Ron -- Just finished reading The Unconventional Manager, what a great read, very refreshing. If all businesses used this approach as a blueprint we wouldn't have an economy in turmoil like the one we are experiencing right now. Having a financial background like mine for the last 40 years, I have seen millions raised and squandered by unethical "spend now," greedy, wasteful, low moral companies that are only concerned with the bottom line. With the end result of many companies going down for the count. What a nice legacy to leave to your kids, grand kids, employees, friends, and readers -- kind of like a "Golden Rule" for success, not only in business but personal well being as well. What a great attitude and philosophy. Good job, you should be proud. -- Jack

Ron -- Just a quick note to tell you that I have just completed reading your book, and it is now in routing as mandatory reading by my entire management team. To be able to manage your personal life, business and friendships with the same philosophy is a truly enjoyable way to live -- and all too rare, unfortunately. All the best to you. -- Paul

Ron -- I really enjoyed reading the book. It is hard to put into words how much respect I have for you and your organization. Over the past (close to) 30 years I have known you - you have had a very positive influence on my business life and personal life. I had always told people that to be part of the NOREX team you had to be a member of the Prior Lake Lutheran Church. That was my 'humor' but there was a message in the humor. You did build one of the most respectable organizations in the industry and I hope your book will help other people and organizations build similiar organizations. With the lastest annoucements - Petters - Madoff - Executive 'bailouts' etc. -  your book should be on the Best Seller list. Thanks for sharing your book with me. -- Leo

Ron -- I received your book, The Unconventional Manager, today in the mail. I read the first half of the book while eating my lunch today and it is excellent - if more of us could follow this philosophy, our respective countries would be even better places to live and work! Thanks very much for the book & the inspiration - I intend to share it around as well!. -- Fred (Calgary, Alberta)

Ron -- I was just asked by Derek to pass on a quick message to you. He just read the book and said it was a great book and was very impressed that there are actually companies out there that work this way. I told him this is how NOREX always has been and that it is by far the best place I have ever worked. Thanks again for the opportunity to share the value system of NOREX with our Members. It truly is fun to be able to talk with Members and prospects about your new book. -- Michelle
 
Ron -- Thanks for thinking of me with your book, The Unconventional Manager! It is especially meaningful for anyone who is familiar with NOREX and its history. I will share it with several friends. -- Don

Ron -- I just finished the book this morning and want you to know I think that if you had been in charge of the banks and the economy and the stock market and the real estate market, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in! I nominate you to be chief advisor in the recovery of the mess too. The book is an easy read, well laid out, has memorable principles ... I'd like 3 more copies. -- Betty

Ron -- Having recently read your book, The Unconventional Manager, I decided I had to send you a note. It is really refreshing to find someone in business who shares my values. I can only imagine what this country would be like if all employers held the same values and practiced the same principles as you.  You have certainly proven that values can not only coexist with success, but more importantly lead to it. I’ve been in the public sector most of my 37-plus years in information technology. Sometimes we in public-sector management lament the fact that we don’t have the means to reward employees according to their contributions and efforts. However, I’ve found that an inexpensive employee recognition program, an open-door policy, a personalized handwritten thank-you note, and a personal visit to an employee’s workstation to thank him or her can go a long way. Thanks for sharing your story. -- Ron

Ron -- I just finished your book and wanted to comment on how refreshing it was to read about some of the ideas you built your business on. I graduated with a Business degree in the late 80's. I remember discussing numerous ideas that were put in place by companies like IBM and apparently NOREX, to help with the family/work balance many employees struggle with. My experience in working over the last 25 years is that many companies still talk about "families first." However, the actions of many companies speak louder than their words. Also, your practice of preventing lawsuits sounds very logical. I have had CEO level people tell me that if people do not like what they are proposing, "Let them sue me." That kind of attitude makes for a very discouraging work environment. Again, I just wanted to comment how refreshing I found your book. I will recommend it to the other students in my current graduate program. -- Donald -- P.S.  I am looking forward to implementing a 'Never Again' with my employees.