Steve Madden had about $1,100 when he started his shoe business in 1990. He didn't begin with a large store, a team of designers or the backing of a major fashion house. He began by making shoes and taking them to retailers himself, selling directly from the trunk of his car. More than three decades later, Steve Madden has grown into an international footwear and accessories brand sold in more than 80 countries. Its parent company, Steven Madden Ltd., reported $2.53 billion in revenue for 2025.