The Jesse Tee Show

39 - Michael J. Coles (Great American Cookies & Caribou Coffee)


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Jesse is joined by the one and only Michael J. Coles, co-founder of Great American Cookies and former CEO of Caribou Coffee. Michael talks about the surprise overnight success that grew out of a humble, mall-based cookie business, how he became the CEO of one of the country's biggest coffee companies, and his incredible journey setting a transcontinental cycling record!

Michael's book, Time to Get Tough, covers his amazing story and the lessons he's learned along the way. Visit MColesBook.com for more information and to buy your copy today!

Topics:

1:42 - Michael's story and his new book

3:34 - A book many, many years in the making

5:36 - Book feedback and changing lives

8:28 - Michael's commitment to veterans

9:33 - The Great American Cookies Story

13:14 - Michael's career in the manufacturing industry

20:52 - A disastrous first day in Perimeter Mall

25:55 - An unexpected trip to the hospital

30:00 - Mindset shifting from "disabled" to "enabled" and Michael's record-setting bike rides

36:04 - How Michael became the CEO of Caribou Coffee

42:20 - Preparing to pitch Caribou

44:50 - Transforming Caribou from good to great

51:12 - How to build good company culture

53:29 - A lesson from Time to Get Tough

1:00:22 - How a small victory mindset can carry you through the finish line

1:03:21 - What's next for Michael J. Coles?

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The Jesse Tee ShowBy Jesse Todisco