Customer Reviews

The Pampered Chef: The Story of One of America's Most Beloved Companies

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I highly recommend this book to anyone starting a business with limited financial resources. Doris Christopher started her business with only $3,000, which she borrowed from her husband's life insurance policy. "The Pampered Chef" explains in considerable detail how to overcome obstacles along the way. Ms. Christopher teaches by example--she doesn't pull punches--she puts it all on the table. The author isn't shy when it comes to talking about her self-doubts that she had in the early stages of her business. She is very specific about telling how she nearly quit before making her first sales call. This is what I loved about this book. It's so easy to relate to because Christopher comes across as one of us. And like one of us, she had her share of anxiety; still, she pushed forward because she so strongly believed in her mission: she wanted to simplify preparing family meals so more families would dine together. This, she strongly believed, promoted a healthy lifestyle and was good for America.
Christopher was driven to serve her customer first and concurrently take good care of her employees, and if there was a profit at the end of the day, that was okay too. She wasn't driven by money--only to serve others. But as her book well illustrates, if you do this, the money will follow. And did it ever for Doris Christopher. This business philosophy has made her one of America's five most successful women.
While there are many lessons to be learned in this book,what I thought was the most valuable one--if you have a mission--and a passion to achieve it, and this is combined with doing good for others, you will eventually do good for yourself. Christopher is living proof. She is the perfect role model for anyone thinking about starting a new business, or for that matter, any small businessowner who is struggling to make ends meet. Follow her advice, and you'll do well. And perhaps like Christopher, succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

While there are a lot of self-help books that give good advice, most of them are poorly written. This book is exceptionally well written, so much so that I had trouble putting it down. I found myself highlighting its lessons that I wanted to apply,and by the time I finished reading this book, I don't think there's a single page that isn't marked up. I plan to read and reread it, and most importantly, apply its valuable lessons to my own career. To get the most of this book, I advise you to read it with a highlighter--there are dozens and dozens of gems in it that you can use--each explained in detail and with examples demonstrating how the author did it.
If you only read one book this year, make sure this is that one book!

I couldn't put this book down! It's a must read for anyone in direct sales, considering joining direct sales, and all start up entrepreneurs. Great advice, ideas and realities. And backing from the premiere business man himself, Warren Buffet!

Doris Christopher has given many people the opportunity to earn a living and to be their own boss. I know because I'm one of them. Even though I have been with the company for 12 years I learned so much from this book. It tells how she started the Pampered Chef with very little money and has built it into a business now owned by Warren Buffet. And if you know anything about Mr. Buffett, you know he doesn't buy unsuccessful companies. Yes it is a how-to book for starting your own business....but it is also a beautiful life story. Doris is a very humble person and this IS her story.

This book is a great read and an awesome inspiration to all who have dreams that have yet to be fulfilled. Whether in business or personal life, this is a great guide book on how to overcome obstacles and prove to yourself that you can really do it!

This is a fantastic book, full of heart and warmth. The story of how one woman dared to dream she could make a difference in her life and in the lives of others is inspiring in itself, but the details of how she persevered through initial self-doubt and innumerable struggles along the way are what make it so great. We have all been in so many of the same situations--we can relate! This book has lessons for everyone, whether we are in business for ourselves or not. I came away with many bits of wisdom which have helped me both in my business and as a busy mom with three young children. I highly recommend it!

This book tells of an amazing journey by a woman with a big idea, a little money and a lot of faith. She is so humble and her story comes right from the heart. Even those not starting their own business can identify with this woman who just wanted to be there for her kids and make a little extra money helping others. I highly recommend this book. it just goes to show that in today's corporate America, where sound values and customer satisfaction often fall to the wayside, there is still a company out there that stands behind their products and is able to be successful without compromising good business morals and ethics. A must read!

First of all this is a business book. It's a great read for anyone who wants sound strategies on founding and growing a business. Secondly, it is the story of an extra-ordinary woman who to this day doesn't realize how extraordinary she really is. The books forward by Warren Buffet is testimony to the character and strong business mind of Doris Christopher. This is also a great read for any book club out there. I would love to provude your club with a discussion guide.

Doris Christopher's book invites you as a consumer, Pampered Chef consultant or even entrepreneur to think "out of the box" and dream big. Her company, launched out of a wanting to stay with her children (a mother's wish) and provide for her family is heartwarming and enlighting. There are moments that are slow and seem to drag somewhat, but it gives you encouragement that if this hometown suburban Mom can do it, you can as well.

In 1980 author Doris Christopher, former home economist and teacher, wanted to return to the workforce after raising her children: she began selling high-quality kitchen tools through cooking demonstrations and began her company, The Pampered Chef, from her basement. Twenty-five years later it's a corporation specializing in kitchen shows - and The Pampered Chef: The Story Of One Of America's Most Beloved Companies tells of how she became a culinary industry success. Insights on how the company expanded and handled its challenges provide entrepreneurs and cooks alike with much inspiration.

I really got a lot out of reading this book. Not only did I grow in my understanding of myself as a "business owner," but also as a mom and responsible parent. Doris' story was inspiring and uplifting and I remcommend it to all!