The Cobbler

How I Disrupted an Industry, Fell from Grace, and Came Back Stronger than Ever

By: Steve Madden

Narrated by: Steve Madden

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Everyone knows Steve Madden's name and his shoes, but few are familiar with his story. Over the past 30 years, Steve Madden has taken his eponymous shoe company from the fledgling start-up he founded with a mere $1,100 to a global, multibillion-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 styles. In The Cobbler, listeners are treated to the wild ride though 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.

©2020 Steve Madden (P)2020 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Great Story!

I thought this would be a ‘boy works hard, gets in trouble, becomes a success’ story but is so much more than that. Steve Madden is very descriptive on all of his feelings and reactions all through his ups and downs of building his business. I truly was amazed on how much I enjoyed his story. I highly recommend this book, it’s a passionately written memoir and very enjoyable.

Great story of perfect imperfection

I love books that are red by their offer. They just seem to have more passion.! felt like this book was extremely honest great business insight was sad when the book was over

There is more to Steve Madden than just shoes!

It is interesting to hear what goes on behind the scenes at a fashion house. I enjoyed hearing his words in his voice!

Loved the story

This was an in-depth story full of ups and downs. I appreciate how vulnerable and real Steve was as he told his story. I would recommend it to any entrepreneur and enjoyed reading it and learning from his story.

Steve Madden Autobio

Incredibly profound- I️ say that because I️ opted to listen to the book rather than read it. Huge difference bc I️ was told a story by the person who lived it. I️ worked at Macy’s for 23 yrs- a short gig at loehmans- 6 yrs at Saks and now working for Neiman Marcus in Roosevelt Field.
The fashion industry is small and if you don’t care for chaos you’ll be eaten up alive.
Steve Madden’s story was remarkable.
In ending …
As he gets older he may be able to focus on Wendy once again.
🥂

Must read/listen!

As an inspiring shoe designer, this was a must read. I grew up wearing Steve’s shoes and I still purchase a pair from time to time, but I had no idea that Steve had such an amazing story to tell. I’m not much of a reader but I could not stop listening to this book. 10/10 read/listen to this book!

fabulous

I love how these two Jordan and Steve Rock... very interesting fun lives a blast

Very entertaining and a great listen!

I was completely engrossed in Steve’s voice and his story. Especially as an 80’s-90’s kid it was great to hear about some of the shoes but also what was going on in the background. Highly recommend!

enjoyed it thoroughly

had to get used to his voice but it is a truly great life story

Passion always prevails

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your account of the ups and downs of Steve Madden with so much vividness and passion. The story telling feels little like a marketing stunt but more as a friend one has grown up with. When I first saw your shop in Jing'an Temple, Shanghai in 2013 , I had absolutely no idea who or what Steve Madden was about (only my Canadian gf at the time was thrilled to spot it.) Your story has defintiely made your brand so much more interesting with now the added personal touch. The character developed through your struggles and the authenticity you have so successfully conveyed in the book will definitely win many times over.