Daniel Lubetzky

This book is a bible for anyone wishing to start a business or for a new business. It's also full of life lessons for all of us. The author is the CEO of KIND, the whole food (no bad stuff) bars that are delicious and good for your body and good for the author's cause of bringing people together, particularly Arabs and Israelis. This man has passion and vision, and a surprising amount of wisdom. He earned it the hard way, same way everyone comes by it.

His company is run the way every company should be. People love working there, they are part of the company, and everyone's ideas are considered. The CEO and company stay true to their vision and goals and won't be wooed by those who would change the kind of company they are. There's much to admire in this. The author understands one important principle -- that happy employees/partners are good for business in every way. It's a darn shame more companies don't know this or practice it.

For anyone starting a business, particularly one with philanthropic goals, this book is a must read. For the rest of us, it's a good read and might engender a little more kindness toward each other in daily life, the type of thing that grows us as humans.

Book received from Goodreads Giveaways.… (més)

I read this book out of sheer curiosity because it looked like those bars you can buy at the store, but it seemed to be promoting kindness and not food. Believing in kindness and health, I requested the book. I learned a great deal. I've rarely purchased a KIND bar because they didn't fall within my frugal budget or food restrictions--just buy real fruit and nuts to save money and calories. I must admit I am impressed by the CEOs beliefs about quality and combining kindness while still making a profit. I've read quite a few "food" books that reveal food companies nefarious practices and their connections to the unhealthy diets and obesity of the American diet. I found this book much more promising.

Mr. Lubetzky presents his philosophy--think boundlessly, work purposefully, and live passionately (cover of book)--using the AND philosophy. What else can you creatively think of to be better--either as a person, as a citizen, or as a company? He tells of his journey from student to entrepreneur who believes a company can serve a positive social role as well. He writes about how he gained his beliefs from his father who treated people well. His father learned it from his father while they were held in Dachau during WWII. Mr. Lubetzky continues the desire for peace and kindness by working for peaceful relations between Arabs and Israelis. Does he make a profit? Definitely. He's done well financially, which is the American Dream. He has succeeded but not at the expense of his customer. What's impressive is that he doesn't believe money should corrupt. He says he flies coach. I always hoped that if I were rich, I wouldn't let it make me feel "above" others. It's nice to see this desire actually exist with a successful person.

After reading this book, I have to admit, I want to buy a KIND bar because of their philosophy and because of the way they are made in contrast to how most bars are made. I recently was thanking a friend by surprising her with a box of her favorite KIND bar--dark chocolate with sea salt. Reading about how this particular bar came about made me feel a connection after buying them. This novel is very inspiring, especially for college students who want to be entrepreneurs. Hopefully, it would show them that with success comes responsibility. Maybe I'm as unrealistic as Mr. Lubetzky; but, if everyone truly chose to treat others with kindness, the world would be more peaceful.… (més)

"Do the Kind Thing" is recommended reading for any entrepreneur. Daniel Lubetzky, the book’s author, gives an honest account of the joys and challenges of starting and running a business. Lubetsky does not hesitate to describe his many failures. He also explains the valuable lessons those failures yielded. The book does not romanticize entrepreneurial endeavors. Lubetzky makes clear that starting and sustaining a business requires hard work, long hours, creativity, and sacrifice. Combining business and social consciousness poses even more difficulties. But Lubetzky provides detailed explanations of how to do good while doing well. He describes how to become a social entrepreneur. This is an informative, practical, and inspiring book. Anyone in business can benefit from the lessons Lubetzky learned firsthand.… (més)