An Inc. Original

The untold story behind the dog toy that defied the odds.

In this candid and tenacious business memoir, Joe Markham shares the compelling journey behind one of the pet industry's most iconic products, the KONG dog toy. However, this story doesn't start with KONG; it begins in 1976 with Joe, a mechanically inclined young man obsessed with motorcycle racing. Joe didn't start out to create a business empire. He set out to create a toy that didn't exist yet. What began as an act of love for one dog sparked an entrepreneurial journey that would change his life forever.

But his success didn't come easily. Joe pulls no punches as he recounts the crushing setbacks that nearly ended everything: bankruptcy, damaged confidence, and the painful reality of watching a dream stall. Through trying moments, Joe discovered the importance of resilience and the advantages of having faith. A profound spiritual awakening reshaped his perspective on business and success, giving him the clarity to rebuild both his life and the KONG Company from the ground up.

Part memoir, part entrepreneurial playbook, this inspiring story is filled with hard-earned lessons on perseverance, leadership, and adapting when every plan falls apart. Whether you're building a business, chasing a dream, or simply trying to find hope, Joe Markham's story is a powerful reminder that your greatest setbacks may become the foundations of your greatest achievements.