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Uncontainable: How Passion, Commitment, and Conscious Capitalism Built a Business Where Everyone Thrives
Kip Tindell, the founder and CEO of The Container Store, reveals the seven secrets to keeping both customers AND employees happy and all fully engaged.
"You're going to sell what? Empty Boxes?"
Back in 1978, Kip Tindell (Chairman & CEO of The Container Store) and his partners had the vision that people were eager to find solutions to save both space and time - and they were definitely onto something. A new category of the retailing industry was born - storage and organization. Today, with stores nationwide and with more than 5,000 loyal employees, the company couldn't be stronger. Over the years, The Container Store has been lauded for its commitment to its employees and focus on its original concept and inventory mix as the formula for its success. But for Tindell, the goal never has been growth for growth's sake. Rather, it is to adhere to the company's values-based business philosophies, which center on an employee-first culture, superior customer service and strict merchandising. The Container Store has been named on Fortune magazine 's "100 Best Companies To Work For" list for 15 consecutive years. Even better, The Container Store has millions of loyal customers.
In Uncontainable , Tindell reveals his approach for building a business where everyone associated with it thrives through embodying the tenets of Conscious Capitalism. Tindell's seven Foundation Principles are the roadmap that drives everyone at The Container Store to achieve the goals of the company. Uncontainable shows how other businesses can adapt this approach toward what Tindell calls the most profitable, sustainable and fun way of doing business. Tindell is that rare CEO who fully embraces the "Golden Rule" of business - where all stakeholders - employees, customers, vendors, shareholder, the community - are successful through a harmonic balance of win-wins.
"You're going to sell what? Empty Boxes?"
Back in 1978, Kip Tindell (Chairman & CEO of The Container Store) and his partners had the vision that people were eager to find solutions to save both space and time - and they were definitely onto something. A new category of the retailing industry was born - storage and organization. Today, with stores nationwide and with more than 5,000 loyal employees, the company couldn't be stronger. Over the years, The Container Store has been lauded for its commitment to its employees and focus on its original concept and inventory mix as the formula for its success. But for Tindell, the goal never has been growth for growth's sake. Rather, it is to adhere to the company's values-based business philosophies, which center on an employee-first culture, superior customer service and strict merchandising. The Container Store has been named on Fortune magazine 's "100 Best Companies To Work For" list for 15 consecutive years. Even better, The Container Store has millions of loyal customers.
In Uncontainable , Tindell reveals his approach for building a business where everyone associated with it thrives through embodying the tenets of Conscious Capitalism. Tindell's seven Foundation Principles are the roadmap that drives everyone at The Container Store to achieve the goals of the company. Uncontainable shows how other businesses can adapt this approach toward what Tindell calls the most profitable, sustainable and fun way of doing business. Tindell is that rare CEO who fully embraces the "Golden Rule" of business - where all stakeholders - employees, customers, vendors, shareholder, the community - are successful through a harmonic balance of win-wins.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 6, 2017
You're only going to like this book if you believe Kip Tindell is being sincere. As a seasonal Container Store employee, I can assure you that he is. The utopian culture he speaks of absolutely exists at The Container Store and the people who work there really do value and exercise Kip's Seven Foundational Principles. It sounds a little cultish. There's no two ways about that. But the Container Store is a fantastic place to work. I make great money as a full time IT technician but I work nights and weekends at The Container Store, making a tiny fraction of what I make at my full time job, because it's fun. I wish everyone did business this way.
November 21, 2014
Don't make me gag. I wanted to love this book, and was sure I would -- I even recommended it to someone prior to reading it. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to admire here, and I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with almost everything he had to say. But in between the points that I agreed with were too many mentions of how wonderfully perfect everything is and always was at The Container Store, and how all of their employees and their culture are just so great. If I ever hear corporate culture described as "yummy" again, it will be too soon.
But the real let down for me was that while this book admirably aims to inspire others to follow their path, it doesn't address an important topic for almost any reader hoping to emulate their results in their existing businesses -- how do you take an organization with years of history with a less than stellar culture and turn that around?
But the real let down for me was that while this book admirably aims to inspire others to follow their path, it doesn't address an important topic for almost any reader hoping to emulate their results in their existing businesses -- how do you take an organization with years of history with a less than stellar culture and turn that around?
