Success, It's a Beautiful Thing : Lessons on Life and Business From the Founder of Blimpie International

Book Description

LESSONS ON LIFE AND BUSINESS FROM THE FOUNDER OF Blimpie (r) INTERNATIONAL

"You'll never achieve your greatest successes because you want to make more money. You'll do it out of a love, a desire, and a passion for reaching a dream." -Tony Conza

What is success? Tony Conza will tell you that it has nothing to do with running an international chain of sandwich stores. It has to do with setting goals and achieving them. Long before he became Blimpie International's CEO, Conza was toiling away on Wall Street and dreaming of starting a business. With no money, no connections, and no mentors, Conza set his sights on becoming an entrepreneur. He worked hard. Took risks. He pursued opportunity with a passion. And no matter how grim the situation, Conza never, ever gave up.

Conza says the Blimpie slogan-"It's a Beautiful Thing"-appeals to the heart as well as to the mind. That's what success must do. You must put your heart into your dream and be willing to do whatever it takes. As long as you are passionate about what you do, asserts Conza, you will not fail.

Success: It's a Beautiful Thing reveals how Conza realized his dream, sharing for the first time the commonsense tactics that helped turn a one-store operation run by Conza and two friends into an international, 2,100-store chain known as Blimpie. In a warm, friendly style, Conza interweaves events from his personal and professional life, offering timeless wisdom and practical advice on finding success-both in business and in life.

Here, Conza discusses the struggles, triumphs, and tragedies he faced as he worked to accomplish his goals. Even when financial troubles and poor management threatened to put Blimpie out of business; even with his own bank account depleted and his insurance policies cashed in, Conza found a way to survive. He'll tell you how he did it. You'll discover how Conza created a vision for the future and set an example for his people to follow--turning Blimpie into one of the industry's largest chains, earning profits for staff and shareholders, and making Blimpie a global brand.

As much as this book is a riveting account of how Blimpie was formed and made it to the top, it is also a guide for turning your own dreams of success into reality. Conza's real-life lessons will teach you how to:
* achieve your dream with a three-step plan
* create your own opportunities
* communicate more effectively to improve relationships
* change your behavior to improve your business and your life
* create a life of enjoyment
* do well by doing good
* build upon success once you've achieved it

Conza states that as long as you love what you do and have fun with it, it will never be "work" and you'll find success that much faster. You can become an entrepreneur or run a better business-and reap the rewards. Sparkling with remarkable insight, Success: It's a Beautiful Thing will inspire you to reach your own dreams-and motivate you to sustain your success.

Acclaim for SUCCESS: IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING

"Looking for a practical road map to a life of successful and fulfilling entrepreneurship? Read this."-Ronald T. LeMay, President and CEO, Sprint Corporation

"Tony has succeeded in combining his skills as an entrepreneur and a wonderful human being to get to the heart of what it takes to be successful, not only in business, but in life."-William R. Johnson, President and CEO, H.J. Heinz Company

"What makes America work? Entrepreneurship. What makes a good entrepreneur? Read Tony Conza's book. You won't regret it!"-Joseph Nye, Dean, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

"Tony succeeded not in spite of his humble beginnings but because of them. His story proves that the old-fashioned values instilled in him by his parents-persistence, passion, and a sense of humor-are still the keys to building a successful business today."-John F. Antioco, Chairman and CEO, Blockbuster Inc.

All of Tony Conza's proceeds from this book will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Customer Reviews:

Steps to Restaurant Success.......2006-07-07

This book is like listening to a motivational speech. It's not written as a biography, like many other business success stories. Instead of talking extensively about his personal rise to the top, the book focuses more on business strategies and advice for running a successful company.

Author Tony Conza does have some good wisdom to share and some good, quotable phrases. Some of his advice is obvious, but I did find some good, profound quotes buried inside some of the paragraphs- quotations that offer some good wisdom and business sense. There are also several key statements that Conza decided to highlight in the book by setting them apart, in boldface type, within each page.

Conza talks about his actual business experience with Blimpie sporadically. When appropriate, he will say something like "we applied this principle at Blimpie and it was a tremendous success". But the book is mostly a general advice manual, with bits and pieces about the Blimpie experience blended in.

There is little talk about the author's personal life and relationships. We don't get to hear much about his days as a youth, or his immediate family. He talks briefly about his mom and dad and his own experience working at the Federal Reserve before he became interested in food service. He also talks about his desire to learn to play the piano; his experience as a marathon runner (he successfully completed the New York Marathon); his embarrassment when he was asked to throw out the first ball at a 1998 Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball game (he threw the ball in the dirt); and his meeting with former president Jimmy Carter and other important heads of state. These little tidbits are tossed in here and there, but there isn't much personal talk about family and life experiences.

