Joe Coulombe and Patty Civalleri
Becoming Trader Joe
How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys
HarperCollins Leadership, 2021
Aperçu
Joe Coulombe turned the Trader Joe’s grocery chain into a unique, unconventional success.
Recommendation
Imagine a grocery store where every full-time employee makes a salary at least equal to the area’s median family income – a chain with a stock of unique, private-label goods providing excellent value. Imagine that it focuses on its target demographic to build cult-like loyalty. This is Trader Joe’s. Joe Coulombe tells how he built Trader Joe’s into a success, offering anecdotes in a casual, idiosyncratic style. His account is neither linear nor ordinary – just like his stores.
Summary
About the Authors
Joseph Hardin Coulombe, a Stanford-educated economics major and MBA recipient, founded Trader Joe’s, served as a consultant to and leader of companies in distress, and held seats on numerous boards. He died in February 2020. Patty Civalleri has written several travel books on Italy’s art and culture.
Comment on this summary