August 21, 2018
Only one thing prevents this book from being invited to the same table as “Straight from the gut”, “Good to great” and other business biography luminaries. And that one thing is, unfortunately, the ultimate success for the employee- and customer satisfaction based business described in the book: The Container Store. I say unfortunately, not because I want to downplay this crucial aspect of business life (there is no scrap value for great intentions) but simply to point towards the immense knowledge to be gained from this book, irrelevant of whether The Container Store makes it out of its current woes or not. “Uncontainable” is 2015 in the same way “Straight from the gut” illustrated a different time with a different management regime. I for one believe this book will age beautifully, becoming a retailers’ How-To and a Sustainable Capitalism epistle.
This is the story about TCS and its raison d’être. The business was founded in Dallas in 1978 “selling empty boxes”. Today the chain has 70 stores and a position as the foremost retailer in America focused on organization and storage products. The book is written by the founder and CEO Kip Tindell, who together with his wife Sharon (Chief Merchandiser) is living proof of the sentiment that the performance and behavior of employees follow the examples set by management. The outline of the book is deceivingly simple. Dividing the company’s Seven Foundation Principles into a chapter each makes sense from an outline point- of-view, but as they are very interchangeable and do overlap to a large extent, the chapters are more to be seen as different doors leading into the same room. There can be no Principle #6 (“Intuition does not come to an untrained mind”) without Principle #1 (“1 Great Person=3 Good People”) and #4 (“Communication IS leadership”). Crucial to the book is the fact that these principles are not discardable items on a piece of paper, they are the recipe for making a profit, and known by heart by every single employee.
The book is first and foremost about a more holistic way of doing business, a view of capitalism that is not based on zero-sum thinking (if I pay my employees more I will make less profit). “Love” plays a part as well; how to love your employees, how to get customers to love your products and stores and how to love a business rather than the Delaware incorporation. Corporations cannot by any means be human, but they can certainly be human-like. Attracting better people with world- class integrity is most certainly a feature of some organizations. But, as Kindell emphasizes “...don’t let the high premium we place on love and compassion suggest that we’ll ever settle for anything less than the best”. Becoming the best retailer in America cannot be accomplished without a high and re-investable profit. The book is furthermore a deep-dive into why corporate culture is the Moat to Rule Them All. Throughout TCSs close to forty years in business, they have outcompeted almost everybody. The answer to why that is can certainly be traced back to a corporate culture moat difficult to trespass.
Reading the book, you will realize why paying 2x the salaries actually leads to big savings, what striving for greatness really means and why a store selling empty boxes is really selling a service. But above else, you will get an MBAs worth of knowledge around the topic of profits & purpose (not “vs”!). The Container Store embodies this almost perfectly. They are, in a word, “unashamed” about making a profit. But they do it by focusing on taking care of employees and customers first, not the other way around by having today’s bottom line dictate tomorrow’s service. No break- through science here, Peter Drucker opined the same sentiment back in 1973, but businesses today seem to be afraid to embrace it beyond clichéd vision statements.
So, reverting back to where we started; this is really customers-turned employees running a business. Which is ultimately what will decide whether The Container Store keeps thriving for another four decades and beyond; do current customers know what tomorrow’s customer want? Modern capitalism should certainly hope they do.
This is the story about TCS and its raison d’être. The business was founded in Dallas in 1978 “selling empty boxes”. Today the chain has 70 stores and a position as the foremost retailer in America focused on organization and storage products. The book is written by the founder and CEO Kip Tindell, who together with his wife Sharon (Chief Merchandiser) is living proof of the sentiment that the performance and behavior of employees follow the examples set by management. The outline of the book is deceivingly simple. Dividing the company’s Seven Foundation Principles into a chapter each makes sense from an outline point- of-view, but as they are very interchangeable and do overlap to a large extent, the chapters are more to be seen as different doors leading into the same room. There can be no Principle #6 (“Intuition does not come to an untrained mind”) without Principle #1 (“1 Great Person=3 Good People”) and #4 (“Communication IS leadership”). Crucial to the book is the fact that these principles are not discardable items on a piece of paper, they are the recipe for making a profit, and known by heart by every single employee.
