that day. Upon their return, they gave the bracelets to Thall’s mom who was working in a boutique. Much to their surprise, the bracelets were a hit.

Stoked

Soon after, Goodman said goodbye to a career in finance and launched Pura Vida Bracelets with Thall as a partner. “We just came back with 400 bracelets and built our business from there,” he said.

According to Goodman, a portion of the business proceeds goes to the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots organization that preserves and protects oceans and beaches around the world.

“I grew up around surfing, so it was a natural choice for giving back,” Goodman explained. 

Pura Vida, which literally means “pure life” in Spanish, will also make and donate limited edition bracelets for organizations to help them with their fundraising.

Not new to philanthropy, Goodman stepped up when volunteers were needed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit. He also participated in several fundraisers for his baseball team all his playing life.

As for Jorge, his life has changed dramatically since that fateful day he met the avid surfers from California. He now lives in a larger, more comfortable house, a far cry from the shack he used to share with several people. He also has a team of ten people working with him and producing bracelets round-the-clock.

Every week, Pura Vida receives a shipment of 4,000 multi-hued bracelets from Jorge. The bracelets sell for $5 each in high-end boutiques, surf shops and celebrity hotspots in and around the LA area.

Symbolic bracelets

Goodman, who goes to work daily in flip-flops and board shorts, derives everyday inspiration, not just from the bracelets, but also from what they symbolize–“A sense of adventure, freedom; the pure life, basically.”

“Doing good and providing the locals in Costa Rica a means of livelihood also inspires me,” he said.