Charlie “Tremendous” Jones often said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
Books change everything. They contain the answers to questions you’ve been asking yourself for years. They contain new ideas, old truths, and growth opportunities…all for less than the cost of a crappy movie at your local theater.
What was the last book you read? When did you finish it?
I bet it was a long time ago. Too long.
And, if you’re reading this now, you’re probably more likely to have read something more recently than your employees or your coworkers (some of whom haven’t read a book in 20 years). There’s an old adage that says, “The average salesman doesn’t read a book a year. That is why he is an average salesman.”
Don’t be average. And don’t let your employees, coworkers, or customers be average either.
I give books to friends and customers all the time. I usually write a little inscription about why I think the recipient will like the book, how they will profit from it, or what it might do for their life. I do the same for employees. But just a few weeks ago, I realized I had overlooked a simple and inexpensive opportunity to inspire, influence, and improve everyone who works here or visits here: a library!
So, with a couple of clicks of a mouse (and a little light assembly), we now have a library. It’s not a big one. It’s just a shelf. But it contains big ideas. We have begun to assemble the smartest minds, the best advice, the most inspiring examples…from all over the world, from all time. We now have the best mentors available, at our fingertips.
Our library is in our cafeteria. People take a book, leave a book, read a book, and talk about it with each other. Beats playing Words with Friends.

Shoutout to Andee (aka The Rhythm of Reman), for the idea and execution.

If you’re reading this now, you’re in better shape than most. What’s in your library or at the top of your reading list? Comment below or share with Captain Reman directly!