The Society: Guest Speaker Knowledge: Cole Haan

A quick overview from the company's LinkedIn profile:

"Founded by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan in 1928, Cole Haan is built on American craftsmanship and ingenuity. We combine traditional methods, timeless style and modern innovations to create footwear and accessories for optimists of all ages. This company was started to make good things for people who make good things happen; it still does.

Cole Haan recently returned to its roots as an independently owned company and is growing rapidly in the US and abroad, as people rediscover the value of quality goods made without compromises. It's about time.

We call New York City and Greenland, New Hampshire home, but you'll find us everywhere.

The Cole Haan brand is all about modernizing Trafton and Eddie's legacy. The Cole Haan company is about enlisting like minded people who want to make good things happen."

Some More Quick Facts To Know:

- The Cole Haan brand specializes in Footwear, Handbags and Accessories.

- As mentioned in the overview above, the company was started in 1928 by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan. The business consisted of only mens shoes until 1979 when they introduced bright colored designs for women.

- The company was acquired by Nike in 1988.

- The brand began with a focus on comfort since the creation of its first driving shoes, and is still important today with the inclusion of Nike Air soles in the women's shoes.

- The company began selling online in 2000 and greatly expanded business.