The book is first and foremost about a more holistic way of doing business, a view of capitalism that is not based on zero-sum thinking (if I pay my employees more I will make less profit). “Love” plays a part as well; how to love your employees, how to get customers to love your products and stores and how to love a business rather than the Delaware incorporation. Corporations cannot by any means be human, but they can certainly be human-like. Attracting better people with world- class integrity is most certainly a feature of some organizations. But, as Kindell emphasizes “...don’t let the high premium we place on love and compassion suggest that we’ll ever settle for anything less than the best”. Becoming the best retailer in America cannot be accomplished without a high and re-investable profit. The book is furthermore a deep-dive into why corporate culture is the Moat to Rule Them All. Throughout TCSs close to forty years in business, they have outcompeted almost everybody. The answer to why that is can certainly be traced back to a corporate culture moat difficult to trespass.
Reading the book, you will realize why paying 2x the salaries actually leads to big savings, what striving for greatness really means and why a store selling empty boxes is really selling a service. But above else, you will get an MBAs worth of knowledge around the topic of profits & purpose (not “vs”!). The Container Store embodies this almost perfectly. They are, in a word, “unashamed” about making a profit. But they do it by focusing on taking care of employees and customers first, not the other way around by having today’s bottom line dictate tomorrow’s service. No break- through science here, Peter Drucker opined the same sentiment back in 1973, but businesses today seem to be afraid to embrace it beyond clichéd vision statements.
So, reverting back to where we started; this is really customers-turned employees running a business. Which is ultimately what will decide whether The Container Store keeps thriving for another four decades and beyond; do current customers know what tomorrow’s customer want? Modern capitalism should certainly hope they do.
December 26, 2014
As a writer, Kip is a great retailer! His style is loaded with superlatives, absolutes and needless repetition but his enthusiasm is contagious and the story of the building of the Container Store chain is interesting. (If you have never been to one, seek one out. You're in for a treat!)
One reason I rated this book highly is my firm believe that capitalism is the greatest system in the world to do the most good for the most people. I don't mean the type of capitalism depicted in the story of the 3 men at the table with a dozen cookies on a plate. One is a CEO Wall Street type, another is a union member and the third a Tea Party type. CEO distracts the other two, slides 11 cookies in his bag then tells the Tea Party guy - "Watch out for the union guy, he wants part of your cookie!"
No, I'm referring to the type of "conscious capitalism" depicted in the book where all major stakeholders get their share of the cookies - customers, employees, shareholders, vendors, the community and the managers. Some companies are run this way - Costco, Southwest Airlines, Whole Foods, in addition to the Container Store, which is why they earn my $$ when I have a choice. Interestingly, these firms tend to outperform those run by more traditional methods in almost every financial measure that counts. They seem to realize that focusing on short term profits will often not produce them. Profits are a byproduct of providing excellent service and products at a reasonable price on a consistent basis. Almost unheard of in the industry, Kips's company actually sold out to a private equity firm and did not give up control. I enjoy their emphasis on "1=3" employees (a friend who is one gave me this book). Those employees are basically so good they do the work of 3 and the company pays them twice what other retailers would and trains them well. Want to see how their "Seven Foundation Priciples" keep the firm on track? Check out this book.
One reason I rated this book highly is my firm believe that capitalism is the greatest system in the world to do the most good for the most people. I don't mean the type of capitalism depicted in the story of the 3 men at the table with a dozen cookies on a plate. One is a CEO Wall Street type, another is a union member and the third a Tea Party type. CEO distracts the other two, slides 11 cookies in his bag then tells the Tea Party guy - "Watch out for the union guy, he wants part of your cookie!"
No, I'm referring to the type of "conscious capitalism" depicted in the book where all major stakeholders get their share of the cookies - customers, employees, shareholders, vendors, the community and the managers. Some companies are run this way - Costco, Southwest Airlines, Whole Foods, in addition to the Container Store, which is why they earn my $$ when I have a choice. Interestingly, these firms tend to outperform those run by more traditional methods in almost every financial measure that counts. They seem to realize that focusing on short term profits will often not produce them. Profits are a byproduct of providing excellent service and products at a reasonable price on a consistent basis. Almost unheard of in the industry, Kips's company actually sold out to a private equity firm and did not give up control. I enjoy their emphasis on "1=3" employees (a friend who is one gave me this book). Those employees are basically so good they do the work of 3 and the company pays them twice what other retailers would and trains them well. Want to see how their "Seven Foundation Priciples" keep the firm on track? Check out this book.
