Overview

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 Georgia’s business, political, and philanthropic climate in the last quarter of the twentieth century and serves as an important case study for students and entrepreneurs interested in practical leadership and unconventional ways of approaching business.

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9780820354620

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Reviews

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 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 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 Michael Coles made it big, and his story will inspire you to do the same.--James C. Kennedy, Chairman, Cox Enterprises 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 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 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

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

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 Michael Coles embodies the very essence of the can-do spirit. No matter your upbringing, education, or cultural background, what matters most is how persistent you are in striving for your goals, how honest you are with yourself and others, and that you live your life with integrity. His moving memoir is a powerful self-help book, and you, too, can benefit from this life well led.--Michael Shermer, world-record holder and New York Times bestselling author

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 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 Michael Coles made it big, and his story will inspire you to do the same.--James C. Kennedy, Chairman, Cox Enterprises 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 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 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

Author Information

Michael J. Coles is an Atlanta business executive, serial entrepreneur, education advocate, and well-known public speaker. He is the founder of the Great American Cookie Company and the former CEO of Caribou Coffee Company, as well as former chair of the Georgia Film Commission. Catherine M. Lewis is Assistant Vice President of Museums, Archives & Rare Books; Director of the Museum of History and Holocaust Education; and Professor of History at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Lewis is the author, co-editor, or co-author of 14 books, including, most recently, Memories of the Mansion: The Story of the Georgia Governor's Mansion (with Sandra Deal and Dr. Jennifer Dickey), published by the University of Georgia Press.

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