Episode 41 - Joe Foster - Founder of REEBOK and Author of SHOE MAKER

Talk about dream guests, this week I had a pleasure of sitting down with Joe Foster the founder of the global sports brand REEBOK. After hearing Joe had launched his book SHOE MAKER in Oct 2020 I got in touch and then it didn't take me long to listen via Audible. I had to break my 20minute rule because as Joe started to talk, his story is captivating and I didn't want to limit the time he had to share his story plus thoughts about leadership. Here's a bit more about Joe Foster Joseph William Foster (Joe Foster) was born in 1935 in Bolton England with the same birthday 18th May, as his grandfather, also Joseph William Foster who had died 18 months earlier. Joe’s grandfather was the founder of J W Foster & Sons (Athletic Shoes) Ltd and the inventor of the Spiked Running Shoe and the Trainer (Sneaker). Joe and his late brother Jeff were born into the J W Foster & family business, but on their return after 2 years away from home on National Service, they asked questions. The year was 1955 and the brothers saw a business still rooted in the 1930’s. Their Father and Uncle were now operating the business and very much like another Sports Shoe company, spent more time feuding than collaborating. The result was that in 1958 Joe and Jeff left the Foster business to set up a new Sports Shoe company. The brothers founded Mercury Sports Footwear, which after 18 months they changed its name to REEBOK. Joe had been advised to protect their company’s name by registering it. By 1965, Joe was on his way to the NSGA (National Sporting Goods of America) Show in Chicago, which was the start of many Global adventures and experiences that after 15 years brought him together with Paul Fireman and later many Stars of film and television. As the surviving Founder of Reebok, Joe still welcomes the opportunity to travel and recount those early stories from start-up to becoming World No. 1. Joe has written a book documenting the history and his journey. This is the Amazon UK link   https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1471194019?pf_rd_r=TR7XTVXWN8ER471VWZB8&pf_rd_p=6e878984-68d5-4fd2-b7b3-7bc79d9c8b60  This is the Amazon USA link   https://www.amazon.com/Shoemaker-Reebok-Untold-Lancashire-Changed/dp/1471194019/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3O7DQLS9WUQPA&dchild=1&keywords=shoemaker+joe+foster&qid=1611738589&sprefix=shoemaker+joe+%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-1  This is the link for signed copies - shipping worldwide   http://www.jwfosterheritage.com Basic format – 20 minutes to help you on your leadership journey PLEASE ENJOY Make sure you follow/subscribe to my social media platforms -   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/STARDevelopmentuk/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-waddington-1882b4aa/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stuart_waddington/?hl=en YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LeadershipWhatsonyourmind Spotify - #Leadership – What’s on your mind? See you next week…..