D-A Books

Kathryn Ellen Davis' debut novel Polyester Pride is about a young women who grows up poor in Northern Maine, seeing marriage as the dream and the highest goal for her life. But when she marries her high school sweetheart, he turns out to be an alcoholic given to regular physical abuse. Her rough awakening and search for inner strength, pride, and freedom compose a powerful tale of struggle and independence in this impressive, compelling, and highly recommended story.

Kathy is a wonderful writer she had me really into her book.
I felt as though I was living in maine while I read.
Great story writer she will be going places .
I felt like I know her keep up the good work .

Linda_man

This novel is one of the most realistic portrayals of Downeast Maine that I have ever read. Living in Downeast Maine and experiencing many of the trials and tribulations that are portrayed in this novel, are what makes Polyester Pride a definate five star for me. I can't wait for the sequel.

Great book it keep me into it, was very exciting, and I get bored easily .
I Stayed with it untill I finished it.
Hope she comes out with another .

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very true to life, and the plot was engaging. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. A rare accurate glimpse into the daily challenges of people living "downeast".

Dr. Garcy provides the reader with an unusually easy-to-follow, yet pointed and clarifying perspective into what we can all do to improve our lives. It's applicable to almost anyone and leaves you with a renewed appreciation for simple, down-home, practical advice. There are seven simple steps to follow, the result of which is the road to a more fulfilling life experience. Very good read!

The Power of Inner Guidance: Seven Steps to Tune In and Turn On

Dr. Pam Garcy honored me with a preview copy of her book, The Power of Inner Guidance, and I followed her seven steps to the letter. The results are that it's so very easy now to make decisions which come from a place of centeredness and peace, and trust myself and choices in a whole new way. Her guide allowed me to be a better person in every way.

Pam has a remarkable understanding of what we all go through in our daily lives - we "should" ourselves to the point that it's easy to lose our true natures and question who we are. We have so many responsibilities that pull us in many directions at once, one day we wake up and notice we feel "lost" in the process.

This book is such a practical read and inspiration, I know you'll find just what you're looking for to help your make your choices with wisdom, peace and a feeling of true "inner guidance"!

I'm getting copies to send to friends who are going through transitions in their lives while questioning every decision they make. With this book, I know you can stop saying, I "should" have done this, or I "should" do this, and know precisely how to follow your own inner guidance.

Thank you Pam - you and your book are a guide to right now, easy to implement steps, that are truly life-changing in the most positive way. You've given us a blueprint to regaining our "true north self".

With many thanks and blessings,
Pat Wyman

This bood is a quick read with a powerful message. It will give you a new perspective on how to handle old problems. Chapter 4 gives it to you straight, then allows you to decide how to tackle the issues in your life. Are you ready to make postive changes?!

I've had different pieces of the puzzle but not the big picture to look at. This book has given me a much clearer picture on how the puzzle pieces fits together.

I found this book to be a simple, albeit a great read. Dr. Garcy did a phenomenal job of showing the reader how to implement the fundamental strategies of creating healthy changes in the lives of those that are searching for satisfaction of self and peace of mind. Moreover, these skills are basic! They are ones that nearly everyone has, yet do not necessarily utilize - - as she states early on in her book, "it is a true self-help book, because it will give you the skills you need to access that which you already possess" (Garcy, p. 21). This is a book anyone and everyone could use to gain (or maintain) self-awareness and a purposeful focus!

A few years back I was looking for a book I could use to help guide the couples I worked with in marriage counseling. A friend and fellow counselor recommended The Power of Two. After reading it for myself I was grateful. There are always complicated issues to deal with any real relationship. How we navigate those troubled waters has everything to do with how we communicate. Susan Heitler, a seasoned couples therapist, has put together a how-to-communicate guide in a user friendly format. It starts out with the basics, Talking and Listening, emphasizing the priceless value of good everyday communication. She outlines the communication pitfalls people often trip over, how to improve and then provides scripts, what not to do and then the better way. Some people find these scripts corny and contrived. I can see that, but they are also useful for couples who really don't have a clue how to receive criticism without getting defensive, give criticism without being negative or how to ask for what they need from a reluctant spouse without whining. She also gets into the more difficult challenges of communication when emotions run hot.

