-- Mike Benner’s memoir, The Chicago Shoeshine Boy, is both a personal and professional odyssey that traces nearly five decades of resilience, growth, and leadership. His story begins on the South Side of Chicago, where as a boy he learned the value of independence through small but defining jobs. Whether shining shoes in neighborhood taverns, delivering newspapers, or salvaging items from alleys, young Mike cultivated resourcefulness and an unwavering determination to create opportunities for himself.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Benner
From the very beginning, Benner viewed every task as a stepping stone. As a teenager, he worked in grocery stores, clerical church jobs, and eventually as a factory utility worker. These experiences instilled not only practical skills but also an appreciation for responsibility and the dignity of hard work. By the time he was sixteen, he had already rebuilt his own car, a symbol of the self-reliance that would shape his life.
Benner’s professional career gained momentum at Federal Signal Corporation. Starting in methods engineering, he quickly moved through departments, learning plant layout, sales, and product development. He became involved in the design and launch of innovative law enforcement tools, including the Twinsonic light bar and VASCAR speed detection, while building relationships with customers and colleagues across the country. His career reflected a simple philosophy: success is built on relationships, curiosity, and the willingness to learn at every level.
In 1973, Benner co-founded Constable Equipment Company, which grew into one of the nation’s leading distributors of police equipment and firearms. He and his partner expanded through bold marketing, training seminars, and customer engagement. Their success did not come without challenges such as supply chain hurdles, financial risks, and competition, but Benner’s leadership style helped the company thrive. He also played a central role in shaping the industry as the founding president of the National Association of Police Equipment Distributors, President of the Association of Radar Manufacturers, Chairman of the Industry Advisory Committee of the International Association of Police chiefs. For his efforts he received commendations from the DOJ, Chicago Police Department and several other law enforcement organizations.
After selling his stake in Constable, Benner returned to Federal Signal in executive leadership. There he emphasized customer driven product design, team morale, and creative marketing programs connected to innovated new products (for which he was awarded two Patents) which affected the emergency services sectors. He introduced new concepts and fostered a culture of collaboration, famously supporting ideas like casual Fridays and broad staff participation in product launches.
Later, Benner and his partners led a successful acquisition and turnaround of Stewart Warner Instrument Corporation. Under his leadership, the company managed international operations, restructured finances, and restored profitability, culminating in a lucrative sale.
Colleagues often described Benner’s management style as inclusive, visionary, and supportive. He empowered teams, encouraged differing opinions, and was known for his authentic and candid communication. Employees consistently recalled him as their best boss, a mentor who believed in their potential and invested in their growth. His ability to balance innovation with care for people created lasting loyalty and a legacy of future leaders who adopted his approach.
Throughout his career, Benner never sought titles for their own sake. As he often put it, “I did not aspire to be a leader, I resolved not to be a follower.” His guiding values were independence, perseverance, and care for others. His most treasured possessions, a shoeshine kit, a can of Steed, a pool table, and his Constable desk, represent not material wealth but the milestones of resilience, sacrifice, and partnership that shaped his life.
In the end, Benner’s greatest rewards were not financial. They were the relationships built, the teams mentored, and the people whose lives he touched. His journey is not just the story of a business career but also a testament to the human side of leadership and the enduring power of determination.
This book is more than just a story, it’s a guide, offering inspiration and insight to help you navigate and overcome life’s challenges.
Buy Now: Chicago Shoeshine Boy
Stay tuned for Benner’s upcoming books and events on his website: chicagoshoeshineboy.com
About Mike Benner
Chicago Shoeshine Boy: Resolved Follower is a compelling new title that follows the journey of a young shoeshine boy in Chicago, navigating the crossroads of ambition, identity and faith. This inspiring story captures the grit of the city’s streets, the resilience of its people, and the power of personal transformation.
Contact Info:
Name: Mike Benner
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mike Benner
Website: http://chicagoshoeshineboy.com
Release ID: 89173268
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