Books Are Like Buildings
June 22, 2025 – John Abrams
Many know the challenges and joys of bringing a book from initial idea to publication. My new book, From Founder to Future, is now launched. Upon reflection, the journey was similar to that of my first book, nearly 20 years ago. Both adventures were like building a house, going from the idea (conceptual design) to the message (completed design) to outline (foundation) to manuscript (enclosure) to editing and book design (furnishing) to the book in print (occupancy).
The cover is the front door.
Holding my book for the first time and reading it in print was like quietly wandering through a completed house, something I’ve done hundreds of times in my design/build career.
When the dust has fully settled, and you see this thing you’ve been curled up with in a new revealing light, new sentiments surface. As I read through the physical book, I found elements—in both design and content—that I already wish I could change and improve. Likewise, never in my life have I walked through a completed building and not found aspects I wish I could change.
Fortunately, buildings do change over time, as occupants’ needs evolve, new ideas emerge, and parts wear and are replaced. Books change, too, as we elevate and refine the message post-publication or produce a second edition (as I did with my first book) to correct deficiencies, expand the content, and explore new terrain.
At the same time, both experiences—reading through a new book and inspecting a new house—engender a feeling of calm completion and a sense that something new has come to life. It’s a particular kind of full-circle pleasure, despite the inevitable minor regrets.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported my author journey and shared their stories, wisdom, criticisms, and encouragement along the way. You gave this book life. You were the crew that built this building.
Now it’s all about spreading the message. I’m in learning and listening mode about that—if you have any direct connections to small business associations or business schools, for example, or other ideas, let me know, or let your connections know about the book. My friend Ben Southworth had an idea, and he distributed 235 copies of the book—one to every New Hampshire public library. He used the state’s Interlibrary Loan System to get them around. The libraries have been very appreciative. Me too!
The message I hope to spread is the conviction that widespread implementation of a fundamentally different way of doing business may—in some modest way—change the chemistry of our culture by helping small businesses lead a new era of shared prosperity, social impact, and better lives on a healing planet. Helping people to thrive and become their best selves through their work and service. Living in their workplace like an extension of home.
If this book has that impact, it will be because it inspires readers, at a certain moment in their life and career, to remodel their business practice. There will be rewards as they (or you) take their (or your) company from what it is to what it can be—business as the front door to our common good.