The content is useful, it teaches and validates; the format accessible, easy language artfully spaced on the pages. I recommend this book for all couples, not just spouses; bothers, sisters, mothers, daughters, sons and fathers have also told me this book has enhanced their relationships.

I was excited to find a book that has everything you need to know about marital communications. Very thorough and well compiled. Kudos to the author for such an in-depth approach to being married.

I was dismayed to see reference that tough childhoods cause a neurological change in people. I felt it implied that such an upbringing would be to blame for anyone who suffers from a neurological illess. Could make for a tough sell to such an audience.

However, thanks for such a thorough read.

Dear Dr. Heitler: I live in New York. The purpose of this e-mail is to say thank you for all of your help during a difficult time in my life. I have spent the last two years trying to figure out what I am looking for and how to have a healthy relationship. I went through a long healing process and think I am ready to get back in to dating. I am going to re-read your book because I think it is the best book I have read in how to have a successful relationship. Thank you again for all of your help. Regards, Bruce

I don't really think I got married BECAUSE of the book. But after I read the book, I finally could see that it was possible to be married, remain an individual, and still have a deep and meaningful relationship. If you think marriage takes away your independence, read this book--it empowers you.

this is great it should be translated in many different languages..its for any man or woman married or not..for anyone who just want to live and comunicate happily :) wonderful..

I have ordered merchandise from this person before and I have always received what I expected and in great time. Great service will order again!

This book will give you the tools you need to acquire spiritual breakthrough from prayer. There are so many areas in the spiritual realm that we are just unaware of and this book opens it up to you. I highly recommend this book.

I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TAKEN BY THE SELLER TO MY PRODUCTS. THIS IS THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED ON AMAZON. PLEASE KEEP IT UP.

Although some of the way of terminology is strange, the power of Prayer Rain is extreme. I highly recommend this book.

This prayer manual will certainly destroy all plans of the enemy that has been formed against you, your marriage, family, finances. You just name the situation and there is a remedy through prayer. It is time to match into the enemys camp and take back all that has been stolen from you. It is time to PURSUE, OVERTAKE AND RECOVER.

I thoroughly enjoyed Protecting Nahir. I'm fairly new to the murder mystery genre, and found the book to be an easy read. The descriptions of Puerto Rico and the characters were vibrant and wonderfully done. It was easy to envision the streets and plazas. Mr. Hubble did a wonderful job of twists and turns and I was honestly surprised when I learned who the murderer was! Being a woman, I also enjoyed the fact that he did not make his female characters completely helpless. Sandra's actions were heartening. (She makes me want to pick up Tae Kwon Do!)
I can't wait to read his second book. (I also want to know if Nando reunites with Sandra, having an incorrigibly romantic core.)

Between the pages of "Protecting Nahir" is a story so gripping and real that you won't just read about the characters, you'll be right there living the moments with them. Tony Hubble draws you in so that you actually see; smell and experience Puerto Rico, making you want to visit. The plot development is so well done that right up to the end you're not sure "Who done it". I loved the book, miss Armando (who I fell in love with) and can't wait for the sequel. If you only read one book this year make it Protecting Nahir.

I don't have much time to read novels so I took the book with me on vacation. I planned to read it on the plane for the 12 hour flight there and back. Once I began the book, however, I had a hard time putting it down. I would sneak away when the crowds became too much for me at my in-laws and I'd hide in the bedroom so I could continue reading! I've never been to Puerto Rico but I feel that I have through Tony Hubble's description of the island. I was in the entertainment business for many years and if I had a need for a bodyguard, I would have wanted Armando (the main character) by my side. I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes networking and how bodyguards work in precision to protect their client. I live on a sailboat in Hawaii so the description of the Herreshoff Schooner and the crew made me laugh. Only someone who knows sailors would know how to create these characters! Thank you, Tony Hubble for a fascinating read! I am looking forward to your next adventure with anticipation!

I'm a personal friend of the author, Anthony Hubble, and I initially read this book because... well, because I was his friend. However, it didn't take long and I had forgotten all about that and was reading the book because I was truly interested in the storyline, the characters, the setting, and of course, how this thriller would end up. I was transported to a part of the world I had never been to but could now picture so well in my mind. Due to work commitments I don't have much time in a day for reading, but I found myself looking forward to that part of the day where I could settle in and continue immersing myself in this fine adventure. Thanks, Anthony D, for a fine read... I'm looking forward to many more, and who knows... maybe an Armando Miranda action-adventure movie. Keep up the good work, dude!

Protecting Nahir definitely delivers the goods. It's the perfect book to take to the beach and while away an afternoon with. It's got the lush island backdrop, shady characters, beautiful ladies, a body count, and our cool-as-ice hero, Armando Miranda, right in the middle of it all with a job to do. The book spends a large part of the first two hundred pages setting up the history of the characters, describing locations, and just plain making you wait to find out what is going to happen next, but as the pace of the story speeds up, you will find that all of the background information helps as Mr. Anthony D. Hubble starts tying up all of the loose ends. But do not despair--you will find yourself immersed in the story hoping against hope (but secretly confident) that our hero and all of the other good guys will be able to extricate themselves from increasingly tense and bloody conflicts involving an ever-growing group of very nasty bad guys with some serious murderous intent. All in all, I found the book to be an enjoyable ride with a very satisfying, and surprising, conclusion.

I would definitely recommend this book. But, don't just take my word for it.

Here is what a leading metaphysical reviewer says about the Psychic Counselor's Handbook:

Richard Fuller, according to his own words receives daily books from all over the world and makes his decision of promoting and endorsing a particular book dependent on two major factors:

"I must find the author's integrity within the pages of the book. Once I have read the book from cover to cover I must be able to say that it will lead people to a better place."

His comment about the Psychic Counselor's Handbook was: "Yes, I would endorse and promote this book. You have a booster here."

Who is Richard Fuller?

Richard Fuller, senior editor and columnist has spent his entire working life as a writer, magazine editor and advertising executive. He is considered by his peers to be a truth-seeker, upholding the highest levels of integrity in his support of the new age community. He only endorses the finest books, videos and recordings available. Any work that is endorsed by Mr. Fuller is very worthy of your interest.

How often can you hope to get advice that's frank, honest and from life's experience? When you read this book you will feel like you are there in person with author and medium Ralph Jordan. How authentic he is, and what alot we have to learn. A must read for anyone who sees themselves as a psychic counselor, healer or a "wannabe".

The amount of books on counseling techniques is so great that it would easily fill a library. So, why should it be that there is one book on the art of counseling which belongs on every practitioner's table? Actually, there are two reasons why Reverend Ralph D. Jordan's "Psychic Counselor's Handbook" is outstanding. Number one is the book itself. Starting with The Basics, it provides the reader with a working model that he can use no matter what psychotherapeutic approach or group of clients he is working with. A vivid and comprehensive description of the Techniques, Tools and Attitudes for successful counseling is followed by a whole chapter on Pitfalls, which is as rare as it is invaluable for anyone who wishes to avoid them. In Part Four, the editor has compiled dialogues between the author and some of his students, dealing with subject matters which even the very experienced counselor might like to clarify for himself. Plus, they have managed to fit all of this into 160 pages of a robust paperback, thus giving the counselor a true handbook which he can carry with him and read chapter for chapter just as well as put on his office table and use as a reference book. Still, there is a second reason which strongly recommends the "Psychic Counselor's Handbook": its author. For Ralph D. Jordan is not only a brilliant psychic counselor and masterful practitioner of transactional analysis, Jungian psychology and behavioral confrontation but, being a student of Paramahansa Yogananda, has gone on to teach a pathway of metaphysical evolution that has helped thousands of Western seekers to make a better life for themselves. Thus, getting his book is also a wonderful investment in our self-growth - at a very good price.

As a practicing psychiatrist, I can say that this book channeled by Ralph Jordan, has been an eye opener in regards to the way I practice psychiatry, the way I view my patients, and my overall attitude about life. I have learned that, too often, we counselors have a tendency to view our patients/clients from a superior perspective, a "poor you, you're not good enough" attitude. This no nonsense book states it as it is, which is that we're all equal, we just make our choices. His approach to the use of non-empathy, non-judgment, non-pity is very refreshing when working with my clients because it gives the freedom to see them as just another human being, not a subject incapable of thinking or incapable of caring for themselves.