Conza's experience with working in the restaurant business and his passion for success are well- presented in this book. I would have preferred if the book had been written as more of a biography, with a chronological chapter- by- chapter buildup to the present day company. But Conza's book is still a pretty good one, well- written and easy to understand, and full of sound advice for succeeding in business and life.

And, as Tony Conza has proven, success really is a beautiful thing!

An Inspiring Book.......2000-07-18

Recently, my wife and I both read Tony Conza's book. We found it to be very informative, inspiring, and motivational.

We THANK Tony, for taking the time to write his story of success and what it has taking him to get to where he is today. I agree it takes a plan, passion and a whole lot more of PASSION. I liked the fact that he not only wrote of success, but he took a chapter and wrote on failure, and the importants of learning from them, realizing they are stepping stones to success. Also I enjoy his personal quotes and the quotes he use from other successful men. If you are looking to be motivated and succeed at what you are doing in life. This is a must read. Get it TODAY. I must say, I have never eaten at a Blimpie's before reading the book, but now I've eaten there a few times since.

Great Business, Great Book........2000-07-12

I own a Blimpie franchise in Peoria, AZ, and have personally found this book helpful. Tony covers success in business, how to deal with others, and basic life values that everyone needs to learn now a days. Everyone know matter your occupation or age will enjoy this book. Stop by at the Blimpie in Peoria, AZ, and mention the book and i'll get you a Free Blimpie Best!

SUCCESS, IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING.......2000-05-22

THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ALL ENTREPRENEURS {BUDDING OR ESTABLISHED), MANAGERS, EMPLOYEES, OR JUST ANYONE WHO WANTS TO WORK AND ENJOY IT. THIS BOOK IS EXTREMELY EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND. THERE IS ANOTHER SURPRISE THAT THE AUTHOR ADDS: RECIPES. I THROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS.

Book Description

Here, in a new step-by-step contemporary framework, is a comprehensive way to analyze business strategy, assess accounting policies and estimates, evaluate financial performance, and forecast the firm's value. A variety of real-world decision contexts helps the reader understand how the framework actually works in the areas of securities analysis, credit analysis, merger and acquisition analysis, corporate financing policies analysis, and management communication analysis.

Book Description

How will the travel and tourism industry respond to the terrorist attacks on America?

The recent terrorist attacks in the United States and their repercussions for the travel and leisure industries have focused more attention on tourism safety and security issues than ever before. The impact on tourism destinations and businesses, as well as on traveler behavior, will be significant. Recent events require further analysis not only of how travel safety may be improved but also how security issues may be seen in terms of tourism marketing and management so that the industry is able to better respond to such challenges.

In this, an era of turbulent global relationships, the need for destination marketing organizations to demonstrate that they are safe for tourists has become increasingly important. Negative publicity, often unrelated to on-the-ground reality, may also serve to affect tourist perceptions.

Safety and Security in Tourism: Relationships, Management, and Marketing examines:

the effects of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the tourism industry and how the industry is responding
the importance of safety as a factor in destination or activity choice
case studies of destination and business responses to past political instability and/or attacks against tourists
safety, security and destination image
the role of the media in influencing consumer perceptions of travel safety
consumer awareness of travel advisories and their influence on behavior
the role of insurance in the travel industry
consumer awareness and acceptance of security measures in travel and tourism
safety and security as a component in destination marketing
crisis and risk management in the tourism industry
cross-border security and visa controls and their implications for tourism
safety and security measures for tourists in different sectors and in airports

Tourism has often been cited as a force for peace, yet tourism is typically one of the first industrial casualties of war and political unrest. This book examines tourism safety and security issues to give you a better knowledge base from which to respond to future events.

Book Description

A charming and humourous romp through the countryside in this warts-and-all account of a family’s move from the security of suburbia to grow garlic in west Wales. Four years later: Has the family coped well with rural life? Are they surrounded by organic vegetables?

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SCENES FROM A SMALLHOLDING
CHARLES QUENTIN GRIFFIN
Manufacturer: ECO-LOGIC BOOKS / WORLDLY GOODS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Urban Planning & Development | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 095428660X

Scenes from a Smallholding: From the Popular Series in the Hdra Magazine the "Organic Way"

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Getting Mucky

Scenes from a Smallholding: From the Popular Series in the Hdra Magazine the "Organic Way"
Chas Griffin
Manufacturer: Ebury Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Economic Conditions | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Economic Conditions | International | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Rural Life | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0091905079

Book Description

In 1982, the Griffiths left the security of suburbia to grow garlic in West Wales. This is a funny—and sometimes touching—account of their first three years. They learn lambing and marketing and ploughing and hay-making, they discover the dung-sodden joys of milking and the surreal terrors of bee-keeping. Scenes from a Smallholding is by turns challenging, touching, and informative, but above all, it is very funny.

