Croc - How I Invented the World’s Most Popular Shoe, Became a Massive Success, and Nearly Destroyed Myself in 15 Easy Lessons

Lessons on life and business you are guaranteed to find nowhere else.
The true, larger-than-life story of George "Boe" Boedecker, his fire to succeed, his "don't just break the rules but make up new ones" attitude, his partners, his light bulb moment, the ridiculous origin story (of both shoe and man), and then the explosion (in more ways than one) of Crocs.
This is a modern-day 'Big Fish' tale of lovers and haters, rivals and thieves, the hard partying, the strongest man in the world and the Mexican police, the fender bender with Fleetwood Mac and the enterprising way into the hearts of the San Francisco 49ers, the little boy lost and Superman, the millions made and just given away, and how it nearly destroyed him.
Boe helped create the clunkiest - many would say ugliest - looking shoe in the world, which also became the best-selling non-sneaker brand on the planet. Everyone considered it a fad when he went public almost two decades ago - and it's bigger now than it's ever been, with billions and billions on feet in every corner of the world. More hated, more loved, never out of fashion. Ugly is beautiful...
We're not talking about the shoe anymore.
In Croc, Boe tells his wild story through lessons on life and leadership that you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else. Strap in because it's going to be a crazy ride, and you may be surprised at what you learn in the end. Funny, twisted, touching, exuberant. Sample lessons include:

• Do Not Listen to Anyone
• When to Not Follow the Rules
• Avoid Bosses
• You Never Know When Opportunity Will Present Itself
• If You Threaten to Kill Your Brother-in-Law, Do Not Provide Time and Place.
• Ugly is Beautiful

About the author

George “Boe” Boedecker Jr. has lived at a speed that most of us don’t attempt even for a day, much less a lifetime. He is an entrepreneur and humanitarian as well as the principal founder and creative force behind Crocs, Inc., where he served as CEO for 2.5 years. During his tenure, Crocs grew from an eight-person startup into an industry giant. Once deemed the fastest growing footwear company on the planet, George’s success at Crocs culminated in the largest IPO in the history of the shoe industry. The original Crocs model is still their best-selling product and has generated billions of dollars in sales and millions of units sold.

 

He continues to be involved with the company by developing Latin American markets and airport kiosk locations worldwide.

 

George takes particular pride in his philanthropic accomplishments, including the 2006 creation of the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation through an endowment left to him by his good friend and business partner. In 2009, George consolidated all of his charitable endeavors into one entity, The Boedecker Foundation, which helps fund nonprofit organizations that inspire positive change around the world. George’s personal wealth, derived from the formation of Crocs, Inc., and coupled with the estate left to him for philanthropic purposes, has allowed him to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

 

As if that’s the whole story . . .

Summary

Lessons on life and business you are guaranteed to find nowhere else.
The true, larger-than-life story of George “Boe” Boedecker, his fire to succeed, his “don’t just break the rules but make up new ones” attitude, his partners, his light bulb moment, the ridiculous origin story (of both shoe and man), and then the explosion (in more ways than one) of Crocs.
This is a modern-day ‘Big Fish’ tale of lovers and haters, rivals and thieves, the hard partying, the strongest man in the world and the Mexican police, the fender bender with Fleetwood Mac and the enterprising way into the hearts of the San Francisco 49ers, the little boy lost and Superman, the millions made and just given away, and how it nearly destroyed him.
Boe helped create the clunkiest – many would say ugliest – looking shoe in the world, which also became the best-selling non-sneaker brand on the planet. Everyone considered it a fad when he went public almost two decades ago – and it’s bigger now than it’s ever been, with billions and billions on feet in every corner of the world. More hated, more loved, never out of fashion. Ugly is beautiful… 
We’re not talking about the shoe anymore.
In Croc, Boe tells his wild story through lessons on life and leadership that you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else. Strap in because it’s going to be a crazy ride, and you may be surprised at what you learn in the end. Funny, twisted, touching, exuberant. Sample lessons include:

• Do Not Listen to Anyone
• When to Not Follow the Rules
• Avoid Bosses
• You Never Know When Opportunity Will Present Itself
• If You Threaten to Kill Your Brother-in-Law, Do Not Provide Time and Place.
• Ugly is Beautiful  

Product details

• Authors: George Boedecker Jr.
• Publisher: Harper Collins (US)
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 15.09.2026
• EAN: 9781400255429
• ISBN: 978-1-4002-5542-9
• No. of pages: 288
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Business > Management; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Rich & Famous, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Business, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Corporate & Business History, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Motivational, HUMOR / Topic / Business & Professional