Built from Scratch

352 pages, 1999

One of the greatest entrepreneurial success stories of the past twenty years. When a friend told Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, "you've just been hit in the ass by a golden horseshoe," they thought he was crazy. After all, both had just been fired.

What the friend, Ken Langone, meant was that they now had the opportunity to create the kind of wide-open warehouse store that would help spark a consumer revolution through low prices, excellent customer service, and wide availability of products.

Built from Scratch is the story of how two incredibly determined and creative people--and their associates--built a business from nothing to 761 stores and $30 billion in sales in a mere twenty years.

Built from Scratch tells many colorful stories associated with The Home Depot's founding and meteoric rise; shows that a company can be a tough, growth-oriented competitor and still maintain a high sense of responsibility to the community; and provides great lessons useful to people in any business, from start-ups to the Fortune 500.

The Power of Humility

In Built from Scratch, Bob Andelman emphasizes the importance of humility in business. He shows how the founders of Home Depot always stayed grounded, even as their company grew. They were never afraid to admit when they were wrong and learn from their mistakes. This is a great lesson for anyone looking to start their own business.

Customer is King

Andelman highlights the importance of putting the customer first. The founders of Home Depot always prioritized their customers' needs and worked hard to provide the best service possible. This focus on customer satisfaction was a key factor in their success. So, if you're running a business, take a page out of their book and always put your customers first.

The Importance of Company Culture

One of the key takeaways from Built from Scratch is the importance of creating a positive company culture. The founders of Home Depot fostered a culture of respect and teamwork, which helped their employees feel valued and motivated. If you're looking to build a successful business, it's worth taking the time to cultivate a positive work environment.

Innovation is Key

In his book, Andelman shows how the founders of Home Depot were always looking for ways to innovate and improve their business. They weren't afraid to take risks and try new things, which helped them stay ahead of their competitors. This is a great reminder for all of us to never stop exploring and pushing boundaries in our own businesses.

The Value of Hard Work

Built from Scratch is a testament to the power of hard work. The founders of Home Depot didn't achieve their success overnight. They put in long hours and faced many challenges along the way. But they never gave up, and their perseverance paid off in the end. So, if you're feeling discouraged, remember their story and keep pushing forward.

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