In this conversation with Joe Foster the Founder of Reebok, we certainly cover some ground and stories, and it would be really easy to look back on them from a perspective of the success we know that Reebok went on to become. I think it is really important to hear the messages behind the stories. The messages of hard work and determination, of relationship development, of taking risks and seeing things that others didn’t.
To me, it was fascinating to hear how it was very much a family business, yet it was important to understand the roles that everyone played within that business to really unlock its true potential. It was amazing to hear how the feuding of Joe’s father and uncle created a culture that he and his brother Jeff did not want to be part of as they saw it was stuck in the past and it had no real future, it was unsustainable. But that is just the beginning, starting a new business is one thing, getting it going and becoming a success is another. This whole conversation is one of spotting opportunities, identifying challenges, solving problems, finding the right people, creating the right environment and opening new markets.
Joe has written a book to share these stories and more. If you want to get your hands on a signed copy then you can find it at jwfosterheritage.com
Let me know what you think…