If you’ve ever spoken with a member of the Zebulon team, we’ve probably given you a book recommendation (or two). We constantly seek out top business books, because we’re hungry to learn all we can to put our motto of “work smart, have fun, make money” into practice.

Seven Zebulon-colored books stacked on a bookshelf, demonstrating Zebulon's top book recommendations.

Our Library

The following is a specially curated list of books that have directly impacted the way we run our business.  Each title has majorly influenced the way we coach our clients to grow and innovate, and we think the subject matter is especially relevant to our seasonal, passion-driven outdoor adventure industry.

Some books on our list are timeless business classics, and some are hot-off-the-press featuring new innovations and fresh research. We’ll update this list frequently as more share-worthy books come across our radar.

Pro-tip for busy seasonal workers: If you struggle to find the time to crack open a book, try audiobooks! Listening to books is an excellent way to ingest invaluable business advice while also accomplishing regular life stuff – chores, exercise,  organizing the boat barn, etc. The most popular audiobook platform is probably Audible, but Spotify also has some great book options, as well as Chirp.

Happy Reading!

P.S. As much as possible, we’re linking directly to the authors’ pages rather than Amazon – that way, you can browse any other articles & free resources they have available.

Work Smart

Books on business strategy and tactics.

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

Start With Why – Simon Sinek

“How great leaders inspire everyone to take action.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara

“The remarkable power of giving people more than they expect.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

First, Break All The Rules – From Gallup

“What the world’s greatest managers do differently.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni

“The world’s definitive guide for building healthy teams.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

The Pumpkin Plan – Mike Michalowicz

“A simple strategy to grow a remarkable business in any field.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

Clock Work – Mike Michalowicz

“Design your business to run itself.”

Have Fun

Books that catalyze personal and professional growth & development.

The front cover of Zebulon's book recommendation - The Bible.

The Holy Bible

The story of humanity from start to finish, and the gold standard for good character. Includes examples of both good and bad leadership, including how-to instructions to run a well-managed business, staff, and life. It’s stood the test of time (seriously, look into the history of the bible).

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

The One Thing – Gary Keller

“The surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

The Servant – James C. Hunter

“A simple story about the true essence of leadership.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

Love Works – Joel Manby

“Seven timeless principles for effective leaders.”

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People – David Yeager, PhD

“A groundbreaking approach to leading the next generation – and making your own life easier.”

Make Money

Books to drive more profit.

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! – Greg Crabtree

“4 keys to unlock your business potential.” Greg’s second book in the series, “Simple Numbers 2.0” is also a great read.

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

The Great Game of Business – Jack Stack

“The only sensible way to run a company.”

“The Great Game of Business” is the first of three definitive business books by Jack Stack. We also recommend the other two, “Change the Game” and “Get in the Game,” which can be found at the same link above.

The front cover of Zebulon's top book recommendation

A Stake in the Outcome – Jack Stack

This is a link to download a free audiobook version of “A Stake in the Outcome,” or how to build a culture of ownership for the long-term success of your business.

Got a favorite business book you’d add to the list? Send us a message!

Ready to discuss some of these titles in-depth, together with other like-minded, knowledge-hungry outfitters? Contact us about joining The Eddy, where we regularly discuss this growing list of books and how to apply their teachings in our businesses.

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