Customer Reviews:

Getting Mucky.......2007-09-01

This is an essential read for anyone who has every grown a vegetable or tended a little patch of garden with dreams of self-sufficiency. Chas Griffin and his family gave up 'proper' jobs to move to the countryside and fend for themselves. Scenes From A Smallholding is a collection of articles he wrote for the HDRA magazine, also known as 'The Organic Way', along with some additional commentary and hindsight notes.

Chas is a natural storyteller and a very funny writer. Even if you couldn't give a fig (or an onion, carrot or potato) for gardening or farming you will still find this extremely amusing. One man's tale of his battle against the elements (and many pests) as he attempts to get by under his own steam.

Personally I think the man should have his own TV or radio show. If he did he would quickly become a national institution. As it is we have two volumes of his writing to delight in, and that is plenty for now.

Average customer rating:

Scenes from a Smallholding
Chas Griffin
Manufacturer: Ebury Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OH00OK

Book Description

This book deals with the relationship between land use and land cover: between human activities and the transformation of the Earth’s surface. It describes the recent changes in the world’s farmland, forests, grasslands and settlements, and the impacts of these changes on soil, water resources and the atmosphere. It explores what is known about the importance of various underlying human sources of land transformation: population growth, technological change, political-economic institutions, political structure, and attitudes and beliefs. Three working group reports outline important avenues for future research: the construction of a global land model, the division of the world into regional situations of land transformation, and a wiring diagram to structure the division of research among fields of study.

Changes in Land Use and Land Cover: a Global Perspective.(Brief Article): An article from: The Geographical Journal

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Changes in Land Use and Land Cover: a Global Perspective.(Brief Article): An article from: The Geographical Journal
Tony Allan
Manufacturer: Royal Geographical Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00096JT16
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Geographical Journal, published by Royal Geographical Society on March 1, 1996. The length of the article is 414 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Changes in Land Use and Land Cover: a Global Perspective.(Brief Article)
Author: Tony Allan
Publication: The Geographical Journal (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 1996
Publisher: Royal Geographical Society
Volume: v162 Issue: n1 Page: p107(1)

Article Type: Book Review, Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Acid Rain Science and Politics in Japan is a pioneering work in environmental and Asian history as well as an in-depth analysis of the influence of science on domestic and international environmental politics. Kenneth Wilkening's study also illuminates the global struggle to create sustainable societies.

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 ended Japan's era of isolation- created self-sufficiency and sustainability. The opening of the country to Western ideas and technology not only brought pollution problems associated with industrialization (including acid rain) but also scientific techniques for understanding and combating them. Wilkening identifies three pollution-related "sustainability crises" in modern Japanese history: copper mining in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which spurred Japan's first acid rain research and policy initiatives; horrendous post- World War II domestic industrial pollution, which resulted in a "hidden" acid rain problem; and the present-day global problem of transboundary pollution, in which Japan is a victim of imported acid rain. He traces the country's scientific and policy responses to these crises through six distinct periods related to acid rain problems and argues that Japan's leadership role in East Asian acid rain science and policy today can explained in large part by the "historical scientific momentum" generated by efforts to confront the issue since 1868, reinforced by Japan's cultural affinity with rain (its "culture of rain"). Wilkening provides an overview of nature, culture, and the acid rain problem in Japan to complement the general set of concepts he develops to analyze the interface of science and politics in environmental policymaking. He concludes with a discussion of lessons from Japan's experience that can be applied to the creation of sustainable societies worldwide.

Acid Rain Science and Politics in Japan - A History of Knowledge and Action toward Sustainability

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Acid Rain Science and Politics in Japan - A History of Knowledge and Action toward Sustainability
KE Wilkening
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQ9WGS

Acid Rain Science and Politics in Japan: A History of Knowledge and Action toward Sustainability (Politics, Science, and the Environment)

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Acid Rain Science and Politics in Japan: A History of Knowledge and Action toward Sustainability (Politics, Science, and the Environment)
Ken Wilkening
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OR5NC4

Book Description

Teach process writing with these stories about cultural adjustment. Each unit features a story with suggested questions, vocabulary, discovery draft, revision, a writer's checklist, and background about the narrator's culture. Grades 4-8

Customer Reviews:

An Eye Opener.......2001-07-20

I love this book! I have used in my classroom to point out similarities and differences between cultures. I like the writing activities for each story. You can either use the whole set or adapt it to fit your needs. My students have enjoyed hearing aobut students their age from different cultures.

In fact, it was a bit hit at my ESOL class in Polk County, Florida! Many teachers wanted to get ahold of this book! Stock up!!

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I Felt Like I Was from Another Planet: Writing from Personal Experience
Norine Dresser
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Study Aids | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Diaries | Activity Books | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0613814142

Average customer rating:
I Felt Like I Was from Another Planet - Writing from Personal Experience
Norine, Dresser
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OOV204

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