The Cobbler: How Steve Madden took adversity and personal struggle and built the most recognizable footwear brand in the US.

Join your host, Ken Pilot, as he interviews Steve Madden, Founder and Creative Chief of his eponymous Footwear and Accessories brand, Steve Madden.Key Highlights:Steve Madden's Early Career: Steve Madden's career in retail began when he got a job at a shoe store in Cedarhurst, Long Island. He got the job by mentioning he was Johnny Madden's little brother, and the owner hired him on the spot. This marked the beginning of his journey in the shoe business.Creative Influence in Shoe Business: Steve started working in the shoe business during a creative period, particularly in men's shoes. Platform shoes, especially for men, were in trend during the mid-'70s. The store owner, whom he looked up to, fancied himself as a shoe designer, and this environment fueled Steve's interest in the creative side of the shoe business.Mentorship at Gildor: After working at Toulouse, Steve joined Gildor, a well-known shoe retailer. Larry, the son of the owner, became a significant mentor for Steve. He emphasized attention to detail, such as maintaining perfect displays, which left a lasting impact on Steve's approach to business.The Influence of Sobriety: Steve's journey towards sobriety played a pivotal role in his success. He mentions that getting sober was one of the most significant factors in his achievements. It allowed him to focus and make better decisions for his business.Impact of Jordan Belfort: Steve acknowledges that meeting Jordan Belfort, also known as the Wolf of Wall Street, had both positive and negative consequences. Jordan's entrepreneurial spirit provided encouragement to Steve. However, the financial dealings with Jordan and his associates led to legal troubles and eventually Steve going to prison. Despite this, Steve recognizes the role Jordan played in his journey.Appreciation for Teamwork: Steve emphasizes the importance of having a strong team. He credits his success to the people around him, highlighting the pivotal role of his childhood friend, Jamie Carson, who became CEO in his absence and played a crucial part in protecting the company during a challenging period.International Business: Steve Madden's brother, John Madden, played a significant role in building the international business of Steve Madden. John's skill set, including his charm and ability to build relationships, complemented Steve's more hands-on approach to business. International business has experienced tremendous growth, expanding to approximately 50 countries and showing substantial potential for further expansion. Steve Madden is an advocate for using business and trade as a means to foster international relations and promote prosperity. He believes that trading with other nations can lead to mutual understanding and peace..The Steve Madden Group: owns several other brands, including Betsy Johnson, Dolce Vita, BB Dakota, Big Buddha, Blondo, and Greats. Steve Madden is open to further acquisitions, particularly in the apparel sector, with a focus on good management and innovative ideas.
Steve Madden is an entrepreneur, an award-winning designer, and a business titan whose eponymous company is currently worth over 3 billion dollars. He is also a recovering addict and a devoted family man. Over the past thirty years, the provocative shoe designer built a booming brand and nearly lost it all to “The Wolf of Wall Street,” only to rebound by giving back and creating a global empire.In 1990, with a mere $1,100 in the bank, Madden followed his intuition and set out to create the next big thing: a company able to anticipate consumer needs and subsequently deliver collections that were both cutting edge and highly saleable. Channeling his creative energy to produce a variety of silhouettes and vibrant styles in