[Aviva Publishing, New York] by Jack Fecker, ’54
Jack Fecker, ’54, is an experienced entrepreneur with a bevy of tips that any business owner—or
would-be business owner—would fi nd useful. In his book, Becoming a Creative Entrepreneur:
Your GPS to Business Success, Fecker does much more than simply dole out run-of-the-mill advice.
The book recounts his 50-year journey to success, detailing the many ups and downs of running a
business. In inspiring and humorous anecdotes, Fecker tells readers how he has learned from his
mistakes and celebrated the triumphs. In each story, he shares his personal experience with one
goal in mind: imparting valuable and long-cultivated wisdom.
Throughout his career, Fecker has been a palpable presence in the marketplace. As an entrepreneur,
CEO and business development consultant, he has parlayed his passionate and adventurous
nature into a profitable and full professional life. Fecker has built more than 20 successful businesses,
including one of Seattle’s fi rst major nightclubs, the Blue Banjo. Under his co-leadership,
the Northwest territorial franchise of Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlours became the hotspot for sweet
treats. He has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s foremost creative entrepreneurs.
In Becoming a Creative Entrepreneur, Fecker takes his experience and transforms it into
practical advice. Through entertaining narratives, he offers helpful suggestions
on a variety of topics. The book is divided into three sections,
with the first focused on turning ideas into profitable realities. calls ideas the “most essential nuggets” of any business, and stresses
the importance of beginning with a creative vision.
The second section concentrates on helping entrepreneurs build
and sustain profits after they have opened for business. Here,
Fecker encourages readers to nurture their strengths and use their
distinctive abilities to the advantage of their businesses.
In the fi nal section, Fecker shares some tips for maintaining sanity.
He highlights the benefits of asking for help and letting go
of control, and also emphasizes the value of nurturing yourself
and your relationships; that is, of scheduling time for “play”
during what can seem like a never-ending workweek.
Colorfully written and refreshingly insightful, Fecker’s book is
a unique tool for any current or soon-to-be business owner
looking to invigorate his or her entrepreneurial
ventures.
Reviewed by Maura Beth Pagano, ’12