If the Shoe Fits

The Life and Lessons of George Denney

By Joshua M. Sklare

Published: 2016, 290 pages

Client: George Denney

Born: 1937, in New York, NY

Died: 2020, in Scarborough, ME

Industry: Footwear Manufacturing

George moved from New York to Freeport, Maine, to live with his grandparents, who lived modestly. George started working as a shoe-cutter in a factory in Freeport and eventually became president of a shoe company. The company ultimately went bankrupt. George took one of the trademarks, Cole Haan, and built one of the leading shoe brands. He also helped transform Freeport into a tourist destination, where he was a devoted civic leader.