What’s On Your Summer Reading List?

Just a couple of days ago summer became official, so there may be some R&R days in your near future. Many of us look forward to relaxing with a good book, whether it’s for business or pleasure, so we’ve complied our annual summer reading list to give you some ideas. We asked some folks from Okuma, our distributors, customers and partners to share what’s been on their nightstand (or in their travel bags) and here are the choices they recommend. Check out this list and see if there are any books you might add.

Scott Volk, Vice President, MetalQuest

Future success and personal growth require a constant state of learning. Reading is a great way to open your mind to new ideas, learn the latest news and trends, understand different perspectives, and gain knowledge.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness, by Robert Hansen. Bob does a great job of explaining OEE and how to approach OEE in your organization.

Out of the Crisis, by W. Edwards Deming. Deming is one the greatest thinkers of the quality movement. This book is as much about management as it is about quality, and is a must read for anyone who wants to improve the effectiveness of their organization.

Tim Thiessen, Vice President of Sales, Okuma America Corporation

Computer technology becomes obsolete quickly as time passes and new technologies arise. Our personal computer (brain) can continue to adapt and function well if we will challenge it and feed it good information. I will admit – I need to do more reading!!

Lincoln on Leadership, by Donald T. Phillips. This book was recommended to me by my Executive Coach. I found many of Lincoln’s methods with people effective not only during his time but today as well. My two favorite concepts from the book were MBWA (Management By Walking Around) and writing a letter that you never plan to send (get it out of your system!).

Dad Is Fat, by Jim Gaffigan. My wife and kids picked this for me and I can’t figure out why. I actually have not read it yet but heard it was good, and if you know me you know I enjoy comedy!

Good to Great, by Jim Collins. This book will challenge you to hone in on what brings success and satisfaction. Unfortunately many people today fall victim to aligning themselves and their companies to the rat race.

Tommy Ferguson, Senior Manager, Finance, Okuma America Corporation

I read all of the following books in the past year. My oldest daughter had to read these for school, so I read them after she finished.

Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis

Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson

The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives, by Leonard Mlodinow

Here’s one that I just heard about and decided to read:

The Richest Man in Babylon, by George S. Clason

This one is not a recent read, but it’s really good if you want to know what caused the financial collapse:

Reckless Endangerment: How Outsized Ambition, Greed, and Corruption Led to Economic Armageddon, by Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner

Mike Munao, Sales Manager, Midaco Corporation

One of my favorite business books is How to Become a Rainmaker, by Jeffrey J. Fox. This is a very quick and motivational read that provides a somewhat comical review of all of the obvious (sometimes not so obvious) behaviors or skills that a top producer in any organization should possess and practice. Fox discusses the rules for getting and keeping customers along with really hitting home the value of showing the” true cost” versus the price of your products. The gentleman selling you a new furnace isn’t really selling you a furnace, he’s selling warmth and comfort for your family. The drill bit salesman is selling holes for less cost-per-hole, not drill bits. This book is a great booster shot for anyone in sales, or if you want to sharpen your persuasive skills.

Julie Murphy, Director of Marketing, Okuma America Corporation

Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline. Set in the late 21st century, the world economy is in despair but the multi-player virtual gaming world is alive and well. When the creator of the OASIS virtual universe dies and leaves his fortune to the winner of a contest he created, players must solve puzzles and play games based on classic 1980’s video games and pop culture media (movies, music, television). I found this book interesting because of the references to the 1980’s (far and away my favorite decade) and because of the technology described in the real and virtual world in the story. Read it now before the movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, comes out (March, 2018).

Maddie Hanline, Marketing Intern, Okuma America Corporation

I’m currently on my eighth attempt at finishing Anna Karenina. Each time I’ve started it, I make it about 150 pages in, get discouraged and give up. I’ve resolved to finish it this summer though because I love classic literature. Everyone should read at least one piece by Tolstoy and I chose Anna Karenina because it’s a tremendous story that exposes an extensive spectrum of human natures.

For fun, I’m reading a crime novel called The Hiding Place by David Bell. It’s an easy read, but an engaging storyline about a closed murder case resurfacing 25 years later.

My philosophy about reading is that it’s very much like physical exercise. The more you do it, the stronger you become. I’m almost always reading two books at a time for the purpose of staying “in shape” so to speak. When working out, you have to offset those grueling leg days with a rest day every now and then. In my case right now, Anna Karenina would be compared to leg day, and The Hiding Place is my rest day. It’s all about balance and consistency. The benefits of reading are so evident to me and I do it to learn or be entertained, increase my vocabulary, relax and to increase my comprehension in all facets of my life.

Well said, Maddie! Thanks to all our contributors for these great suggestions, they’ll keep us busy for a while. Please feel free to add your recommendations or book reviews below.