A point well brought out in the book is the concept of the law of attraction, knowing that the people that come into the office for counseling are coming due to similarly acting properties, or "bugaboos" as it's termed in the book, in the life of the counselor. I have learned that this is an important factor in psychiatry and plays into counter transference feelings/ideas the therapist may have for the client. The psychic counselor is just as prone to counter transference issues, and transference issues, as the mental health counselor. Counter transference issues get in the way of how we counsel; that's why the "Twelve Golden Rules of Psychic Counseling" are particularly helpful, because they point out the pitfalls a counselor will encounter, signaling that counter transference issues are interfering. Transference is an oft overlooked but very important factor in how someone hears the counselor and the expectations placed on the counselor.

It's a wonderful book, full of a wealth of information and wisdom which is helpful for moving beyond the ordinary into another aspect of counseling. Starting from page one, the reader is made aware that Ralph Jordan values professional ethics, the belief in being a neutral reader vs. one infusing their own values into the reading, and the assistance of God in all things. One builds an ethical practice by treating everything as information. There is no such thing as "good or bad: things simply are." The book is divided in 4 different parts: The Basics; Techniques, Tools and Attitudes; Pitfalls; and Seeker/Teacher Dialogue. There are Appendices also which add more valuable insights. This is psychic counseling done with the recognition that truth comes from God, that "Everything is working for God's greater recognition on this earth plane." Just reminding oneself of that principle helps to change the course of the psychic reading from being non-neutral to being a more neutral reading.

The Psychic Counselor's Handbook will always serve as a reference book, even a text of inspiration, when it comes to counseling of any type. Thank you, Ralph Jordan, for your channeled ideas!

The amount of books on counseling techniques is so great that it would easily fill a library. So, why should it be that there is one book on the art of counseling which belongs on every practitioner's table? Actually, there are two reasons why Reverend Dr. Ralph D. Jordan's "Psychic Counselor's Handbook" is outstanding. Number one is the book itself. Starting with the Basics, it provides the reader with a working model that he can use no matter what psychotherapeutic approach or group of clients he is working with. A vivid and comprehensive description of the Techniques, Tools and Attitudes for successful counseling is followed by a whole chapter on Pitfalls, which is as rare as it is invaluable for anyone who wishes to avoid them. In Part Four, the editor has compiled dialogues between the author and some of his students, dealing with subject matters which even the very experienced counselor might like to clarify for himself. Plus, they have managed to fit all of this into 160 pages of a robust paperback, thus giving the counselor a true handbook which he can carry with him and read chapter for chapter just as well as put on his office table and use as a reference book. Still, there is a second reason which strongly recommends the "Psychic Counselor's Handbook": its author. For Ralph D. Jordan is not only a brilliant psychic counselor and masterful practitioner of transactional analysis, Jungian psychology and behavioral confrontation but, being a student of Paramahansa Yogananda, has gone on to teach a pathway of metaphysical evolution that has helped thousands of Western seekers to make a better life for themselves. Thus, getting his book is also a wonderful investment in our self-growth - at a very good price.

You might be wondering at the title of my review, especially if you have read the synopsis of this book and the other reviews. What luck is there? No, I am not being sarcastic either.

This is a very intimate and personal story of a man who is given the opportunity, with a backdrop that is devastating and unthinkable, to allow his own life to be reviewed in great detail.

There is a sudden explosion and things change for John Morrison. It changes for everyone around him as well. Some sort of attack, some sort of diabolical distruction has been wrought against mankind...at least all of those in the United States, if not everywhere. In an instant, a green gas has caused many people to go insane--they have become rabid animals, attacking everyone they see. Their red tinged eyes give a clear indication that they are something "other" than human now.

John has not gotten sick with this poison. People who have not gotten sick are victims to be pummelled and destroyed by the condemned. John does his best to survive, hooking up with a couple of other survivors, desperately trying to find a place that is safe, a place where the others cannot go.

