Joe Foster is the retired founder of Reebok and author.
I loved reading his new autobiography “Shoe Maker” (available now). A working-class story in its truest form. His grandpa invented the running spike in the 1800s under the business JW Foster and Sons.
Joe unravels the entire Reebok story from leaving JW Foster and Sons and the ideation of the name Reebok to becoming the world’s largest sports brand topping almost $4 billion in revenue.
Reebok now has Cardi B and Ariana Grande sporting the brand. Reebok recognised that sport became street. Joe, and Reebok, not only were shoe makers but were vehicles for female empowerment. Reebok’s FREESTYLE shoe was labelled as the first sneaker for women. A shoe made from glove leather that became the perfect shoe to support the aerobics craze.
Joe tells all in retrospection at 86 years of age! He also shares his thoughts on apprenticeships, what entrepreneurs inspire him today and he gives some words of wisdom to set me on my way as a young 22 year old man.
It was a privilege to have Joe on – thanks!
You can find “Shoemaker” – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shoemaker-Reebok-Untold-Lancashire-Changed/dp/1471194019/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joe+foster&qid=1615135031&sr=8-1
You can find Joe on Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-foster-a38a4b10b/
You can find Joe on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/reebokthefounder/
You can find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid/