Business

Chamber luncheon to feature Combat Flip Flops co-founder

Former Army Ranger Matthew Griffin, left, and and brother-in-law Andy Sewrey, of Combat Flip Flops in Issaquah, show off a night vision black Sarong handmade in Afghanistan. Griffin will address chamber members Tuesday in the group’s annual luncheon.
Former Army Ranger Matthew Griffin, left, and and brother-in-law Andy Sewrey, of Combat Flip Flops in Issaquah, show off a night vision black Sarong handmade in Afghanistan. Griffin will address chamber members Tuesday in the group’s annual luncheon. dkoepfler@thenewstribune.com

The annual meeting for the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber will feature a speaker familiar with operating in the face of adversity.

Ex-Army Ranger Matthew “Griff” Griffin left the military a decade ago after three tours in Afghanistan. Since then, he co-founded Combat Flip Flops, which is based in Issaquah.

Griffin and business partner Donald Lee served together in Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. They launched their business in 2011 with Griffin’s brother-in-law, Andy Sewrey, hoping to sell sandals made in Afghanistan.

The company now sells footwear made in Colombia and scarves from Afghanistan. Jewelry is made from melted-down bombs dropped on Laos decades ago.

Griffin will address chamber members Tuesday at the group’s annual luncheon.

The annual meeting will be from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma. Tickets are $80 for chamber members or $100 for nonmembers. Prices rise to $90 and $120 respectively the day of the event.

For more information, contact Jennifer Chernut, 253-683-4881.

Includes information from The News Tribune archives.

Kate Martin: 253-597-8542, @KateReports

This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Chamber luncheon to feature Combat Flip Flops co-founder."

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