Summary

Beans is the story of The El Espresso, a legend in its own time inSeattle and a coffee company that has prospered by intentionallystaying small, inspiring fanatical customer loyalty in the process.Told over the span of a single day, it follows The El's founder,Jack Hartman, through a business crisis that will challenge him andmake him clear on why he does what he does. Unsure of whether hehas lost the passion needed to sustain his business, Jack hires aconsultant who flies to Seattle to "help" him but in reality bearswitness to the secrets of good business, whether it's a company of20 employees or 20,000. In the process, Jack learns about "the FourPs" and how applying these universal principles can reenergize hisemployees, his customers, and even himself.

Though fictionalized, this is a true story in the best sense ofthe word. It arrives at a time when people are yearning to returnto honest ways of doing business?before corporate dominance,inflated executive salaries, accounting trickery, and outrightgreed became so much a part of our everyday business headlines. Itis the story of how a pushcart David up against the corporateGoliaths succeeded by focusing on what is core to good business anda good life: honoring customers, trusting employees, buildingpassion around a product, and turning an honest profit.

Publisher's Weekly Review

Yerkes, a consultant and author (Fun Work) and Decker, a former Amazon.com executive, call this little book a "business fable." Drawing on the true story of a tiny Seattle coffee bar (think Cheers without the beer and the endless banter) that managed to flourish in the shadow of the giant chains, the authors attempt to distill universal truths that "cover all the essential ingredients for success": be passionate about what you do; surround yourself with good people and treat them well; view both customers and employees as friends; and maintain a consistent, quality product. Labeled the "Four P's" (passion, people, personal and product), these simple rules apply to everyone, owners and employees alike. The authors also stress the importance of intention in striving for and achieving success: whatever your goal, you have succeeded "when your results match your intentions." Reminiscent of a convention skit (each chapter is divided into "scenes" and is largely dialogue), this is a quick, easy read with solid business-and life-messages. The book also contains discussion questions and exercises, as well as factoids about coffee. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved