Alan Cone, born in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been an integral figure in the city's development. After attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serving in the Navy, Cone went to work for his family's apparel business, Cone Mills. Cone focuses on his family's business history, its impact on the city, and the eventual decline of textile manufacturing in Greensboro as outsourcing became prevalent. Cone also recounts the history of Greensboro, from the Depression-era city of his childhood to its modern incarnation. Cone pays special attention to the unique and close-knit Jewish community in Greensboro and the positive influence the community has had on the city's growth. Cone also highlights the city's openness and acceptance of Jewish people throughout his life. Cone left his family's business and ran Blue Gem, his own garment manufacturing company, until the 1990s. Cone has been actively involved in the community life of Greensboro, serving on the Moses Cone Hospital board of directors, working with the Boy Scouts, and maintaining membership in the Rotary Club of Greensboro since the 1950s.
