Early Life
Paul Fireman was born on February 14, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, also known as 'Shoe City'. He attended Tabor Academy and matriculated to Boston University but did not graduate. At age 18, he began working in the family business, Boston Camping, selling outdoor sporting goods.
Rise to Success
Fireman's career took a significant turn in 1979 when he attended a sporting goods show in Chicago. There, he encountered Joe Foster, the owner of the English running shoe company J.W. Foster & Sons, and was impressed by their shoes. He acquired the North American sales rights to Reebok and eventually bought the parent company in 1984. Fireman capitalized on the aerobics craze in the 1980s and introduced the Freestyle, the first aerobic shoe designed specifically for women, in 1982. Under his leadership, Reebok went public in 1985. By 1987, Reebok surpassed Nike to become the top-selling manufacturer of athletic shoes in the United States, second only to Adidas worldwide.
Key Business Strategies
Fireman's business acumen was demonstrated through his keen eye for market trends and innovative product development. He recognized the potential of the aerobics market and targeted women, an underserved segment at the time. Fireman also expanded the brand's reach through licensing deals with NBA superstars and a focus on sports fashion and pop culture. His vision led to Reebok's aggressive international expansion and its recognition as a leading sports company.
Philanthropy
Fireman's commitment to social responsibility is evident in the establishment of the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation in 1985. The foundation supports various causes, with a focus on ending family homelessness, particularly in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Fireman also initiated the Reebok Human Rights Awards in 1988, recognizing activists who exposed and reduced human rights atrocities.