Why Lew, long time CEO of Coach, calls himself the bag man

In this episode of question everything, Coach’s longtime CEO Lew Frankfort joins me to share the lifetime of lessons he documents in his new memoir Bagman.

Lew breaks down why an outsider’s perspective can be an advantage, how “magic and logic” shaped Coach, and what scaling a $6 million leather goods company into a $5 billion global lifestyle brand really took: personally and professionally.

Comment Lew and I’ll dm you this episode of question everything 👜

2025/12/3 Edited to

... Read moreLew Frankfort's journey as CEO of Coach is a remarkable story of growth, innovation, and leadership in the luxury leather goods industry. His memoir, titled 'Bagman,' offers an authentic and detailed perspective on what it means to scale a relatively small company into a global powerhouse valued at billions. One of the key takeaways Lew shares is the benefit of approaching a business with an outsider's perspective. This fresh viewpoint allowed him to challenge conventional thinking and infuse new ideas into Coach’s strategy and culture. The concept of combining “magic and logic” highlights the balance between creative vision and pragmatic execution—two forces that often define successful brands. Magic represents the creative energy and aspirational storytelling that connect with customers emotionally, while logic involves disciplined operations and strategic planning. Additionally, Lew’s leadership reveals the importance of resilience and personal commitment. Scaling from $6 million to $5 billion did not happen overnight; it required years of dedication, adapting to market changes, and evolving the product line without losing the brand’s authenticity. Coach’s transformation also emphasizes the value of storytelling in brand building. Lew’s choice to call himself “the bag man” connects directly with the company’s core product and identity, reinforcing the personal and emotional attachment people have with quality goods. For those interested in brand evolution, entrepreneurship, or luxury fashion, Lew Frankfort’s memoir provides invaluable insights not just into business growth but also into the mindset and leadership qualities necessary to sustain success in a competitive market. His story encourages aspiring leaders to embrace both creative passion and logical discipline as they build their own paths. This episode and the memoir 'Bagman' are essential listening for anyone looking to understand how legendary brands are built from the ground up through purposeful vision and persistent effort.

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