“Time to Get Tough” is a great underdog story that is a must read

The 67th annual book fair will run November 3-14. It is the oldest and largest Jewish book fair in the nation. Prominent and emerging writers – from our community and all over the world – in literature, the arts, philosophy, theology, history and current events are invited to engage, educate and entertain. Author, Michael J. Coles, will share business points of view on Thursday, November 8th at 8am.

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.

All events are at the Jewish Community Center and the Berman Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield. Most events are free for those that need tickets contact the box office at 248-661-1900. For a complete schedule of the bookfair refer to the official website and brochure on or jccdet.org/bookfair.