A Reebok is a speedy South African gazelle…

But did you know?

Reebok (the global sports shoe brand) named itself this from a children’s dictionary, after they hit trade-mark issues with Mercury (their first name of choice).

It’s true…

In 1960 Reebok founder Joe Foster was told he could not register Mercury as others had already done so. Looking for inspiration he picked up a dictionary given to him as a 7-year-old and choose ten animal names which could work. Reebok was the only one free.

The story started way before 1960 when Joe Fosters grandad invented the spiked running shoe in 1895, starting a running shoe business called ‘Fosters’ that continued for decades.

Joe and his brother Jeff, wanted to take the business in new and exciting directions, but eventually had to go it alone, leaving their dad to eventually wind ‘Fosters’ down.

‘Shoe Maker’ written by Joe Foster (when aged 85) is the untold story of a Bolton family sports shoe firm, which at one point, became the biggest sports brand in the world.

It’s a true story about northern grit and determination, featuring two brothers with a dream to crack America and make Reebok a globally recognised brand.

From starting Reebok in a rickety run-down brewery on Bolton Street in Bury, to borrowing shoe making equipment from Sutton’s in Bacup, and eventually coming full circle back to Bolton, where Joe built Reebok’s international head office, eventually retiring back their too.

The inspirational thing for me was that Joe never lost sight of his goal, and no matter what happened, he steered the company back on the right path to success.

Amazingly, he even gave up the company on the last leg, as he knew he wasn’t the right person to finish the job, as he was so determined for the company to achieve its goal.

Brilliant book and wonderful story, written by an inspiring person. Besides, being from the area, I loved reading about the things that happened in all the places familiar to me.

‘Shoe Maker’ gets a thumbs up and 5 stars.

Any questions please connect and message me.

Remember, you can watch all our business book reviews at https://mytotalofficesolutions.co.uk/business-book-reviews/

…thank you & see you next week.