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Reflections from our Bookshelf: Capital Gaines

Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned by Doing Stupid Stuff
By: Chip Gaines
Reflection by: Bri Prosser

 

Why I read it?

Who doesn’t love Chip and Joanna Gaines? Their shows “Fixer Upper” and now “Magnolia Network” are staples in my house, especially on the weekends. Not to mention that their Hearth and Home line is always tugging at my wallet in Target! A peek behind the scenes of all of it sounded really interesting to me.

What is it all about?

The book is divided into three parts. The first, “A Time to Learn,” covers much of Chip’s early life and starting his businesses, including a poorly planned trip to Mexico to do an immersive Spanish program. The second, “A Time to Grow” candidly shows the growing pains of running a business and figuring some things out as you go. The book is capped off with “A Time to Build” discussing Chip’s long-term plans and goals.

What caused me to pause?

Although on television Chip seems to just be a goofball, the book shows a different side of him that invests in his employees as much as he does in his business. This ranges from learning Spanish to speak to more of his workers, letting an employee go all-in on a new position in the company even if he has reservations, to encouraging people to problem solve and learn from their own mistakes. In return, his employees have bought into the business and its future.

How will this book change my habits or influence me?

Time invested in people isn’t wasted. Sometimes, my To Do list can wait a few more minutes if it means getting to have a meaningful conversation or getting to know someone new.

Add this to your reading list if …

You want something equal parts comedy and inspiring.

Pickle Rating: 4.75/5

Shannon Dermody

Shannon DermodyTEST

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