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From classic business memoirs to unconventional childhood stories, these 9 Grommet Makers reveal the books that fueled their creativity, resilience, and success.
When it comes to building a successful business, sometimes the right book can be the ultimate game-changer.
Whether it’s the relentless drive of Nike’s founder in Shoe Dog, the no-nonsense advice from Invent It, Sell It, Bank It!, or even the creative problem-solving in a beloved childhood classic like Tow Truck Pluck, these stories have fueled the entrepreneurial fires of 9 top Grommet Makers.
But how many of these must-reads have you checked out? And more importantly, how many do you need to add to your reading list?
Dive in and discover the books that have shaped the journeys of these innovative minds—you might find your next big inspiration.
Cynthia from Violets Are Blue
Book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (founder of Nike)
Why It Matters:
“Shoe Dog” was a powerful reality check for me. It reminded me that no matter the size of your business, challenges will always arise. Yet, what resonated most was the reassurance that success is still possible even when you feel like you’re failing. This book offers a candid look into the perseverance required to navigate the often tumultuous path of business ownership.
Paul Cira, Proud Grill
Book: How We Make Stuff Now by Jules Pieri (founder of The Grommet)
Why It Matters:
As an entrepreneur looking to launch a product, I found this book to be a must-read. It provides a step-by-step guide through the DIY journey of creating, packaging, and marketing product innovations. Whether you’re new to consumer products or a seasoned professional, this book is packed with advice in an easy-to-read format, ensuring that every Maker can tick off their go-to-market key success factors with confidence.
Lesley Miller, Twirly T
Book: Living Fearless by Jamie Winship
Why It Matters:
Entrepreneurship often feels like a roller coaster for me, and “Living Fearless” gave me the courage and focus to stay on track, especially during moments when quitting seemed like the easier option. The book’s emphasis on bravery and perseverance offers a motivational boost when doubts start to creep in.
Sam Wechsler, Battarix
Book: Hack the Buyer Brain
Why It Matters:
For me, “Hack the Buyer Brain” was an invaluable resource. It delves into the psychological triggers that drive consumer decisions, and understanding these triggers has transformed how I approach marketing. It’s helped me craft persuasive messages that resonate deeply with our target audience, ultimately elevating our sales strategies and strengthening connections with customers.
Vijay Malik, Max Space
Inspiration: The Graduate and The Man Who Fell to Earth
Why It Matters:
My inspiration didn’t come from a traditional book but from two classic films. “The Graduate” taught me the potential of plastics, while “The Man Who Fell to Earth” sparked ideas about creating and patenting new products for success. This unique combination of patented plastic innovations continues to guide my approach to business, proving that inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources.
Natalie Gallifent, Seatsquare
Book: Getting Things Done by David Allen
Why It Matters:
“Getting Things Done” was a game-changer for me in setting up processes and systems to prioritize and focus on what’s truly important. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. This book offers a roadmap to stay on top of everything, which is especially crucial in the early days when you might be wearing all the hats in your business.
Nyckle Sijtsma, New Things Lab
Book: Tow Truck Pluck by Annie M.G. Schmidt
Why It Matters:
Though unconventional, this Dutch classic from my childhood has been a profound influence on my journey. The story of Pluck, a young boy who uses creativity to solve everyday problems, serves as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always have to be grandiose. It’s the simple, practical solutions that can often have the biggest impact, a philosophy I carry into my work at New Things Lab.
Candy FitzPatrick, RestAngles LLC
Book: Invent It, Sell It, Bank It! by Lori Greiner
Why It Matters:
Years ago, when I first took the plunge into entrepreneurship, I read this book on my Kindle. It provided me with a comprehensive introduction to the various aspects of being an independent inventor. The notes I took while reading continue to serve as a valuable reference as I navigate the complexities of product development and marketing.
James Schwartz, Slitit
Insight: The Power of Live Action Video
Why It Matters:
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, live action videos have been critical for me. With mere fractions of a second to capture a potential buyer’s interest, words and photos are often not enough. For my product, live action video has made all the difference, allowing it to speak for itself without the need for explanation.
