Beyond the Norm: The Amazing Story of a Traveling Salesman Who Went the Extra Mile to Become Chairman of Interstate Batteries

By Norm Miller

Book Overview

Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Battery System of America, shares the kind of wisdom you're not likely to hear from many top executives in the business world. For one thing, he is a believer. He believes in the American Dream because he's lived it. From a humble beginning as a traveling salesman for Interstate, he worked his way up through the ranks to become CEO and chairman. Norm Miller is also a believer in God's power to change lives, because it was that power that turned his own life around after years of drinking as hard as he worked. That was the beginning of many changes in his personal and professional life. At the same time, there were some things about Norm Miller that stayed the same. His creative energy never flagged, and his willingness to dream up and try new ideas remained his hallmark. As a result, Interstate Batteries is now one of corporate America's stunning success stories, a robust company that enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence and honesty. Candid about his failures, overflowing with a wealth of practical advice, and always colorful, Norm shares what he's learned along the way in three exciting and successful decades at Interstate.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595553312
• ISBN13: 9781595553317
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Nelson Incorporated, Thomas
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

an entrepreneur's life

Although this reviewer's background and education were scant preparation for it, my work brings me into regular contact with (mostly American) entrepeneurs whose lives are testimony to the power that possibility still holds in this country. One of them is the chairman of the board I serve with Overseas Council, Norm Miller. Norm's 1996 self-told story is a thrilling read for me because of the honesty with which he describes his pilgrimage and the angle that experience has given to me from which to corroborate his narrative. It's the real thing. Norm presided over Dallas-based Interstate Batteries' rise to prominence and big-time commercial success as 'America's number one replacement battery'. If the business' rise was something close to meteoric, the author's own path was shaped by numerous zigs and zags. Norm does not hide these. In fact, he believes that a tastefully framed 'full disclosure' approach to telling his story is the most accurate way to underscore the divine mercies that shaped a life (and more!) while a business was finding its way forward. BEYOND THE NORM is an inspiring read, not because the flaws and defects have been airbrushed out but precisely because they've been left in. Number one, indeed.