December 21, 2014
I think that reading books about how a company was built upon the dreams of a group of people are amazing and provide us each with valuable life lessons. This book about the container store provides great lessons about how they have built their business by focusing on the customer, providing extraordinary shopping experiences and creating a culture that is not commonly found in the retail world.
I appreciate the Kip willingly sharing the journey to build such a unique store took him. It is important for us all to realize the commitment, passion, dedication and resilience that went into building the company brand. Kip also shares the values that he has based the business on and how he has instilled and maintained these values over the life of the company. The value that the container store puts on their people is exceptional and Kip frequently speaks to the important roles that others have played in the companies success.
If you a leader that believes that their are positive ways to lead your business or organization, then Uncontainable is a good read to support your commitment to positive leadership.
I appreciate the Kip willingly sharing the journey to build such a unique store took him. It is important for us all to realize the commitment, passion, dedication and resilience that went into building the company brand. Kip also shares the values that he has based the business on and how he has instilled and maintained these values over the life of the company. The value that the container store puts on their people is exceptional and Kip frequently speaks to the important roles that others have played in the companies success.
If you a leader that believes that their are positive ways to lead your business or organization, then Uncontainable is a good read to support your commitment to positive leadership.
December 2, 2015
Actually listened to this and thoroughly enjoyed the story of "the" Container Store, including the corporate philosophy, concept, beginning and the down home humor and foresight of the entrepreneur who made his dream a reality.
Plus, if you are a fan of the store (and I count myself among those happy millions) it's a great explanation as to why you leave the store feeling 1) great about your purchases
and 2) left with more than you thought you needed because the super knowledgeable salesperson asked the right questions to solve a storage problem you didn't even know you had - until you had to think about it!
Plus, if you are a fan of the store (and I count myself among those happy millions) it's a great explanation as to why you leave the store feeling 1) great about your purchases
and 2) left with more than you thought you needed because the super knowledgeable salesperson asked the right questions to solve a storage problem you didn't even know you had - until you had to think about it!
February 5, 2016
Definitely one of the lighter business books out there.. A great read on the success and enviable culture of The Container Store.
June 3, 2019
I'm torn on this one. I've long been a fan of The Container Store, and have twice been asked while shopping there if I happened to be looking for a job (fascinating to know that that's an integral part of the company's philosophy.
There's a lot to like, really, and mostly it's to do with the Seven Foundational Principles, and I really appreciate the emphasis on clear communication, employee-first philosophy, etc. The book was really repetitive (like, really really repetitive), and at times rambled and very clearly lost direction.
It's also interesting to read this book now, when we're watching the effects of extreme capitalism have dire consequences on our culture and our world. This book, and Kip Tindell's philosophy of business, seem to be an excellent example of how to push back and really demonstrate how to use capitalism in a thoughtful way. But the examples of good "Conscious Capitalism" companies haven't all aged well, and in this instance I'm looking directly at Google, which gets a lot of accolades through the book. It's a bummer that Kip Tindell felt the need on multiple occasions to insist how much he loves capitalism, instead of bravely asserting his clear use of other economic ideas to balance it his perspective. It's clear there's other influences, but it's a bit disappointing it's not more clearly articulated.
Overall, interesting read and look into the history of the store, thoughtful ideas about how to run an ethical company, but I just wish it had gone that extra step further.
There's a lot to like, really, and mostly it's to do with the Seven Foundational Principles, and I really appreciate the emphasis on clear communication, employee-first philosophy, etc. The book was really repetitive (like, really really repetitive), and at times rambled and very clearly lost direction.
