This week, I read a book called Built from Scratch, the story of the Home Depot (hardware super store). The story introduced the founders, recalled their trials and tribulations, and detailed becoming a $30-billion+ company, that’s publicly traded and growing internationally.
After I finished it, I had to go to a local Home Depot to see it with new eyes. My visit didn’t disappoint. Though I did not make a purchase, as the owners would have liked, I did meet two friendly employees, who graciously agreed to snap a photo with me. I can see how and why this company is so successful.
I believe everyone should work retail and food service once in their lifetime. This gives an appreciation of people. I’ve done both. I also had an entrepreneurial experience in the late 1980s. Additionally, I think people in service businesses and entrepreneurs should read books like this to see how the tough road to success is paved with bumps of life lessons and challenges. Nothing is handed to us on a silver spoon; and if it is, it most likely isn’t sustainable.
My take-away from this book: Never give up.
