You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime: And Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable Company

by Maisie Ganzler

Five invaluable lessons for integrating sustainability into your business, from a leader who's done it for thirty years. Did the title of this book get your attention? Good. Because as silly as it is, the idea behind it is serious, earnest, and you can't become a sustainable operation if you're doing the right things in the wrong place, or at the wrong time. So how do you know how to become more sustainable? Many businesses are in the dark about how to actually do better for the planet and people in the supply chain while growing their margin. Consumers and critics often think that a company could be more sustainable if it would just spend more, if executives would just flip some sustainability switch. But Maisie Ganzler knows there's not simply one switch. There are dozens of them, and they need flipping every day. The complexities of national and even global supply chains, competing priorities, and the challenge of messaging make authentically greening a company much harder than just writing a bigger check. But it can be done, and Ganzler will show you how with her five big lessons from three decades of successes and failures leading a $2 billion corporation toward a more sustainable future. Join Ganzler as she takes you to pig farms and boardrooms, factories and farmers markets, teaching you not only how to operate more sustainably but also how to get the credit you deserve for doing it. No matter your industry, Ganzler's stories from the front lines in the food business will inspire and educate you on what it takes to get sustainability right.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Denise Griffitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're involved in the food industry in any capacity, Maisie Ganzler's book is an absolute gem. It masterfully blends insightful anecdotes from the trenches of the food business with practical advice on creating a more sustainable company.

Ganzler's writing style is both friendly and professional, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. She seamlessly weaves together stories from her own experiences with lessons learned, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the food industry.

What sets this book apart is its focus on actionable strategies. Ganzler doesn't just preach about the importance of sustainability; she provides tangible steps that companies can take to make a real difference. From supply chain management to waste reduction, each chapter is filled with practical tips that can be implemented right away.

But perhaps the greatest strength of "You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime" is its optimism. The author firmly believes that sustainability is not only possible but essential for the future of the food industry. Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring readers to take action and become agents of positive change in their own organizations.

Whether you're a CEO looking to overhaul your company's practices, a small business owner striving to make a difference, or an entrepreneur seeking to build a sustainable brand from the ground up, this book offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies applicable to organizations of all sizes. Ganzler's guidance is not only relevant for corporate giants but also for startups and small businesses navigating the complexities of sustainability in today's competitive market. By delving into the intersection of business and sustainability, she equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge and inspiration needed to create impactful and enduring ventures that prioritize both profit and the planet.

Hats off to Maisie Ganzler for delivering such a timely and impactful resource!

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title catches your eye, but it has good information inside. Many businesses say they cannot cut costs, be sustainable, work with supply chains and more. But, it takes some thinking and sometimes thinking outside the box. This book actually gave me some hope that this is possible in the future.
Thank you to Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ganzler is compelling and credible as she shares strategies for sustainable environmental decisions with actionable economic benefits. A practical guide and engaging read. I loved it and highly recommend!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a showstopping title, this book helps guide what is palatable in the food industry and what can make or break an industry. It's interesting and engaging, with real-world examples.