It's also interesting to read this book now, when we're watching the effects of extreme capitalism have dire consequences on our culture and our world. This book, and Kip Tindell's philosophy of business, seem to be an excellent example of how to push back and really demonstrate how to use capitalism in a thoughtful way. But the examples of good "Conscious Capitalism" companies haven't all aged well, and in this instance I'm looking directly at Google, which gets a lot of accolades through the book. It's a bummer that Kip Tindell felt the need on multiple occasions to insist how much he loves capitalism, instead of bravely asserting his clear use of other economic ideas to balance it his perspective. It's clear there's other influences, but it's a bit disappointing it's not more clearly articulated.
Overall, interesting read and look into the history of the store, thoughtful ideas about how to run an ethical company, but I just wish it had gone that extra step further.
November 3, 2022
The foundation principles are fascinating and there are at least 3 principles that I believe that I can start applying right away with my teams.
Now, couple things:
1) There should be a drinking game every time Kip says "elfa". 99% of the examples were about this closet solution
2) I was really looking forward to learning from their mistakes but apparently they didn't make any. I don't remember that they mention any significant mistake and apparently every decision was spot on. Their stock is less than $5 right now and I am sure there are areas where they could have done something different and learn from it
Now, couple things:
1) There should be a drinking game every time Kip says "elfa". 99% of the examples were about this closet solution
2) I was really looking forward to learning from their mistakes but apparently they didn't make any. I don't remember that they mention any significant mistake and apparently every decision was spot on. Their stock is less than $5 right now and I am sure there are areas where they could have done something different and learn from it
June 12, 2019
Solid book. It reminds me a lot of Blake Mycoskies book (ceo of Toms) and delivering happiness book (Zappos). It is like a repeat of the other books about company culture I've read in the last year. But that's what I get for reading so many.
The only criticism is that there is a little bit too much bragging. "we are the best type deal." I like how other similar books talk about the bad stuff too. The book "permission to screw up" is a fantastic example of that. I just wish Kip toned down a little bit of the greatness factor and mentioned some of the flaws. No company is that perfect.
The only criticism is that there is a little bit too much bragging. "we are the best type deal." I like how other similar books talk about the bad stuff too. The book "permission to screw up" is a fantastic example of that. I just wish Kip toned down a little bit of the greatness factor and mentioned some of the flaws. No company is that perfect.
August 25, 2017
I really liked this book! While most of it is the story of how The Container Store came to be, between that story, there is so much wisdom in how to create an irresistible culture. Many of the things written are things I instinctively know from ministry, but he articulates them in easy to remember phrases and engaging stories. His positivity and excitement is contagious.
I received this book as a gift when I signed my paperwork to become a part time employee, but I would have paid for it!
I received this book as a gift when I signed my paperwork to become a part time employee, but I would have paid for it!
December 14, 2017
This is an absolutely fantastic book! I was pleased with how much of the message resonated with me. I operate a volunteer thrift store, and I have said multiple times that every manager should spend time managing volunteers. I believe this would be helpful, since volunteers must want to help and be led through enthusiasm. There is no stick involved, just carrot!
Every person in business should take the time to read this!
Every person in business should take the time to read this!
March 26, 2018
Kip Tindell struck me as a sincerely sweet man, and I enjoyed reading some of his stories about the development of The Container Store. Unfortunately, though, the book suffered from disorganization, and repetition, and was more of a "Ra-ra, our company is amazing" cheer than an elucidating guide to integrating the interests of all stakeholders—what Tindell claims is the magic behind The Container Store's success.
June 22, 2019
Inspirational and compelling
If you wonder if business can be both incredibly fun and profitable, this book is for you. Kip tells all—and indeed, there are no “secrets,” just some incredibly wise and simple principles that are easy to start, and hard to do. The Container Store is all about people, and I was both encouraged and challenged by how well TCS takes care of its people.
If you wonder if business can be both incredibly fun and profitable, this book is for you. Kip tells all—and indeed, there are no “secrets,” just some incredibly wise and simple principles that are easy to start, and hard to do. The Container Store is all about people, and I was both encouraged and challenged by how well TCS takes care of its people.
October 20, 2021
I read /Uncontainable: How Passion, Commitment, and Conscious Capitalism Built a Business Where Everyone Thrives/, by Kip Tindell:
https://www.containerstore.com/uncont...
The book did not engage or captivate me. Had it told the story of the founding of the Container Store, and then its growth, along with challenges along the way, that would have been a great story.
https://www.containerstore.com/uncont...
