From the cooperative cassava fields of Togo, located in the western part of Africa, to the shores of Lake Erie, our story spans three continents, all borne from a relationship that started over twenty years ago.
The central character of the American part of our story is Scot Smith, one of our founders. After growing up in Northern Ohio, Scot went on to have a successful career in industrial mining and engineering, ultimately running large divisions of public companies in Europe. At the same time, Michael Gorman was still in high school where he was lucky enough to have Carol Smith, Scot’s mom, as a teacher. The relationship between the Smith family and Mike grew from there. And, today, almost twenty years later, it is only growing stronger.
Scot’s global travels and spirit for doing good in the world led him to meet Kodjo Afidegnon, who is Tonomi’s partner in Togo. Kodjo is a tour-de-force himself. Holding a doctorate from the University of Toledo, Kodjo worked in numerous global companies before making the decision to return to Togo and help his country prosper.
Together, Scot, Mike, and Kodjo envisioned a project where they could empower Togolese farmers to prosper. This isn’t about giving the farmers money, this is about finding a market for the fine product they produce, thereby allowing them to make a solid living doing what they love.
Enter Tonomi—a brand that is all about baking for the better. We aim to do good and well at the same time. Ten percent of our profits are returned to a Togolese foundation that enables women and children's empowerment in Togo. From connecting farmers with the latest technology to helping provide a proper school for Togolese children, we are about more than just Cassava. We are about empowering Togo.