A Noble Function: How U-Haul Moved America

by Luke Krueger

A Noble Function: How U-Haul Moved America is a heart-felt and nostalgic look into one of America's most celebrated and nation-changing companies-U-Haul. The book details the meager beginnings of Sam and Anna Mary Shoen, U-Haul's founders. It recounts the company's unending professional development and improvement, and the growth of America itself. Following the company from its mom and pop store start, A Noble Function showcases how U-Haul became a household name.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2007

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Noble Function offers an interesting look at the first twenty or so years of U-Haul history and how the company rose to prominence. This book focuses on the hard work and determination of the founder Sam Schoen and his family as they built an American icon and household name. From the days of sorting out the trailer business and developing a standard model capable of easy repairs to an expanding network of dealers this book tracks the strategies the company took to become a household name. As one of the first companies to develop trucks and rent them U-Haul had an early corner on the market that helped to ensure its dominance will into the 1960's. What this book does not cover is U-Haul's subsequent decline and fall from grace as companies like Ryder and Budget sapped market share and forced U-Haul into bankruptcy. That being said if you want an interesting look on how this company rose to its peak you cannot go wrong with this one.