We're no fools.
There is nothing more depressing or frustrating for us than to be surrounded by people who have spent years talking about doing something, yet have yet picked up a hammer. On the other hand, there is nothing more dangerous then a dreamer swinging a hammer. As in Proverbs, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Below are a just a few folks we have gleaned much from and feel compelled to acknowledge and share.
William McDonough and his friend Michael Braungart wrote the book that started it all for us. McDonough an architect, Braungart a chemist joined forces to write Cradle to Cradle which launched a movement of the same name. This book should be in every classroom in America. We used both Cradle to Cradle as a blueprint for our existance and refer to it frequently when we are planning and dreaming of future possibilities.
Sir. Richard Branson has spent his entire life building companies from scratch, into leaders in their space, as well as creating markets where none existed prior. He understands how to have fun while shattering the competition. There have been several books written by him and about him. Our favorites are Business Stripped Bare, Losing My Virginity, and Screw It, Let's Do It.
Dr. Matthew Sleeth was an emergency room doctor who quit his job and made a drastic life change dedicated to being a good steward of the environment. We read his book several times and were inspired to see how much more powerful faith-based conviction is compared to human-manufactured guilt. His book, Serve God, Save the Planet , is a “how-to” guide for lifestyle changes that will help care for others and protect the earth.
Arthur Rubinfeld led the initial expansion of Starbucks Coffee Company. Although he left after opening the 1000th store, he is now back. While absent, Arthur penned a book and assisted several other companies in their growth. We believe, Built for Growth, should be required reading for those who think they're smart, because you will be when you're done.
W. Chan Kim and Renee Maborgne invented Blue Ocean Strategy and wrote what we consider the best business strategy book on the shelves. It gives very clever and practical tips you can't find anywhere else. Our business model owes a great deal to Blue Ocean Strategy.
