Longaberger: An American Success Story

By Dave Longaberger

Dave Longaberger was one of the most remarkable entrepreneurs of his generation. His vision, his unorthodox business methods, and his belief in people resulted in the creation of one of the largest and most successful private companies in America. Longaberger: An American Success Story is Dave's fascinating firsthand account of how he created and grew his company into the largest basket manufacturer in the United States, employing thousands of people, revitalizing his community, and inspiring everyone involved with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and a unique management philosophy. As Dave himself admits in this moving and compelling memoir, he was an unlikely success story. In addition to having epilepsy and a stutter, Dave suffered from a learning disorder, finally graduating high school at the age of twenty-one. Yet, he ran two profitable businesses, a restaurant and a grocery store -- which, to the horror of bankers and friends, he then sold in order to finance his struggling basket company. Dave was a business maverick who only let adversities make him stronger and more versatile. He became renowned for his managerial skills -- and his sense of humor. More than once he started a food fight at a company event or launched a wild idea -- like the basket-shaped headquarters building -- that just happened to work perfectly. This engaging story shows how Dave Longaberger shared his life and unconventional business sense to create what is now the $1 billion-in-sales Longaberger Company. Join him on his journey as he takes his own unique route to success. Learn about the many original and highly unusual management practices that not only contributed to the strength of the Longaberger enterprise but can make any business run more profitably. Follow Dave's example and develop the entrepreneurial skills necessary for business success. Longaberger: An American Success Story is an affirmation of the American values of independence, hard work, and business ethics. Inspirational as well as informative, this is a moving portrait of an enterprise and an entrepreneur, both of whom are loved and revered by the thousands of people whose lives they have enriched. About The Longaberger Company From a bare-bones beginning with a handful of part-time employees in 1972, Longaberger today, under the leadership of president and CEO Tami Longaberger, employs some 8,700 people and inspires some 70,000 independent sales associates across the United States. The Longaberger Company has a sprawling campus of office facilities, production plants where basket makers create more than 40,000 high-quality baskets every day, and tourist attractions in and around central Ohio.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0066621054
• ISBN13: 9780066621050
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Harper Collins
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.9" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

An example to live by

While many successful business folk claim to be 'self made' men, the beauty of Dave Longaberger's life is that he was always willing to acknowledge those that influenced him and supported him in his quest to fulfill his dream of rebuilding the basket industry in the United States. In the process of making that dream a reality, he also created a vision of stimulating a better quality of life. Longaberger not only lifts up examples of the role his family, friends and employees played in his success, but also the role his naysayers had on his business. He triumphed over the negative viewpoints of others and gives full credit to those that pushed him to be an even better version of himself. It isn't often the IRS is praised in print by someone they threatened to shut down! It is a testament to Longaberger's belief in himself, his people and the American Dream that his story is in print as an example to all of us on how to be the best person we can be. That success followed his years of trial is the icing on the cake. I'm glad to say I feel I know this man after reading his story. Share it with anyone you know that believes that good prevails, kindness breeds kindness and the American Dream is for all of us.

Longaberger-An American Success Story

GREAT book! Even if you are not a Basket fan, there are wonderful business tips in this book! All too many businesses don't thrive because their focus is on themselves, this book offers a different perspective. Success comes from concentrating and focusing on others first. It shows us that success is a journey requiring integrity, belief in your dream, good old-fashioned hard work and the ability to learn from your failures. It is inspiring to see someone as Dave Longaberger succeed and gives you confidence that you too can succeed. A must for any business owner!

Like baseball? July 4? You'll love the Longaberger story!

In a time of downsizing and a slowing economy, here's the tale of a man and a company who did things right and experienced phenomenal results. Dave Longaberger tells the remarkable story of raising his daughters and growing his company to a billion-dollar business. He weaves a delightful, but enlightning tale, of hard work, perserverence, dedication, and success. With little more than handshakes, promises, and a few devoted employees willing to work for months without pay, Dave made his family name synonomous with quality American handmade baskets.If you've become cynical, skeptical, or downright depressed you need this book! Dave reminds us that "walking the talk" and being genuinely interested in people are the skills that bring us to personal, and often professional, success. You'll love reading about his fantasy-cow, Flossie, and later, as president of Longaberger, how he dealt with an arrogant salesman. Dave's integrity, business instincts, practical jokes, and love for his parents make a fantastic story and once you read it, you'll wish you could have worked in that old, hot, drafty woolen mill with him - or at least known him.Buy a copy for yourself and one for your boss!

Longaberger: An American Success Story

This is a fantastic book. A must read for all business owners. Dave Longaberger is a down to earth real person. His stories and the history of his company are fascinating. I can't put it down.

This book is a classic!

David Longaberger is an American hero. What a great role model he is for young people just starting out in the business world. He's proof that the free enterprise system is alive and well. Only in America could the Longaberger Company happen. Since my husband passed away, I took over the family business with my son and daughter, so I read with great interest how Dave developed his two daughers, Tami and Rachel, to follow in his footsteps. As the expression goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. What outstanding women they are! Now, like their dad, will serve as role models for millions of self-employed women, and men. This book can be enjoyed by both men and women of all ages. This book is a classic because its message is timeless.