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"I was about to burst with pride to see what had been accomplished (at Manco). I am humbled by the opportunity to have been part of our fine relationship for many years."
- Sam Walton, Founder, Wal-Mart

About Jack

Jack's Reading List

"One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." This quotation, which hung above Jack Kahl's office door at Manco, shows his creed of humility and his personal commitment to lifelong learning. Here is a list of some of Jack's favorite sources of ideas and knowledge - several of which he shared with Sam Walton, as shown in the letters they exchanged.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend, by Laura Hillenbrand
"A true tale that any horse lover would enjoy."

The Ultimate Gift, by Jim Stovall
"This inspirational book warmed my heart. Share this book with your family."

Jack: Straight from the Gut, by Jack Welch
"Learn first-hand from one of this generation's greatest business leaders. Jack gives managers a blueprint for success."

From Mind to Market, by Roger Blackwell
"Finest marketing book on how to prepare for the 21st Century. The customer is king!"

Thick Face, Black Heart, by Chin-Ning Chu
"Do you want to do business in Asia? Read this for 36 strategies that will help."

Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by James C.Collins and Jerry I. Porras
"This book holds the crown jewels of successful habits of companies in the last century. Learn from the best."

Managing the Non-Profit Organization, by Peter F. Drucker
"A valuable read whether you´re running a profit or nonprofit organization. It is harder to run a nonprofit; herding cats isn´t easy!"

Managing in a Time of Great Change, by Peter F. Drucker
"Read it three times. I´ll probably read it three more. Drucker is a seminal thinker and understands human nature better than most."

The Lexus and the Olive Tree, by Thomas L. Friedman
"Anyone who wants to understand globalization should read this book. It´s the best I´ve read in five years."

Servant Leadership, by Robert Greenleaf
"Inspiring and good to read ten pages at a time for a refresher. Any ten will do."

The Road to Serfdom, by Frederick Hayek
"The foundational thinking that created Reaganomics. Written in 1944 and laughed at for 40 years, but turned out to be right as rain."

The Wisdom of Baltasar Gracian, by J. Leonard Kaye
"Learn from a person who lived 400 years ago--the values still apply today, maybe even more than then."

Angela´s Ashes, by Frank McCourt
"The triumph of an Irish family. I laughed and I cried more than any other book I´ve ever read."

Simply Speaking: How to Communicate Your Ideas with Style, Substance and Clarity, by Peggy Noonan
"Written by Reagan´s chief speechwriter. Whether you´re writing or speaking, it´s a must-read."

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America´s Wealthy, by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
"Surprising to most, you´ll discover frugality is still in style. I still like bologna sandwiches."

Made in America: Sam Walton, My Story by Sam Walton
"Truly the foundational book for any aspiring entrepreneur to read."

The Prize, by Daniel Yergin
"The complete history of oil and its effects on politics, war and power. Reads like a spy thriller."

The Commanding Heights, by Daniel Yergin
"The latest book written on the effects of oil from the best-known man alive to write about it."

The Edge, by Howard Ferguson
"A great compilation of ideas and quotations about what it takes to succeed in sports and in life."

The Next Economy, by Paul Hawken
"Mind-blowing-it will change your outlook on many things happening in business."

What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School, by Mark McCormack
"The title says it all for this practical guide to success."

The Vital Difference, by Frederick J. Harmon, Garry Jacobs
"What sets your company apart from the crowd? This book will make you think about the answer."

Trigger Points, by Michael Kami
"Triggered many great ideas about how to fine-tune Manco and spark some original thinking."

Future Perfect, by Stanley Davis
"I read it three times and learned something new each time about how to improve our company and our customer service."

Peak Performers, by Charles Garfield
"Peak performance isn't a matter of luck-Garfield shows you the way."

Plan of Attack, by Robert Woodward
"An insiders view of the politics of war that every voting American should read."

Half Time, by Bob Buford
"A lesson on your next career after retirement: how to give back."

The Priestly Sins, by Andrew Greeley
"A candid confrontation of the challenges faced by the Roman Catholic church."

As The Future Catches You, by Juan Enriquez
"An eye-opening view of how converging technological advances will change our lives."

Rise of the Vulcans, by James Mann
"The history of the Bush Cabinet."