First Word

I read on the airplane the book "Built to Last," which inspired me to reinforce some of our core business values. I've been beating the internal drum at 3L Publishing that everything we do results in high-quality products and customers beyond satisfied. What this book showed me is that companies that look beyond the bottom line toward a greater organizational value endure through the years as great institutions. I want my company to grow and endure through great vision and innovation. So, I got to thinking about our core value and those three thoughts -- excellence, high quality products and services and superior customer service -- resonated with me. I shared my thoughts today with Malia, our account and operations manager, and inspired her to think about it too. So as we as a full-service team build on those values and grow, I hope to leave a legacy of endurance -- and one we can all be proud to be a part of.

Some actions, questions or comments just require the perfect tone of "Boo!" My dear friend and financial advisor Cindy Fuzie taught me this. You don't like something, just say "boo." So for your entertainment, here are some boo-worthy moments. Asking me the obvious . This one just seemed kind of off-the-wall to me. A gal asked me if Daughter of the Caribbean , which is clearly a pleasure book, was a non-fiction business book. What about a beautiful cover of a young girl, strolling on a Jamaican beach looks like a business book? When I pointed out what seemed like it should be pretty obvious, she relented that she would read it on the airplane. I was completely lost. The branding on the book is sublime, but it just goes to show that in marketing some hurdles (as is my dog ate my brain) just can’t be overcome. For asking what is probably the most absurd question of the year (if not decade), major-league “boo.” “Yes, Drill Sergeant!” I always give people the ...