MEU, an acronym meaning Merciful Earth Uno, strives to cultivate a sense of responsibility to each other, the community, and the environment by providing well-made, eco-friendly clothing. Living and working on the basis of five key principles - quality, responsibility, trust, productivity, and independence - our organization will serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of humanity and goodwill for the well-being of mankind.
Mission:
To provide quality, eco-friendly apparel and accessories.
Products:
MEU strives to provide quality, slim-fit attire made from natural fibers such as organic cotton.
We operate under 5 principles:
- Quality - We are committed to providing services and products that exceed customer expectations
- Responsibility - By leading as an example, MEU seeks to encourage a sense of responsibility in customers for one's neighbors and the environment
- Trust - We aim to build long-lasting relationships with employees, outsourced help, and customers based on mutual trust and integrity
- Productivity - Our team will achieve high levels of productivity by using time-efficient practices and methodologies
- Independence - We believe in the potential of each individual and fostering a spirit of independence to help people achieve their dreams
Get To Know MEU's Owner, Ken Tobias
Blame it on being a daydreamer since he was a kid, but Hampton Roads native Ken Tobias was never satisfied with working the traditional 9 to 5. This notion was solidified while serving as an X-ray technician on the night shift for three years. His exact purpose, however, remained a mystery.
"I knew before I had even started to work for Radiation Physics that I didn't want to work as an x-ray tech till I retired. So as worked at my former company, I read lots of books on businesses," Ken is quoted as saying. "I also worked long hours to increase my pay check and stayed at my cousin's house. All the income I had saved I put into the stock market."
One author who inspired Ken, more than any other, was Tom Peters, who touted German small and medium-size businesses. His ideas about the German Middlestand (medium-size business) influenced Ken's business structure and management style. Specifically, he wanted his organization to be quality-obsessed, flexible, and focused on offering service to only a few businesses, allowing a more personalized and customer-centric focus.
Before even having a specific business in mind, Ken left Radiation Physics in Feb. 2007 and Live Out Loud, a wealth-building organization to lead him in the right direction. It wasn’t until August 2007, when Ken saw an episode of "The Big Idea" on CNBC. The show featured Bert Jacobs, the cofounder of Life Is Good, discussing the details of started their company.
From there, Ken had a new focus; he wanted to go into the apparel industry. The name MEU was something that popped in his head when a friend suggested developing an internet domain name. "For me, it meant, 'me' and 'you' working to do good," Ken said.
Now, the driving force behind MEU is to promote global and social awareness and responsibility, while providing organic cotton as an option to the more traditional fabrics. Working with acclaimed designer Adeline Sung, Green by Adeline, MEU plans to unveil its couture SlimFit tees in for the 2009 spring season. As the head of one of the only organic apparel companies in Virginia Beach, Ken is dedicated to giving back to the community that raised and supported him. In addition to MEU's goal to donate funds to deserving charities, Ken is an active member in the SPCA and Kiwanis.
According to Ken, "In the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the author notes of being principle centered. It is from here that one's judgment and actions are based. I strive to incorporate these not only in my business, but let them guide my every-day practices." |
