Squirrels, Boats, and Thoroughbreds
In this lively and irreverent book, Jamie Gerdsen presents hard-learned lessons for inspiring innovation in traditional industries, such as manufacturing or his own heating, cooling, and plumbing company. Through personal stories of trial and error and eventual triumph over the roadblocks to change, you’ll discover how to embrace and foster innovation in your own organization.
Discussions include hiring, employee motivation, professional focus, coaching, the business cycle, and work-life balance. In traditional industries, you might find more dogs than squirrels, more thoroughbreds than quarter horses. A leader’s first instinct might be to work himself into a stupor trying to manage all of the tasks required to make change stick. But with Gerdsen’s guidance and relatable tales, you’ll see how to get everyone rowing in the same direction to pull the company forward together.
REVIEWS
What Readers Are Saying
"Well written, excellent insights."
You probably can’t make the connection based on the title but this book [Squirrels, Boats, and Thoroughbreds] is an excellent guide specifically targeted to the owner of traditional businesses. Let me be a little more specific on the target audience. It was written as a guide for the owner of the typical local business that is looking to grow their business both in revenue and more importantly profits.
John Chancellor
"Good, practical ideas to run and grow your business."
Easy to read and good ideas on how to implement – recommended for any business owner.
J. Spanbauer
"Jamie Gerdsen provides a wealth of information, insights, and counsel."
All organizations need effective leadership at all levels and in all areas. They need multipliers who help to “extract full capability” as well as diminishers who help to reduce waste of resources (especially talent). Leaders in traditional companies as well as start-ups will find much of substantial value, as will those who are now preparing for a career in business or have only recently embarked upon one.