The book did not engage or captivate me. Had it told the story of the founding of the Container Store, and then its growth, along with challenges along the way, that would have been a great story.
December 5, 2016
I love the container store and was so touched by their excellent service that was motivated to read this book. It more than lived up to the expectations... it is a great story of how Container store was built and is an amazing view of how to build organizations with social consciousness.
October 25, 2017
Not a riveting book, but definitely made me glad that people are pursuing this movement of Conscious Capitalism.
April 29, 2020
One of the best business books I’ve read. Fantastic principles showcased in a hugely successful example of how business must be about more than just spreadsheets and ROI - wow!
June 6, 2021
Full of encouragement, optimism, and very encouraging. It is nice to see how many companies out there really value their employees and treat them as family, not just a number. Highly recommend.
December 11, 2024
“Be a good person, treat your employees well”…what a revelation! Lots of common sense practices told through folksy stories where the author never reveals any business missteps.
November 18, 2014
This might be a little weird to say about a book that's all about business and capitalism and blah blah blah — stuff that I've never really cared about or read about before — but, seriously, Uncontainable was AMAZING. I loved every single second of this book.
I originally became interested when I got an email from The Container Store announcing their new book, and since I freaking adore The Container Store, I put it on my TBR list and eventually got a copy from the library when it was released. When I first went to pick it up, I was excited...but also a little nervous. This is a business book, right? Like, it's probably not going to be a book all about the wonders of empty containers, which, to be honest, is probably what I'd be more interested in. But it ended up completely BLOWING MY MIND.
I already knew that The Container Store is awesome. I mean, c'mon. Who doesn't love that store? But after hearing about their history and the fundamental concepts that drive this company, I fell even more in love. I've definitely considered applying for a job at The Container Store if I were to ever go back to retail one day, and now that I've read this book, I'm dying to work there even more. And it's not just the fact that they compensate their employees an insane amount of money, it's truly the incredibly one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you experience when you first walk into one of those stores...an atmosphere that is inexplicably duplicated when you first open the pages of this book. It's something completely special and unique...and not something that you see every day. I want to a part of that. I don't know how they do it, but this book just filled me with so much pure and raw excitement. It was a fun read, but also really, really educational. Going into this book knowing pretty much nothing about business besides what I've seen on Shark Tank, I felt like I got a lot out of it and that none of it went over my head.
And, on the flip side, I also think that people who do have more of a business background would be able to enjoy this book just as much as I did. Because not only is it about the basics of running a company, it's about conscious capitalism, which is a relatively new idea in our world and is so interesting, and actually moving, to read about. I agree with Kip...the ideas expressed in this book are most certainly going to become the basis of how Americans will one day run all companies. And all you have to do is read this book to agree. The Container Store is an amazing example of exactly what every company should be like, and hopefully what they will all be like in the future. Business is changing, people....and The Container Store's 35 wonderful years in existence is only the beginning.
I originally became interested when I got an email from The Container Store announcing their new book, and since I freaking adore The Container Store, I put it on my TBR list and eventually got a copy from the library when it was released. When I first went to pick it up, I was excited...but also a little nervous. This is a business book, right? Like, it's probably not going to be a book all about the wonders of empty containers, which, to be honest, is probably what I'd be more interested in. But it ended up completely BLOWING MY MIND.
I already knew that The Container Store is awesome. I mean, c'mon. Who doesn't love that store? But after hearing about their history and the fundamental concepts that drive this company, I fell even more in love. I've definitely considered applying for a job at The Container Store if I were to ever go back to retail one day, and now that I've read this book, I'm dying to work there even more. And it's not just the fact that they compensate their employees an insane amount of money, it's truly the incredibly one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you experience when you first walk into one of those stores...an atmosphere that is inexplicably duplicated when you first open the pages of this book. It's something completely special and unique...and not something that you see every day. I want to a part of that. I don't know how they do it, but this book just filled me with so much pure and raw excitement. It was a fun read, but also really, really educational. Going into this book knowing pretty much nothing about business besides what I've seen on Shark Tank, I felt like I got a lot out of it and that none of it went over my head.
