Authentic — Paul Van Doren
Hardcover | Vertel Publishing | April 27, 2021
The Gist
Whatever you choose to do in life, do it wholeheartedly and with the people you love.
Read if you like
The Art of Excellent Products by Riccardo Illy
Vans
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Becoming Trader Joe by Joe Coulombe
Verdict: Worth the Read (I’d Buy It)
Around the world, Vans are synonymous with the word “cool” and are beloved by skateboarders, artists, musicians, and their fans alike. Authentic tells the story of how this laid-back California brand has become a fashion staple across the globe. But to tell the story of Vans, you have to learn more about its founder, Paul Van Doren. For Van Doren, the lines between work and life have always been intertwined, and the advice and insights he offers throughout this candid memoir are lessons for life as much as they are for business. Through his hard work, innovation, and problem-solving mindset, Van Doren took an unprecedented approach to product design, distribution, and (above all) marketing. However, it’s obvious that Vans’ personality and ingenuity doesn’t come from trying to be innovative or unique, but rather to do what felt true to Van Doren and his family to ultimately give customers what they wanted. At a time when we’re so focused on being innovative, trying to do the next “big” thing, and putting a herculean amount of effort into maintaining a work-life balance, Authentic inspires us to be thoughtful, work hard, to not be so hard on ourselves when the scales get tipped, and to always make sure we’re unapologetically ourselves in and out of the office.
