I worked at the Boulder Country Club, where most of the cofounders of Crocs were members. Those shoes blew up at the club; before I knew it, I was receiving all sorts of pairs in different colors as 'bonuses' or gifts from the members.

It not only takes smart business operations as detailed in that article, but a strong community. Crocs birthed in a community full of power and wealth, and that helped a great deal. Hell, Michael Jordan received a few pairs of Crocs when he came to the club for a golf tournament...