In 1918, Timberland founder Nathan Swartz began his shoe-making career in Boston, Massachusetts, as an apprentice stitcher. In 1973, the brand name \\\\\\\"Timberland\\\\\\\" was introduced for the waterproof leather boots produced by the company. Because the boot proved to be very popular, the company name was officially changed to The Timberland Company. In 1978 and 1979, Timberland added casual and boat shoes to its boots product line. In the 1980s, the company expanded internationally - first into the Italian market and, later, to many other countries.