Brian Smith's story as the founder of the world-renowned UGG Australia brand is a hero's journey and roadmap to success with stories of achievements, failures, lucky breaks, and near disasters. Brian's guiding principle: You can't give birth to adults. Every company is conceived as an idea and birthed into reality, and the baby business grows through its infancy, toddler years, early youth, and tumultuous teens, to eventually arrive at maturity. For those who have yet to set their dreams into action or those who are already on the rocky road to success, this book is a candid, colorful, outrageous, enlightening adventure in product development, world-wide brand recognition, and star-struck fame and fortune. A mentor and advocate to business leaders and entrepreneurs, Brian Smith shows how you can find your passion and follow it to a rewarding, happy, fulfilling life. Written with time-worn truisms and business acumen, Brian's amazing story proves that you can stick to your guns, authenticity, and spiritually and still grow a wildly successful career and company. "Entrepreneurs need this book. Yes, even if they re hyper successful already. Why? Because Brian Smith is one of them, he feels the fears and frustrations they feel, he has faced the tough decisions they will face. He s dreamed the huge dreams and been through the painful periods just like them. And...he won! UGG® has become not just a brand but also a cultural phenomenon. He s not done yet but he sure has figured out how to do it. Learn from him, you ll like having him as your new business friend, or make that 'Mate.'" --Jim Cathcart, Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame, Author "Relationship Selling" Put simply, this grippingly powerful book is required reading for all entrepreneurs, especially those struggling in the infancy stage of business where most people tend to give up. Brian is a true trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship he copied no one, learned as he went, and triumphed over great adversity. The Birth of a Brand is a tried-and-true, must-read roadmap for growing a thriving enterprise and Brian s description of the seven stages of the business lifecycle will forever illuminate the way you think about your business. --Ivan Misner, Ph.D., NY Times Bestselling Author and Founder of BNI® "A captivating and compelling read! This book shares the story of the grit and determination that it takes to build a massively successful business! Brian Smith teaches lessons that not only help you to grow your business, but also to grow yourself. Read it and re-read it -- I highly recommend this book!" --Dr. Willie Jolley - Best Selling Author, "A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback and An Attitude of Excellence!" CSP, CPAE (Member-Speaker Hall of Fame) Brian Smith was born in Australia, where he developed his love of surfing. A chartered accountant, he studied at the UCLA Graduate School of Management, and with $500 of start-up money, he founded UGG Imports to bring sheepskin footwear to America. A passionate innovator and entrepreneur, Brian is one of the most sought after business leaders in the country today. As a media guest and inspiring speaker, he is committed to teaching his breakthrough business strategies to entrepreneurs and translating personal vision and spirituality into company culture.