Time to Get Tough
How Cookies, Coffee, and a Crash Led to Success in Business and Life
Published on 1. September 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-0-8203-5776-8 (ISBN)
Description
Michael J. Coles, the cofounder of the Great American Cookie Company and the former CEO of Caribou Coffee, did not follow a conventional path into business. He does not have an Ivy League pedigree or an MBA from a top-ten business school. He grew up poor, starting work at the age of thirteen. He had many false starts and painful defeats, but Coles has a habit of defying expectations. His life and career have been about turning obstacles into opportunities, tragedies into triumphs, and poverty into philanthropy.
In Time to Get Tough, Coles explains how he started a $100-million company with only $8,000, overcame a near-fatal motorcycle accident, ran for the U.S. Congress, and set three transcontinental cycling world records. His story also offers a firsthand perspective on the business, political, and philanthropic climate in the last quarter of the twentieth century and serves as an important case study for anyone interested in overcoming a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Readers will also discover practical leadership lessons and unconventional ways of approaching business.
In Time to Get Tough, Coles explains how he started a $100-million company with only $8,000, overcame a near-fatal motorcycle accident, ran for the U.S. Congress, and set three transcontinental cycling world records. His story also offers a firsthand perspective on the business, political, and philanthropic climate in the last quarter of the twentieth century and serves as an important case study for anyone interested in overcoming a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Readers will also discover practical leadership lessons and unconventional ways of approaching business.
Reviews / Votes
Coles, cofounder of Great American Cookies and former executive at Caribou Coffee, shares life lessons learned the hard way in this winning chronicle. . . . Though framed for the business world, his advice can easily be adapted for the personal realm. Uplifting and entertainingly written, Coles's work offers something for everyone who has ever faced and overcome a significant challenge. * Publishers Weekly * Entrepreneurs need more stories about grit and perseverance, taking risks, and facing failure. If you're even thinking about starting a business, you should read this book. -- Ben Chestnut, cofounder and CEO, MailChimp Coles's story captures the powerful impact that flows from curiosity, continuous learning and renewal, and always being open to new ideas and the next challenge. -- John Rice, CEO, GE Global Growth Reading this book will help you find courage and strength that you did not even know you had. Michael Coles was not a predictable success, which makes his story even more powerful. -- Steve Koonin, CEO, Atlanta Hawks Michael Coles made it big, and his story will inspire you to do the same. -- James C. Kennedy, Chairman, Cox Enterprises Time to Get Tough is a great underdog story that is a must read for anyone interested in facing a big challenge. You will walk away from this book with a renewed faith in the power of perseverance. -- Dr. Kathy Schwaig, Dean Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University Time to Get Tough: How Cookies, Coffee and a Crash Let to Success in Business and Life" is a rollicking, revealing read. -- Jennifer Brett * Atlanta Journal Constitution * [Coles'] story offers a firsthand perspective on the business, political and philanthropic climate in the last quarter of the 20th century, as well as practical leadership lessons and unconventional tactics. * Southern Seasons Magazine *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Georgia
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
33 b&w photos
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
412 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8203-5776-8 (9780820357768)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Michael J. Coles | Catherine M. Lewis
Time to Get Tough
How Cookies, Coffee, and a Crash Led to Success in Business and Life
E-Book
10/2018
Cokesbury
€21.49
Available for download
Persons
Michael J. Coles (Author)
MICHAEL J. COLES is an entrepreneur, businessman, and community leader. He is the cofounder of the Great American Cookie Company and the former CEO of Caribou Coffee. He is also the namesake of the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. He lives in Atlanta and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Catherine M. Lewis (Author)
CATHERINE M. LEWIS is the assistant vice president of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books and a professor of history at Kennesaw State University. She is the author, coeditor, or coauthor of thirteen books, including (with Sandra D. Deal and Jennifer W. Dickey) Memories of the Mansion: The Story of the Georgia Governor's Mansion (Georgia).
MICHAEL J. COLES is an entrepreneur, businessman, and community leader. He is the cofounder of the Great American Cookie Company and the former CEO of Caribou Coffee. He is also the namesake of the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. He lives in Atlanta and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Catherine M. Lewis (Author)
CATHERINE M. LEWIS is the assistant vice president of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books and a professor of history at Kennesaw State University. She is the author, coeditor, or coauthor of thirteen books, including (with Sandra D. Deal and Jennifer W. Dickey) Memories of the Mansion: The Story of the Georgia Governor's Mansion (Georgia).