Big Brown: The Untold Story of Ups - Hardcover

by Greg Niemann (Author)

Although its brown vans are on every block and its delivery service reaches more than 200 countries, UPS is among the world's most underestimated and misunderstood companies.

For the first time, a UPS "lifer" tells the behind-the-scenes story of how a small messenger service became a business giant. Big Brown reveals the remarkable 100-year history of UPS and the life of its founder Jim Casey--one of the greatest unknown capitalists of the twentieth century. Casey pursued a Spartan business philosophy that emphasized military discipline, drab uniforms, and reliability over flash--a model that is still reflected in UPS culture today.

Big Brown examines all the seeming paradoxes about UPS: from its traditional management style and strict policies coupled with high employee loyalty and strong labor relations; from its historical "anti-marketing" bias (why brown?) to its sterling brand loyalty and reputation for quality.

Front Jacket

Although its brown vans are on every block and its delivery service reaches more than 200 countries, UPS is among the world's most underestimated and misunderstood companies.

For the first time, a UPS "lifer" tells the behind-the-scenes story of how a small messenger service became a business giant. Big Brown reveals the remarkable 100-year history of UPS and the life of its founder Jim Casey--one of the greatest unknown capitalists of the twentieth century. Casey pursued a Spartan business philosophy that emphasized military discipline, drab uniforms, and reliability over flash--a model that is still reflected in UPS culture today.

Big Brown examines all the seeming paradoxes about UPS: from its traditional management style and strict policies coupled with high employee loyalty and strong labor relations; from its historical "anti-marketing" bias (why brown?) to its sterling brand loyalty and reputation for quality.

Big Brown reveals the truth about UPS, including:

• Why you've probably never heard of Jim Casey
• Where it all began--$100 and a Seattle basement in 1907
• Why you'll never find a UPS uniform for saleon eBay
• How the cult of the UPS driver developed andwhy it endures
• Why UPS employees "bleed brown"

Told as an engrossing business story, Big Brown is also filled with tested management ideas and principles for creating consistent growth, customer loyalty, and a bulletproof corporate culture.

Back Jacket

BIG BROWN

Although its brown vans are on every block and its delivery service reaches more than 200 countries, UPS is among the world's most underestimated and misunderstood companies.

For the first time, a UPS "lifer" tells the behind-the-scenes story of how a small messenger service became a business giant. Big Brown reveals the remarkable 100-year history of UPS and the life of its founder Jim Casey--one of the greatest unknown capitalists of the twentieth century. Casey pursued a Spartan business philosophy that emphasized military discipline, drab uniforms, and reliability over flash--a model that is still reflected in UPS culture today.

Big Brown examines all the seeming paradoxes about UPS: from its traditional management style and strict policies coupled with high employee loyalty and strong labor relations; from its historical "anti-marketing" bias (why brown?) to its sterling brand loyalty and reputation for quality.

Big Brown reveals the truth about UPS, including:

• Why you've probably never heard of Jim Casey
• Where it all began--$100 and a Seattle basement in 1907
• Why you'll never find a UPS uniform for sale on eBay
• How the cult of the UPS driver developed and why it endures
• Why UPS employees "bleed brown"

Told as an engrossing business story, Big Brown is also filled with tested management ideas and principles for creating consistent growth, customer loyalty, and a bulletproof corporate culture.

Author Biography

The Author

GREG NIEMANN, a Southern California travel and outdoors writer, followed the classic UPS career for almost thirty-five years, rising from loader, to driver, to management. He was West Coast editor of the company's employee publications and was often a liaison for top management. While at UPS, Niemann was accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and named IABC Communicator of the Year.