On the Shoulders of Giants

Nexstar Network is a member-owned organization whose mission is to provide everything the independent residential plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical contractor needs to succeed. With the 25th anniversary of the organization rapidly approaching, CEO Jack Tester realized there was no one place where the organization's deep history and innovative philosophy was articulated. The mission of On the Shoulders of Giants was to change that.

Key Challenges and Approach

Book Discovery and Roadmap

Writing was not a chore for Jack Tester but he realized writing a book was a different animal. He also needed someone who had the ability to keep the project moving so he could get it over the finish line in time to deliver the book by the September 2017 Super Meeting, where it would be distributed in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the organization.

The engagement began with a diagnostic "road map" project to identify and confirm the controlling idea and quantify what was wanted and needed.

Tester wanted to drive home two major messages:

1. As a service contractor, you deserve to make a great living because of all you do for society. You are worth it!

2. Those who are successful have a responsibility to invite others to climb up on their shoulders so they can see what is possible when you apply the principles outlined in the book.

Developmental Editing and Co-Writing

To draw out the information needed, I conducted weekly phone interviews over a period of six months. I would then add that information to our draft manuscript, which was then presented to Tester for review and fine tuning.

Tester also wanted to include the voices of some key Nexstar members and so he solicited stories from them, which I edited them for clarity and sometimes length. Once the author approved the manuscript, we worked with professional editor Candice Fehrman to copy edit and prepare it for layout.

Book Cover Concept and Art Direction

I provided art direction for both the interior and cover design, which were created by experienced book designer Lori Malkin Ehrlich. A special members only 25th anniversary cover was created for the initial print run (1,000 pieces).

Audio Book Project Management

Tester also wanted to do an audio version of the book so I researched and found Davis Sound, a local studio in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that specializes in audio book recording. T went to the studio and recorded the book in two sessions, and Davis Sound guided us in creating all the elements required for successful submission of the audiobook to Audible.