But that is just half the story. The author uses flashbacks to allow both us and John to examine his life. He and his wife were seperating when the blast occurred--he was packing his things so he could move across town. His son died in a horrible accident a few weeks before and his life has unravelled. Throughout this tale of his desperate attempt at survival we revisit all the aspects of his married life that he felt were his failings--all the things that he did wrong, all the things that crumbled within his grasp.

So why is John lucky? Because usually when we are presented with our mortality, or own eminent demise, we not given much of a chance to better grasp what it is that happened to bring us to our current state. With a world in such a chaotic state usually a sudden and abrupt ending happens while the world crumbles around us. We are given no chances to comprehend anything at all. John however not only gets the chance to escape the demons of his exterior world but also face his inner demons at the same time.

This is a novella that was well put together and is tightly bound. The author drew me and quickly made me appreciate what agony our main character is going through--more so the agony of his past existence than even the horrible experiences of the apocalypse around him. Things are revealed both to him and to us, the reader, that are both terrifying but provide incredibly profound revelations. Whether you feel that John is a wretch of a man or simply weak, like all of us are, there is something to him that makes him incredibly human and noble as he does his best not just for himself but for those who he is still trying to save.

A reckoning is defined as an appraisal or judgement but is also can be defined as a settlement of accounts. John is blessed and lucky, as I mentioned in the title of my review, because he is not only forced to do the former but is also able to strive for the latter in this story.

John Morrison's life was going right down the drain. With the loss of his son and now his impending divorce, he thought all was lost. True he still had his daughter Tiffany, but nothing will ever sooth his heart. John had no idea that his life was about to get much much worse, at the first sight of the green smoke.

The Others with fiery red eyes, cannibalistic nature, and the need to set buildings afire, were taking over. The infectious disease spreading like wildfire amongst the town and surrounding areas. There were only a handful of survivors, but John, Kevin, and Deb managed to stick together and escape from the evil brewing in Blairington.

D. Mikels scrawls a tale of horror that engrosses the reader from the start. I started reading this book one night while lying in bed...believe me that did not last long. Dreams of Zombies with fiery red eyes plagued me for two days. The Reckoning was filled with excitement and ended in an unimaginable twist. D. Mikels knows what he is doing, a captivating author that can make the hairs on your neck stand straight up. 5 Hearts

This terrific thriller begins with a bittersweet flashback to a simple, happy day that meant a lot to John Morrison. He remembers his little son's tiny blue sneakers with the white tips, and now, years later, his son is gone. Looking back, John realizes his life has been one loss after another - jobs, love, his son, and ultimately, his self-respect. Today, something will happen that is so huge, so devastating, that he will have to fight for his very survival or give up and fail for the last time. His journey toward redemption will be the hardest of his life. Will he make it?

D. Mikels' third book is a great read and his best story yet. John, the protagonist, is a very real man; flawed and filled with regrets. When a cataclysmic event changes life on earth, John must face many challenges and his own weaknesses in order to survive. The narrative is crisp, the dialogue authentic, and the pacing quick; there's action on every page and you can't wait to see what will happen next. This is a book that fans of action, science fiction, and drama are sure to enjoy. Heartily recommended.

D. Mikels, you're a good writer, well versed in craft and pacing, able to hold a story together with a theme, but character driven. That's what I take from The Reckoning. It's a good book, novella, told as two stories - the before and the after.

John Morrison screwed up his life - that's the message from the before - and in point by point detail, we learn how that happened. He's not a bad man and he's not a good man, he's just a man with flaws as well as strengths. He's not particularly honest, but then again he does have a conscience.

For my taste though, I'd have rather had full alternating chapters detailing the before and after, or I'd have brought out the before in situations, dialogue, memories, etc. A few inconsistencies threw me out of the story and those ought to have been caught in the proofing stage. But the major problem I had with the book is the ending. Those of you who've read it know what I'm talking about, but I won't spoil it for those who haven't. Suffice it to say that the reader has an emotional investment in the plot and characters and that ending betrayed that connection, I believe.

However, those nits aside, this was a quick and enjoyable read. It carried me through based on the strength of plot and pacing. Like a good movie, it was told in specific scenes and I had no trouble seeing those scenes before me as I read the text.

