BOB FISCH is recognized as a pioneering merchant for his bold and successful innovations in value-priced, fast-fashion retailing, notably at rue21. In 2009, he took the company from bankruptcy to a fast-track winning streak that included a hot-stock IPO, building a national network of 1,200 stores, and a billion-dollar-plus valuation. Prestigious retail magazine Chain Store Age named Bob one of the “10 CEOs to Watch in 2010.” Bob’ssuccess and distinctive managerial style at rue21 are codified in Retailing, published by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The standard reference textbook is considered an industry bible for college students.
Now, Bob’s turned his Midas touch to giving back. He has created the Bob Fisch GraduateStudent Award Program for the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the world-renowned college where he both mentors and incentivizes students to exceed their own expectations.
Bob is the Author of the new launch of Get A Life: A Roadmap to Rule the World in addition to his 1st book Fisch Tales: The Making of a Millennial Baby Boomer.
"Bob is a force of nature who only knows how to run at full speed. He has an uncanny ability to see the diamond in the rough and the singular focus needed to realize its potential. I had the good fortune of watching Bob step into the CEO role at rue21. We were heading in the wrong direction, beaten down and spinning in circles. Bob was fearless. He had a vision for what the business could be, and his confidence was infectious. He rallied the team around a common goal and infused a will to win, turning the proverbial lemons into lemonade: a 20x return on investment! In GET A LIFE, Bob imparts the same beliefs and wisdom with his mentoring and advice that have served him so well throughout all of his endeavors. I encourage you to listen and learn!"
Founder and Partner, Goode Partners