Shameless Exploitation In Persuit Of The Common Good

Paul Newman & A E Hotchner

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“There are three rules for running a business; fortunately, we don’t know any of them.”

In 1978, Paul Newman and A. E. Hotchner decided that rather than just distribute Paul’s own salad dressing at Christmas to neighbors, they would offer it to a few local stores. Freewheeling, irreverent entrepreneurs, they conceived of their venture as a great way to poke fun at the mundane method of traditional marketing. Much to their surprise, the dressing was enthusiastically received. What had started as a lark quickly escalated into a full-fledged business, the first company to place all-natural foods in supermarkets. From salad dressing to spaghetti sauce, to popcorn and lemonade, Newman’s Own became a major player in the food business. The company’s profits were originally donated to medical research, education, and the environment, and eventually went to the creation of the eight Hole in the Wall Gang camps for children with serious illnesses.

In these pages Newman and Hotchner recount the picaresque saga of their own nonmanagement adventure. In alternating voices, playing off one another in classic “Odd Couple” style, they describe how they systematically disregarded the advice of experts and relied instead on instinct, imagination, and mostly luck. They write about how they hurdled obstacle after obstacle, share their hilarious misadventures, and reveal their offbeat solutions to conventional problems. Even their approach to charity is decidedly different: every year they give away all the company’s profits, empty the coffers, and start over again. The results of this amazing generosity are brought to life in heartwarming stories about the children at their camps.

With rare glimpses into their zany style and their compassion for those less fortunate, Newman and Hotchner have written the perfect nonmanagement book, at once playful, informative, and inspirational.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Origin of Newman's Own: The book provides an inside look at the founding of Newman's Own, detailing how actor Paul Newman and writer A. E. Hotchner started the company as a joke and a way to give back to society.

  2. Philanthropy: The central theme of the book revolves around the philanthropic mission of Newman's Own. The company donates all of its profits to various charitable organizations, emphasizing the concept of "shameless exploitation" for the common good.

  3. Entrepreneurial Spirit: The authors share the entrepreneurial spirit behind Newman's Own, highlighting the challenges and successes they faced in building a food business from the ground up.

  4. Marketing Strategies: The book explores the unconventional and humorous marketing strategies employed by Newman's Own, including the use of Paul Newman's image on product labels and the creation of a unique brand identity.

  5. Humor and Wit: Throughout the book, the authors infuse humor and wit into their storytelling, making it an entertaining read that reflects the lighthearted and unconventional approach of Newman's Own.

  6. Impact on Charity: The authors discuss the significant impact Newman's Own has had on charitable causes, detailing how the company's donations have supported a wide range of organizations over the years.

  7. Celebrity Involvement: The book sheds light on the role of Paul Newman's celebrity status in the success of Newman's Own and how it contributed to the brand's recognition.

  8. Candid Reflections: Both Paul Newman and A. E. Hotchner provide candid reflections on their experiences, successes, and challenges, offering readers a glimpse into the personal side of their journey.

  9. Legacy: The book explores the legacy of Newman's Own, not just as a successful business but as a model for socially responsible entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

  10. Inspiration for Others: "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good" serves as an inspiration for individuals and businesses looking to make a positive impact on society through creative and unconventional means.

Language English
ISBN-10 0385508026
ISBN-13 9780385508025
No of pages 253
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Doubleday
Published Date 04 Nov 2003

About Author

Author : Paul Newman & A E Hotchner

2 Books

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