Everyone knows Steve Madden's name and his shoes, but few are familiar with his story.
Over the past thirty years, Steve Madden has taken his eponymous shoe company from the fledgling start up he founded with a mere $1,100 to a global, multi-billion dollar brand. But Madden's mistakes, from his battle with addiction to the financial shortcuts that landed him in prison, are as important to his story as his most iconic shoes.
In this raw, intimate, and ultimately inspiring book, Madden holds nothing back as he shares what it took to get here and the lessons he's learned along the way. From his unconventional hiring strategies to his slavish devotion to product, Madden offers a business perspective that is as unique as his style. In The Cobbler, readers are treated to the wild ride of his rise, fall, and comeback. But they will also walk away uplifted by a man who has owned up to his mistakes and come back determined to give back and use his hard-won platform to create positive change.
About the Author
A man who wears many hats - and shoes, Steve Madden cannot be described in one word. He is an entrepreneur, an award-winning designer, and a business titan whose eponymous company is currently worth 3 billion dollars. On the flip side, he is an ex-con, a recovering addict, and a devoted family man. Over the past thirty years, the provocative shoe designer built a booming brand and nearly lost it all to "The Wolf of Wall Street," only to rebound by giving back and creating a global empire. Through it all, he hasn't forgotten his humble beginnings or his core consumer, resulting in millions of adoring fans worldwide.
Considered the fashion footwear mogul of the 21st century, Madden has an innate sense of what's hot, what's next, what's exciting, and more importantly, how this will translate to the customer. He is also an active philanthropist and mentor who supports a number of organizations that help those in need of a second chance.
Industry Reviews
"Steve has consistently and deliberately confronted and overcome various personal and business obstacles. He has achieved unprecedented levels of success and has built one of the most impressive shoe companies in the business. It is an inspirational story of an unlikely entrepreneur, who despite his continuing to defy all the rules, continues to prevail."
- Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Kenneth Cole Productions
"Steve Madden is the epitome of an addict underdog, his rise back to the top gave me hope as an addict myself to lead a clean, successful life. The Cobbler will give you the real truth about what it takes to go from the depths of a bottom to the cream that rises to the top."
- Stacey Griffith, Founding Instructor, Soul Cycle, and Author of Two Turns From Zero
"The Cobbler gave me rare insight into the mind of a brilliant and creative businessman. Steve has his demons that he owns up to here with the type of honesty that is rare and refreshing. A truly great read about a fascinating man."
- Donny Deutch, TV personality and Chairman Emeritus, Deutsch, Inc.
"In The Cobbler, Steve writes about his struggle with addiction in a way that is raw and real and incredibly inspiring. I know his story will give hope to a lot of people who are suffering, while educating others about what life is really like for an addict and what it takes to recover and succeed."
- Seamus Mullen, Chef and Author of Hero Food and Real Food Heals
"I'd recommend The Cobbler to anyone who's interested in starting a business, needs a little inspiration, or just loves a good story."
- Molly Sims, Model, Author, and Entrepreneur
