Originally contemplated in 1972, Jay “Sparky” Longley experimented making sandals in his Laguna Beach garage. With $200, Sparky bought a sewing machine and some rubber and started his conquest: To make the world’s best sandal. Sparky first started selling sandals to Dick Metz of Hobie where he could make 6 pairs and put them on consignment—they sold and Sparky made enough money to make 12 pairs. While this Hobie consignment operation went on, Sparky also tried selling sandals in the parking lot of the Sawdust Festival. From possibly angering Sawdust operators and other paying Sawdust vendors, Sparky was suggested to move down to San Clemente where he officially started Rainbow® Sandals, Inc. in 1974.
