I'll admit it, I grew up on and around John Deere equipment. As an adult I have become a collector of antique tractors and become a student of this truly historic and great American company. John Deere is also a Client of ours.
So when I received this book as a birthday gift it was a slam dunk - it went near the top of my reading stack. Given all of that, this review doesn't come from my obviously biased point of view - this is a book worth reading.
The book does tell parts of the history of this company, but it isn't a book about products or history. Written by experienced business author David Magee, it is an exploration of the key factors that have led to John Deere to growing and thriving over the last 150+ years.
The chapter titles tip off the business practices and attitudes that have guided the company and serve as the thesis for the book. Selected titles include:
Embrace the Culture
Quality Comes First
Always Maintain Integrity
Build a Business as Great as Your Products
Grow on the Strength of Your Roots
If you are interested in looking for keys that lead companies to be successful over the long haul, you will find some in this book. Written in a very readable style and interspersed with anecdotes and stories from Customers, Senior Managers and 4th generation employees, it deserves to be on your reading list.
Besides, how can any book go wrong when its dedication readsit is dedicated "For the Farmer"?
