Business Biographies: Shaken Not Stirred by Stephen Troy - Book Review

*Copy of the book received for the purpose of a review

I think deep down I am a bit of a nerd. I love doing certain technical things like building my own websites, helping others build and develop their sites, writing and developing web content for small business. I even love teaching things like Microsoft Office Suite and Search Engine Optimization.

I spent a lot of years working in the small business and large corporation sector. My degrees are all in business and because of that I gravitate towards the business side of things.

It also means that sometimes I read a lot of business books. Today I want to share with you a cool concept in a business book. Written by a CEO of a national finance company and a business admin and history lover, this book takes a look at people in the past whose interest in business or technology made a lasting impact we still feel today.

Here are my thoughts about this book.

Business Biographies: Shaken Not Stirred by Stephen Troy
Publisher: Stonewall Press (March 21, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-1948172264

ABOUT:
In this series of profiles, author Stephen K. Troy takes a detailed look at people who walked down nontraditional paths to achieve success. Many of these leaders are no longer celebrated or remembered, but their achievements changed the course of business and continue to influence society.

You’ll learn about the unassuming billionaire who gave away his entire fortune during his lifetime to better the world. Not everyone is so generous, however; one scoundrel who stole billions. Some are more obscure than others, and this text brings their accomplishments to light. Leaders profiled include Aaron Burr, Henry Ford, John Ringling, Robert Morris, Frank Woolworth, Forrest Mars Sr., Daniel Ludwig, and many more.

Whether you are a student, a business leader, or someone considering a career in business, you’ll be entertained, informed, and educated as you read.

Book Review of Business Biographies: Shaken Not Stirred by Stephen Troy

The author takes 25 business leaders that are obscure in many ways or may have even been forgotten in our history books and shares interesting facts and stories about how their business practices impacted the business world.

You can read about Coca-Cola Company and how it was started, sold, passed around, and finally ended up where is today. Also included are interesting stories about how DHL got started and the legacy that Hillblom ultimately left. Not something that is general knowledge, I don’t think. Ha!

You also learn about companies and people who do backhanded business deals, lawsuits and fights for position and trademark products. Company names you may recognize today but started back in the 1700 and 1800’s. Ever heard of Chase Manhattan Bank? How about Bank of America? Maybe you’ve heard about Duty Free Shops?

I found several stories extremely interesting such as the history of In-and-Out Burger and the process to develop packaged sugar. Not something you would think about on a daily basis but definitely something that we take for granted today. I really enjoyed the story about Bank of Italy too. I loved Giannini’s focus and passion. Very cool story.

There are many different cool examples the author includes in this collection of historical snippets. Perfect for the reader of biographies, history, and business, you get an insight into just a taste of what some of these inventors and brilliant minds had to go through to bring us industries and products that we take for granted today.

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free book so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.