Books on Business: Kristen’s Spring Reading List

As an entrepreneur, Kristen is endlessly fascinated by the journeys of other people willing to risk it all to build the business of their dreams. In the latest Design Pool reading list, Kristen shares four inspiring books on business and the people behind them.

Books on Business

Wild Company: The Untold Story of the Banana Republic
by Mel Ziegler 

This book tells the story of Mel and Patricia Zieger and the creation of the business that would become Banana Republic. Switching between each founder’s voice, this book shares how the two broke traditional business conventions and created a company with continued international reach. “This is one of my favorites because the couple that started Banana Republic was so far ahead of their time. They wanted to build more than just a store but an experience,” Kristen said. Those GenX-ers who remember fondly the original, safari theme of Banana Republic will enjoy reading about the companies beginning.

Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local – and Helped Save an American Town
by Beth Macy 

This New York Times bestseller focuses on the story of the Virginia-based Bassett Furniture Company, once the world’s largest wood furniture manufacturer. This book focuses on the story of John Bassett III, the third-generation “factory man.” During his career, he worked hard to save company jobs and keep the company’s production based in the US at a time when most companies were moving overseas.

The Growing Season: How I Saved an American Farm – and Built a New Life
by Sarah Frey 

In this book, Sarah Frey tells the story of the growth of her family-operated company, Frey Farms. Sarah story begins growing up on a family farm in southern Illinois. When she was seventeen, her family was forced to foreclose. She took over the farm and created her own produce company. Today, her company is one of America’s largest fresh produce growers and shippers.

The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWI and Shape Modern America
by Christopher C. Gorham 

This biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg tells the story of the Hungarian Jewish immigrant who became a close advisor to Franklin Delano Roosevelt during World War II. An often-forgotten woman, this book brings Anna back to life and questions who gets remembered by history.

Did Kristen miss one?

Have you read any inspiring books on business that Kristen should add to her reading list? Please tag us on Instagram or leave a comment. Did you miss any of Kristen’s previous book lists? Don’t miss her favorite books on code and books on creativity.