I'm giving it 4 stars because it succeeded on so many levels, anything lower would be unfair of me. I can't give it 5 stars because it just wasn't quite up to that standard for me.

I will read more by D. Mikels and look forward to doing so. Besides, a fellow Sooner with writing talent is a great find indeed.

- CV Rick

The Reckoning chronicles John Morrison's journey as he struggles to survive in a post apocalyptic world. His once imperfect life is now complicated by a strange sulfuric fog that pollutes the air and water and 'changes' people, ultimately killing them.

John's life was far from stellar before 'it' happened. As the current story unfolds, the author begins each chapter with a glimpse into John's past, creating an image of a man deeply flawed.

The story flows fast and furious and the writing is of the caliber that you don't want to put it down; eager to get to the next level of action, fear or discovery. The author takes you on a creative ride between the past and the present; he gives you a realistic feel of the emotions and responses the characters convey in the face of adversity.

Though the book is only 124 pages long, it is not lacking in content. It is rich and detailed, telling a tale of a horrific event, as seen by a damaged man and finally about forgiveness and peace. A great read.

I found a copy of Ace Parker's book at my father's home. As SSgt. Richard Hathaway, he served with Ace Parker and was among the 23 Rangers that made if off Omaha Beach on D-Day and hooked up with the 2nd Rangers on Pointe du Hoc. They were the only unit to attain their D-Day objective, for which Parker received the DSC. The stories he told in the book added more details to the stories my father told me about his combat experiences. For example, he must have been standing near Ace Parker when that tank round went by on Pointe du Hoc because my father told me he could feel the heat as the round passed them.
Although the book suffers from some grammatical inconsistencies and historical errors that could have benefitted from more rigorous editing, the raw experiences of Capt. Parker come through in the story telling.
If you are looking for the perspective of one man close to the action to add detail to the broader sweeps portrayed by Stephen Ambrose, Corneilius Ryan and others, then read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to M.Taggatz , I have could discover an other sight about Ranger's D-Day and especially Charles "Ace" Parker : a special man with the nobly convictions ! This book have a "heart" and probably , it capture the spirit of Ranger's D-Day ! I think and I wish that the memory oh this men musn't be forgotten ... To read absolutely !

Having read many books on the personal experiences of WWII veterans, I can honestly say that this is, hands down, the best first person account I have read to date! Anyone with even the slightest interest in WWII should pick it up and read it ASAP! Mr. Parker was an unbelievable man with an unbelievable story-thanks to his nieces, we can all read it now and benefit from it.

As I read "Reflections of Courage on D-Day" I could hear my father talking through Ace Parker. My dad, Harold Gene Mann, private in the 5th Ranger Battalion, said many of the same things about his experiences and said them in the same way. I am throughly enjoying hearing him speak again.

Thanks from the heart. Howard G. Mann

This may not be the book for you if you are only starting to read about WW2, but once you have a basic undersatnding of the invasion of Normandy, it is a very historical important document. Ace Parker played a major role in the relief of the main Ranger Force on D-day. These actions are not well documented elsewhere, and I really wish I had known of this book while writing "Spearheading D-day". It would have made my life a lot easier.

Buy these small press WW2 memoirs now, as they really go up in price when the go OOP.

This is a good book as a review for nurses already in hemodialysis and an informative book for new dialysis nurses.

I have a Masters of Science in Nursing. This was the best written, easiest to read book I have read in a while. Question and answer format. Worth the money.

This book is very informative not only for experienced Dialysis professionals but also for those who are new to this sub-specialty. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a book that is very readable and covers the topics necessary without using terminology that is too technical and complicated to understand.

"THIS EDITION INCLUDES SIX NEW CHAPTERS:
* Transplantation
* Diabetes and Hemodialysis
* Pediatric Hemodialysis
* ESRD in the Elderly
* Management of Quality in Dialysis Care
* Renal Care and Information Technology
These chapters focus on the needed interdisciplinary approach reaching across the continuum of care."
[from the book of back cover]

I used this book at a study guide for the nursing certification test in 2000. I passed with flying colors. It is comprhensive and to the point. There wasn't a subject in the test that was not covered in this book as well. This book is a much easier read than the ANNA curriculum. If you are looking to study for the CNN or CDN then look no further.

