Blue Mountain: Turning Dreams into Reality

It's always nice when David wins against Goliath. In this case, David is a couple who started a greeting card and poster company out of an old van. And the twin Goliaths are Hallmark and Microsoft, both of whom tried to muscle in, and both of whom lost against this tiny upstart. Blue Mountain not only tells the stories of battling giant predators, but also about creating a culture and a product line that wasn't based on research polls, but on heart. And of people who were so committed to the ideals of their company that they turned down a buyout that would have made them economically secure for the rest of their lives. Schultz is also not afraid to admit mistakes; she and her husband made lots of them, and learned important lessons--which they pass on to the readers of this book. While the writing could be a bit tighter, it's a story well-worth telling. Shel Horowitz's award-winning sixth book, Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First, demonstrates how to build a business around ethics, environmental sustainability, and cooperative practices--and how to develop marketing that highlights those advantages.

I was gladdened to have found this book - This narrative by Susan polish Shutz is simply and sincerely told; in keeping with Blue mountain Arts "content" What started as a shoestring hippie graphic arts poster business turned into a blockbuster success while keeping true to its ideals. I loved hearing about the "roadblocks" and the eventual solving of these obstacles.I am really surprised that this book isn't touted more as a how-to manual to succeed in any maverick small business - because there are countless maxims conveyed that can be of value and inspiration- Stay true to yourself, damn the naysayers, maintain harmony in the family and business circle, and be naiive but not too naiive. (as the saying goes "praise God but tie up your camels) Bottom line is that there is a universal longing for serenity, high ideals and a non caffeinated ( not literally of course) tenor. that is why this company has had such success- because it appeals to this human want.

Susan's story about Blue Mountain is a great read. It starts with her shocking discovery of Hallmark copying Blue Mountain cards. Then it goes back into the past about how they got started. Susan's style and short chapters keep the flow. Chapters go into details of challenges they faced to start their business and challenges when their business grew. Many chapters talk about their lawsuit against Hallmark. These chapters talk about the toll on them while fighting a large company. In the end there are some stories about their life. Overall a good read. I had always liked BlueMountain.com, but after reading this book (quoting Paul Harvey) now I know the rest of the story.

Blue Mountain is hard to categorize. Susan Polis Schutz seems to have naturally combined elements for a business book, a publishing history, a family story and a inspirational leaflet into her account which ends up in a unique work. My overwhelming impression, though, is about the consistent sincerity, courage and faith shown in the Schutzes' every action that keep this book integrated. Those who read it only looking for a shortcut to wealth would probably be disappointed, but other readers might find in it, aside from every other merit, a rare quality extremely lacking in most of today's self-help books: an unflagging faith in humanistic values and a belief that they will prevail. I read Blue Mountain last year when it was sent as a trade sample to the Chinese company I worked for. Its narration was emotive without being sentimental and immediately took me into the book's world despite the fact that I came from a distinctly different Chinese background and had no business aspirations. Still, I could relate much of my personal experiences to the book and apply its lessons to see through the problems within my company. Now I have resigned from that company and work as a freelance translator, enhancing my skills to pursue my dream. I am indebted to Blue Mountain for its keeping me company through the difficult, depressing period of my previous job and inspiring me to a new awareness of where I should be. For its universal application, I hope the book will soon be translated into Chinese so more of the 1.6 billion people will be inspired and dare to live up to their dreams against the mammonism and consumerism increasingly prevalent in the country.

A story of courage, strength and family values, Blue Mountain's story is an inspiration to us all.