And, on the flip side, I also think that people who do have more of a business background would be able to enjoy this book just as much as I did. Because not only is it about the basics of running a company, it's about conscious capitalism, which is a relatively new idea in our world and is so interesting, and actually moving, to read about. I agree with Kip...the ideas expressed in this book are most certainly going to become the basis of how Americans will one day run all companies. And all you have to do is read this book to agree. The Container Store is an amazing example of exactly what every company should be like, and hopefully what they will all be like in the future. Business is changing, people....and The Container Store's 35 wonderful years in existence is only the beginning.
Read
May 13, 2016Kip Tindell, chairman and CEO of The Container Store, shares his personal business story in Uncontainable -- along with a lot of valuable information about how Conscious Capitalism helped build his successful business. He worked with not one but two ghost writers in creating this book, and that may be the reason for its stylistic shortcomings. Tindell is eager to share credit for the rise of The Container Store, which means mentioning more people than would usually pass muster with one co-author, I think. But I actually know a few of the people mentioned personally, so in those instances I'm glad they were included! I would say that although this isn't a smooth read, the lessons of running a thoughtful and customer-driven business are worth the bumpy ride.
Please note that I do not use the star rating system, so this review should not be viewed as a zero.
Please note that I do not use the star rating system, so this review should not be viewed as a zero.
July 10, 2022
"One of the fundamental principles of Conscious Capitalism, as embodied by companies such as Whole Foods, Google, Starbucks, Zappos, Soutwest Airlines, and many others, is that business should have a higher purpose than merely making money. Don't get me wrong. We're all dyed-in-the-wool capitalists. But we also believe that the companies should be managed for the simultaneous benefit of all stakeholders - including employees, vendors, customers, the environment, and our communities - and should have a positive net impact on the world." - Kip Tindell
My favorite quote. Great book about company culture and conscious capitalism.
My favorite quote. Great book about company culture and conscious capitalism.
October 9, 2014
Admittedly, I may be biased, having been a part of The Container Store for over 10 years. However, I truly enjoyed listening to Kip Tindell tell the story of his life and the evolution of The Container Store. I feel so fortunate to be working for such a smart, compassionate and true-to-its-word company. (I am glad I chose to listen to the audiobook version. I love listening to Kip's delivery.) #uncontainable
Inspiring and sweet, just like my experience of working in the stores everyday. Thanks, Kip!
Inspiring and sweet, just like my experience of working in the stores everyday. Thanks, Kip!
May 1, 2016
Typical business 'why our business is so great 'business book. Tinsel gives 7 basic foundation proncipals which translate to - get the right people - be nice to your vendors - use add-on sales - learn how to communicate your goals to your staff - have a great selection with good pricing and service - train your staff - and get them excited about what they are selling. I put the book down several times before I finally finished it because it seems to be such a replica of all the other 'why our company is great' books.
February 21, 2016
I get the feeling that the purpose of this book, like the purpose of seemingly everything that he does, is for his employees, customers, and partners, and to champion Conscious Capitalism. So while some practical advice may be lacking, his passion is contagious, and it was incredibly enjoyable to read.
February 15, 2016
This was a pleasant story of how The Container Store was founded and their core values developed. It's a mediocre book about an exceptional company. Their values remind me of Chick-fil-A, so I resonate with the big ideas, but the story stays shallow and is dominated by their history. It also has several poorly disguised sales pitches.
May 19, 2016
A good read and amazing story
I really enjoyed how the Co-founder and CEO shares his story about how a small retail store focusing on organization because one of the more famously recognizable retail brands in the world.
The idea being conscience capitalism is new to me and makes me think of conducting business in an entirely new light.
Great read.
I really enjoyed how the Co-founder and CEO shares his story about how a small retail store focusing on organization because one of the more famously recognizable retail brands in the world.
The idea being conscience capitalism is new to me and makes me think of conducting business in an entirely new light.
Great read.
February 15, 2015
Very interesting and easy to read book. I already loved The Container Store and all the products I had from them, but now I am even more impressed with them because of how they run and manage the business. Lots of good business lessons to think about.
February 10, 2015
Good book if you want to know how Founder and management think about The Container Store and what their culture is like. But poorly written and tiresome given the founder/author's personality. Read for research purposes.
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