I recently read, The Road to Organic Growth How Great Companies Consistently Grow Marketshare From Within by Edward Hess. Companies do it by:


1. They are generally in one business most can define their business in one sentence.

2. The companies are relentlessly focused and disciplined - they do not take their eye off the ball.

3. They drill down to the line-employee level to ensure that their people understand the business and why their job is important, why certain measurements are being made, and how employees can contribute to their own success.

4. They incrementally improve with continual top-line and bottom-line initiatives by

They involve and engage their staff:

The people doing the work need to understand the business and the importance of their individual jobs, as well as how their success will be measured and what is important to the success of the business.
Everyone has to buy into a system of accountability and a culture of constant improvement.

Only by giving employees "ownership" of their jobs can a company truly have a constant improvement culture that works.

People need constant, reliable, and objective feedback in order to learn and improve. So they have a high focus on measuring results.

It was a good book - not great but just good. I did get some ideas and it was an easy, quick read. Certainly was attracted to the title.

Ed Hess' book helped me a great deal. I own/run a small business that espouses similar values that can be found in this book, but it also taught me that in our quest for growth that some of our priorities have clearly been wrong. As a result of this fine, easy to read book, I feel more confident that our company will be kept firmly on the growth curve.

G.M. Ball
[...]

This is a phenomenal work. This book provides the attributes and tools of what it really means to "grow" a business. Hess brilliantly reveals some of the most fundamental concepts that make a "great" business great. Pages full of evidence and stories about engaged and loyal people, humble servanthood leadership, dynamic client service, and clear and conscise business models will stir entreprenuers as they read this excellent volume.

Hess has done it again. The Six Keys to Organic Growth
cuts through traditional leadership thought to show what great organic
growth leaders really do - execute. This book offers terrific insight into
some of the great organic growth companies. The Six Keys to Organic
Growth should be required reading for all young executives and MBA students who want to win.

A great book! I loved it. It is broken into nine chapters as follows:

1. Why is organic growth important?
2. Discovering the DNA of organic growth.
3. The organic growth winners: Interesting Facts.
4. An elevator-pitch business model.
5. Instill a "small-company soul" into a "big-company body."
6. Measure everything.
7. Build a people pipeline.
8. Leaders: humble, passionate, focused operators.
9. Be an execution and technology champion.

Chapters 4 - 9 are the ingredients to building a company through organic growth. If a biz can be explained in a just a few words while riding up an elevator, then it's leaders/managers can probably focus well on growing the business from within. If a biz is comprised of workers who care about the company instead of just showing up to work and collecting a paycheck, then the business will probably grow from within. The business will probably also have a pipeline of new managers if the employees care about coming to work for reasons other than just collecting a paycheck. These are the types of things discussed in the last six chapters of the book.

Generally speaking, companies either grow through "organic growth" or by "mergers and acquisitions." Many companies grow by using both methods, but the author only discusses the organic growth method in this book. There is talk that growth may take place by playing accounting games and engaging in financial manipulations. However, this really is not a method to create growth. Manipulations are just that - shifts of revenues and expenses from one accounting period to another. If there is gain today via manipulation, then there is going to be a loss next week or next month - guaranteed.

A small company soul is what this book is about. And I really enjoyed reading it. I liked the list of "Growth Questions" at the end of each chapter. They helped pull the chapters together for me. If you are putting together a business plan for a start up company, then I recommend you read this book. You will want to incorporate many of the ideas and concepts discussed here into your business plan and your implementation of your business plan.

I would have liked the book better if the print had not been so large. And since the spine of the book was not all that thick I got the feeling that the book was padded by increasing the font size of the text. The book could have been longer if there had been more examples of real world situations regarding what was being discussed. And I would have liked a chapter comparing organic growth to mergers and acquisitions. To discuss organic growth as the best way to grow a company, and to ignore M&A's as though they were a bad way, just didn't feel right to me. In fact, M&A's are a great way to grow a business. But the book was well-written and informative. 5 stars!