MEET THE INDUCTEES

MICHAEL BUDMAN AND DON GREEN

2005 INDUCTEE

ROOTS CANADA

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Michael Budman and Don Green first met in 1963 at Camp Tamakwa in Ontario. After graduating from Michigan State University, both Budman and Green took up permanent residence in Canada in 1969. Inspired by their teenage summer-camp experiences in Ontario’s Algonquin Park, they created a business that celebrates the natural beauty and culture of Canada.
Established in Toronto in 1973, ROOTS is Canada’s leading lifestyle brand, selling a wide range of clothing, leather goods and accessories for men and women of all ages.

Starting as a single store with a single product (the ROOTS Negative Heel Shoe), ROOTS grew by establishing other signature products, including leather jackets and bags, the ROOTS awards jacket, the ROOTS Beaver Athletic sweatshirt (a cultural phenomenon in 1985), the Tuff Boot and the leather club chair.

To expand its range of offerings, the privately held company has developed relationships with more than 20 licensees, producing shoes, underwear, fashion accessories, fragrances, watches, luggage, linens, home furnishings and more.
ROOTS has created a unique Canadian cachet by nurturing connections with high-profile entertainment and sports celebrities, and by customizing products for thousands of films, television shows, musical groups and sports teams.

The company has always emphasized an athletic lifestyle and a strong team spirit. This creates a natural fit with the Olympic Games – bringing together the best athletes with the best apparel brand. In 1998, ROOTS outfitted the Canadian snowboard team, gaining worldwide recognition for exceptional designs. Over subsequent summer and winter games, the company has developed relationships with additional teams. In 2004, the company dressed four countries – Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Barbados – with hopes for more in the future.

ROOTS products are available through 225 branded stores, including 140 in Canada, 5 in the United States, 12 in Taiwan and 68 in Korea. ROOTS products are also sold by independent retailers and department stores around the world.

ALL INDUCTEE PROFILES

Lisa Lisson
Lisa Lisson
2023 INDUCTEE
Chris Staples, Ian Grais & Tom Shepansky
Chris Staples, Ian Grais & Tom Shepansky
2023 INDUCTEE
Sandra Sanderson
Sandra Sanderson
2023 INDUCTEE
Noel O’Dea
Noel O'Dea
2023 INDUCTEE
Zak Mroueh
Zak Mroueh
2022 INDUCTEE
Edie Weiss
Edie Weiss
2022 INDUCTEE
Dani Reiss
Dani Reiss
2022 INDUCTEE
Chris Lang
Chris Lang
2022 INDUCTEE
Pritchard Brenda
Brenda Pritchard
2022 INDUCTEE
DR. ALAN MIDDLETON
DR. ALAN MIDDLETON
2005 INDUCTEE
PAUL ALOFS
PAUL ALOFS
2005 INDUCTEE
JUDY ELDER
JUDY ELDER
2005 INDUCTEE
STEPHEN GUNN
STEPHEN GUNN
2005 INDUCTEE
CHRISTINE MAGEE
CHRISTINE MAGEE
2005 INDUCTEE
PAUL LAVOIE
PAUL LAVOIE
2005 INDUCTEE
FRANK PALMER
FRANK PALMER
2005 INDUCTEE