Interview with Leonard W. Cox, March 24, 2024

Interview Summary

The interview covers Len Cox's experiences from college to his career in retail. Cox discusses his knee injury during rugby, which led to his exclusion from the Navy and his subsequent focus on retail. He details his fraternity life at the University of Virginia, including social dynamics and academic pursuits. Cox also recounts his post-graduation stints in various cities, learning retail operations, working in the family business Graves Cox & Company men's clothier, and the eventual sale of his family's store to Genesco. He reflects on the impact of national events, like the Vietnam War and the rise of women in education, on his personal and professional life. Len Cox discussed his experiences in the retail industry, highlighting his disagreements with a store president over product choices, which led to the store's closure. He recounted meeting his first wife, Lucia Bridgeforth, and his decision to stay in Lexington. Cox emphasized the importance of differentiation in business, citing a successful leadership conference and his influence on Ralph Lauren's Polo brand. He reflected on the industry's shift towards overseas manufacturing, noting only two American suit manufacturers remaining. Cox also touched on the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on retail and his family's role in his career.

Interview Keyword

University of Virginia fraternity social life retail clothier Graves Cox & Company clothing Lexington, Ky Retail business men's clothier

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.