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Men and Rubber: The Story of Business 1926
This volume tells the tale of Harvey S. Firestone, the founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, of his rise to fame and wealth, and the ideals behind his success. Firestone's philosophy is that a business which exists without a reason is due for an early death. If you ask yourself why you are in business and can find no answer other than "I want to make money," you will save money by getting out of business and going to work for someone, for you are in business without sufficient reason. The single reason for the existence of any business must be that it supplies a human need or want, and, if his experience is worth anything, a business which has this reason for its existence will be bound in the end to prosper if thought be put into it.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1926
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 27, 2018
A good history but a bit boring read.
September 6, 2020
Recommended by my Goodreads friend Fabian. Fantastic (audio)book, but very dense. I sped through it the first time, like watching a movie for enjoyment. I will re-read again to absorb fully & critically. Phenomenal business advice from someone who’s truly “been there, done that.”
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“For 25 years I have been building a business; I have given it all of my time and thought. I am still giving it all of my time and thought, and intend to keep on doing so. I do not know whether I am the SLAVE OR THE MASTER of that business. But THE BIG THING IS THAT I DO NOT CARE WHICH, FOR THE JOB IS WORTH DOING AS EITHER MASTER OR SERVANT. The job is worth doing not only well, but there is a great joy in doing it.”
“All other considerations aside, the very worries and insistent demands on one’s MENTALITY and PHYSIQUE are a joy. For they are TESTS, CHALLENGES. Business is NOT a game. Business is NOT a science. There are too many unknown and unknowable factors ever to permit it to be a science. Perhaps business is a profession, of that I am not sure; but rather I think that BUSINESS COMPREHENDS EVERYTHING. And that is one of the reasons why I like to be in it. Business leads one into every profession, and every walk of life — IT IS ‘THE’ SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.”
“I like PEOPLE, and business brings one in close contact with a never ending stream of people. And finally, there is the SUPREME SATISFACTION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT — OF PLANNING TO DO SOMETHING, AND OF CARRYING THROUGH THOSE PLANS AGAINST ALL OBSTACLES TO A FINAL ACCOMPLISHMENT.”
“Business is made up of opportunities for great sacrifices and great accomplishments. IT IS THE MOST ABSORBING OCCUPATION ON EARTH.”
———
“For 25 years I have been building a business; I have given it all of my time and thought. I am still giving it all of my time and thought, and intend to keep on doing so. I do not know whether I am the SLAVE OR THE MASTER of that business. But THE BIG THING IS THAT I DO NOT CARE WHICH, FOR THE JOB IS WORTH DOING AS EITHER MASTER OR SERVANT. The job is worth doing not only well, but there is a great joy in doing it.”
“All other considerations aside, the very worries and insistent demands on one’s MENTALITY and PHYSIQUE are a joy. For they are TESTS, CHALLENGES. Business is NOT a game. Business is NOT a science. There are too many unknown and unknowable factors ever to permit it to be a science. Perhaps business is a profession, of that I am not sure; but rather I think that BUSINESS COMPREHENDS EVERYTHING. And that is one of the reasons why I like to be in it. Business leads one into every profession, and every walk of life — IT IS ‘THE’ SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.”
“I like PEOPLE, and business brings one in close contact with a never ending stream of people. And finally, there is the SUPREME SATISFACTION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT — OF PLANNING TO DO SOMETHING, AND OF CARRYING THROUGH THOSE PLANS AGAINST ALL OBSTACLES TO A FINAL ACCOMPLISHMENT.”
“Business is made up of opportunities for great sacrifices and great accomplishments. IT IS THE MOST ABSORBING OCCUPATION ON EARTH.”
November 6, 2015
I almost gave up on this book because it started off as random advice with no context. But once the story started everything started to make sense and I found myself really enjoying it towards the end. The early automobile industry reminds me a lot of Silicon Vally today. I think this book is a great read for anyone in the tech industry or who wants to be a CEO some day.
January 9, 2020
Very good „old school“ business book.
The author was in close contact with Henry Ford and Edison so no small fry by any means and he undoubtedly knows a lot about business.
No nonsense just the way I like it.
I listened to it due to not being able to find a copy for an reasonable price :( This should get back in print !
The author was in close contact with Henry Ford and Edison so no small fry by any means and he undoubtedly knows a lot about business.
No nonsense just the way I like it.
I listened to it due to not being able to find a copy for an reasonable price :( This should get back in print !
December 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and even better to be read after My Life and Work by Henry Ford.
August 2, 2023
Great book.
Great book, is has so many gems on it. Thinkers and doers like Mr. Harvey Firestone made America great. I hope that the current generations don’t destroy this. When his business suffered the economic crisis in 1920 he discovered that his sales department had become complacent and his solution to the challenge was admirable. He thought for himself. He cared for his people. He saw nothing as impossible. When the situation required him to change he did it. He always procured to have money in cash to be well positioned to challenges and opportunities. This is a book worth reading. It has a lot of lessons.
Great book, is has so many gems on it. Thinkers and doers like Mr. Harvey Firestone made America great. I hope that the current generations don’t destroy this. When his business suffered the economic crisis in 1920 he discovered that his sales department had become complacent and his solution to the challenge was admirable. He thought for himself. He cared for his people. He saw nothing as impossible. When the situation required him to change he did it. He always procured to have money in cash to be well positioned to challenges and opportunities. This is a book worth reading. It has a lot of lessons.
March 25, 2020
Holy Cow! I had such high hopes! This author is terrible. The author's words are terrible. Even the NARRATOR is bad! I listened to it..... and I wishes I wouldn't have. 2 stars.
April 21, 2018
Some timeless insights (and hard common sense) on the traits and thinking patterns that make a good owner operator type CEO.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews