People Over Profit: Break the System, Live with Purpose, Be More Successful

by Dale Partridge

Serial entrepreneur and business visionary Dale Partridge reveals seven core beliefs that create success by putting people first. Every day major headlines tell the story of a new and better American marketplace. Established corporations have begun reevaluating the quality of their products, the ethics of their supply chain, and how they can give back by donating a portion of their profit to meaningful causes. Meanwhile, millions of entrepreneurs who want a more responsible and compassionate marketplace have launched a new breed of socially focused business models. Sevenly founder Dale Partridge uncovers the seven core beliefs shared by consumers, starters, and leaders behind this transformation. These beliefs have enabled Dale to build a multimillion-dollar company that is revolutionizing the marketplace In People Over Profit , Partridge will help you Partridge believes these beliefs are the secret to creating a sustainable world that values honesty over deception, transparency over secrecy, authenticity over hype, and ultimately, people over profit.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Self Help, Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Dale Partridge is the President of Relearn.org and Founder of Reformation Seminary. Dale holds a Graduate Certificate from Western Seminary. He is the author of several Christian books, including “The Manliness of Christ” and the bestselling children’s book “Jesus and My Gender.” He is also the host of the Real Christianity podcast and the lead pastor at King's Way Bible Church in Prescott, Arizona.

Reviews

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, I am a small business owner and entrepreneur so all the insight was golden to me! I loved the idea of a "double bottom line" in the case where both the company and the employees both profit! The people in the business feel valued.
I liked how short it was- it will be a book I'll ask my leaders to read now. I loved the quotes and insight into some of Americas companies (the good and bad!) He highlighted companies I love like CFA and companies I didn't know much about (Clif Bar!) it was inspiring and makes me want to choose every company I buy from with more thought!

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I agree with the ideas in this book, I am having problems determining its intent. Part research of the history of existing companies, and part "how-to" manual on starting your own ethical company, it failed to thoroughly inform or motivate. It attempts to paint a picture of virtue-of the company and of the man, which eventually reveals itself to possibly a vehicle to prop up the ego.

I have recently been bugged by companies that sell virtuous consumerism. "Buy my thing you really don't need and your hedonistic consumerism will be absolved because we give some of our profits to a good cause." I am all for supporting ethical companies and letting my dollars support those companies. But how many people really "need" to buy T-shirts (or jewelry or plaques with Bible verses). How about giving that full amount directly to the charity or individuals in need?

[Vikram Shekahwat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an eye opener if your business is not doing great especially with respect to the people aspect.

My favourite quote is - In the times of universal deceit, Telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

[Renia Carsillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little self-indulgent and I scratched my head at some of the businesses he uses as examples. That said, this is a beautiful manifesto and an important read for anyone who is, wants to be, or interacts with business leaders...which is pretty much all of us.

A simple writing style, beautiful layout, and engaging stories all come together in less than half the pages of most of the business books I read. This on will go on the shelf next to 'Rework' and 'The Art of the Start' as one of my favorite business/marketing books that warrants multiple reads.

[Shalyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little odd to me. It felt like it was a bit of a biography of Sevenly (which I had not before heard of) mixed with some good business practices. I'm not sure if the title clearly represented the book for me, but after reading it I really want to be more conscientious in my spending and the businesses I support. Yikes though, the price differences are big. One of the biggest challenges though, seems to be to determine which businesses are truly socially conscious.

Any book that elicits personal change gets good marks in my book.

[Betsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be geared for business leaders, but the principles outlined in it are across the board for all life. It is a rather quick read that holds your attention. The last chapter shocked me and I walked away with a deep admiration for Mr. Partridge. Insightful and grounding! A must read for sure!

[Julia Serenko]

Обожнюю книжки про компанії, де йдеться про людей, а не просто заробляння грошей.
Автор книги " Люди чи прибуток" пояснює, що компанії мають бути чесними та працювати на якість. Компанії мають розуміти людей і мати "людський фактор".
Орієнтуйтесь на своїх людей, цінуйте їх, бо люди вашої компанії - головний ресурс.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read with some strong messages. I particularly like the discussion that all companies intend to not be evil (a la Google), but many eventually fail even for a while. Those that remain honest throughout tend to be organisations that put people first and follow a set of 7 core beliefs. I won’t describe here. If you’re interested it’s worth the investment.

[Emma Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so refreshing to read a book from a finance bro that actually had empathy for those that work in every area of the company. I think it’s a conversation that is so important to have and is nonexistent in most business books. As a business owner I found this to be helpful and makes me want to be more intentional with every component of what I do.

[Kenneth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first section of the book is so thinly researched, the research could have been done during a toilet session.

The second section I already cannot remember, 1 day after reading it.

The third section is the best. It contains these great quotes.

"This book half-sucks." - Kenmeth Kou

[Josiah Jost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a worthwhile read that stirs you to live your life and run your business in a honest, authentic, courageous, people-caring way.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually had a very good laugh at the end of this book when there is a section talking about why the book is so short. This author seems cognizant of the fact that he basically took an article length idea and made a book as he literally says, "Too many authors bloat their content in an effort to stretch an 'article length idea' into a book" (p.197). This book is very fluffy, could have easily been shortened to a small article or even a few social media posts. In fact the author seems very cognizant of a lot of things that he reprimands or talks ill of, only a few pages or paragraphs later explaining that this is understandable. One such example would be reprimanding McDonald's for not using all natural ingredients and not serving the healthiest of food, and then proceeds to understand that McDonald's is serving so much food that it is impossible to provide that level all service and quantity of food at the same quality. Now I wouldn't say McDonald's has been very forward with all of their lower standards for food but it's not exactly like people who are going to McDonald's are expecting a healthy meal. I was happy that the author used other examples besides his own company, but it seems like this entire book was just pats on the back to himself about what he did at his. Although I believe only a handful of other companies were even referenced with an example. If anything this book kind of seems like a coping technique after losing control of his company and the lessons he learned which I would not be opposed to instead it was offered as a playbook on how to make company more people and community conscious. There are a few great suggestions and a few ideas but nothing revolutionary, and worse yet, not any way given to implement it. If you haven't thought of, or researched the subject, this is a light step into conscious capitalism.

[Alex Furst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #49 of 2022. "People Over Profit" by Dale Partridge. 3/5 rating.

This book is about companies where the choice is to care more about people than about the profits the business makes.

Dale says that most companies go through a 4-step cycle of:
1) The Honest Era - here the company is doing what it was founded to do
2) The Efficient Era - the company starts to push for a focus on more volume and profits
3) The Deceptive Era - the company has moved their guiding star to profits, even at the expense of lying or shady business practice
4) The Apologetic Era - the company realizes that it needs to change and begins to work to convert back to step 1

Dale also says that companies that one to break this loop and be caring and good companies have these seven core beliefs:
1) People matter
2) Truth Wins
3) Transparency Frees
4) Authenticity Attracts
5) Quality Speaks
6) Generosity Returns
7) Courage Sustains

I liked this motivation from Dale: "If you're stuck in the how phase and need a permission slip to move forward, consider this it. When you sense fear of the unknown, it's often a sign you need to walk into, not away from, what is repelling you. Fear is the exact opposite of what you want your life to be. Whether it is starting a charity or pursuing a goal or asking a girl out or starting a business, fear leads you away from your desires. So turn around, risk bravely, take the plunge, and start now."

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the brevity of this book; it’s one of the reasons I listened to the audiobook because it was simply a 3hr read. The central theme was endearing (a bit repetitive at times), and held my attention. The author describes his business as one big case study throughout the book (with some twists towards the end, which.. I’m glad I didn’t look up the authors name when it came to his company as not to spoil that twist he spoke of!) The concept of putting people first is nice, but I feel as if it may be impractical for some industries… don’t get me wrong, the little anecdotes throughout the story did make me smile & reminded me of how thoughtful humans can be towards each other. However, I found myself seeing start ups or smaller businesses being the most successful users of the central concepts of the book. Might have been just me, but who knows? I did enjoy his telling of redemption stories for various well known businesses. I also enjoyed the ending with his list of practical advice to apply to your own teams and businesses. I’d recommend, since it is shorter but I left wanting more (in not a good way haha).

[Alycia Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

People are always more important than profit. Partridge laid out his book in an easy-to-read format, making it a joy for someone who is a mom developing her business, or an average Joe.

After introducing the cycles a business tends to go through, he reveals 7 key characteristics a business needs to embody in order to break those cycles and find consistent success. Then Dale reminds us to do good, both in business and in life, considering the world and all who live in it as we make our daily choices.

If you're dreaming of going into business, invoking change from the inside out at the business you currently work, or leaving a business, this book is filled with wonderful nuggets. All 200 pages of it. Short, to the point, and purposeful. That's what I would call People Over Profit.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Partridge highlights at the end of this great book, that it is short; why?

Because people matter, and filling the book with unneccessary information or repeating things is wasting our time.

This book is definetely not a waste of time. It was so good that I could not even get to the end before I wrote a blog post, called the "The booger on your face".

Dale Partridge outlines "seven core beliefs shared by those focused on their core vision and impervious to compromise",

- People Matter
- Truth Wins
- Transparency Frees
- Authenticity Attracts
- Quality Speaks
- Generosity Returns
- Courage Sustains

This is a brilliant book, and well worth the few short hours it will take you to read.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book 3.5 / 5 stars, but unfortunately, that isn't an option. Overall it was a pretty good and yet quick read. I appreciate the conciseness of it. I found this book insightful and encouraging and helpful if I wanted to start a company. The main drawback of the book, however, I felt that it became more of a manifesto in chapters 12-14 encouraging people to consider everything they purchase and to buy focused with the goal of buying from companies with the mindset of purpose over profits. While I understand and value the point, I felt it got somewhat excessive, but point well made nonetheless.

[Ron Scheese · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and compelling read

"People Over Profit: Break the System, Live with Purpose, Be More Successful" by Dale Partridge & Blake Mycoskie provides a compelling case for building a business with heart. The themes and actions throughout align with many of the Purpose driven, people first efforts at the compny I work at. Dale shares the principles he used to launch his firm Sevenly and encourages others to follow a similar path in making an impact in your circle of influence.

Plenty of positive stories support the concepts and Dale even shares the hardships encountered in leadership which his seven principles helped him overcome.

A quick and compelling read.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new or interesting. Lost me when he talked about terminating employees differently, more positively....which meant, after a term an employee got to come back to the office and meet with the team. Everyone gave them affirming comments and prayed for them. Sounds like a lawsuit in the making.

I'm all for treating employees well; love Richard Branson's quote, "Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business." Patridge's book is a far cry from this and perhaps best served as what not to do...

[Stacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

All sorts of examples of businesses "doing good", but so many said examples have already been covered in other (and better written) books or documentaries. By the end of this book I felt like I was reading a marketing campaign for the company Sevenly. It was a quick read with unnecessary charts and graphs and full page quotes that both interrupted the flow of the writing and were seemingly only really there for page filler. Glad I borrowed this from the library instead of purchasing.

[Frieda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author highlights various companies that are actually successful when they choose to shape its business around the customers they serve and the people that they employ through treating them well and providing quality products and services. It is quite possible that a company need not cut corners in order to be profitable. It is greed that has made some of today's biggest companies, the most hated - like Walmart. A good read.

[Ahuv · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you associate business and money-making with greed and pure pursuit of profit: read this. The author inspires with positivity about what a for profit business can do to improve the lives of many people and highlights many good examples that exist and with examples of well known examples what mistakes to avoid. Authenticity and honesty were to values that stood out for me and I’ve since made them a focus in all my business plans.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting concept and the fact that--thanks to this book--we are now aware of the many companies that embraces this approach to doing business. Honestly, a book we should all read-regardless of us being a start up want to be or not.
Most business tend to go the other way--or profits over people, most times....or, as Dale stated--they all go through their normal cycle if they survive long enough.

[Crystal Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Helps keep you on focus to why you started in the first place! In a society that applauds larger profit margins and bigger numbers, this book makes you remember that each sale represents a person. To keep things human and not automated. Loved the book and have recommended many of my friends to read it!

[Mohammad Khair Bezzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book an amazing guidance on how to prioritize people over profit, and provides practical tips on how to do that and take your organisation to the next level, Dale did a wonderful job by making the book as short as possible but at the same time he was straightforward in his ideas and advices, I highly recommend this book and the author style attracted me.

[Kellie Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I firmly believe that everybody needs to read this. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or working for a company that you wish had better practices - READ IT. It’s quick and non-redundant, unlike other books on the market right now. It sheds light on a lot of companies that are doing it right and others who are working to be better. I loved this book; so much so I’ll probably read it again!

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s some really healthy takeaways from this book. First of all the health of your business depends on people. It teaches a higher way of doing business. Products should be quality, this way your longevity is guaranteed. If you focus on people, the client, you’ll find business flows correctly. I love this book, I wish the world reflected this book when it comes to business.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Partridge convinces us how having a people over profit instead of a profit over people mentality in running businesses is advantageous in the longer term. This is a book that changed my paradigm in how I can start my business and manage my business or the teams of colleagues or clients I am working with. Very thought provoking and simple to understand.

[Laura Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A business-y book, but the principles are great for life as well.

People. Truth. Transparency. Authenticity. Quality. Generosity. Courage. (He goes over each one.)

Two favorite lines:
Look for ways to build the incredible into the ordinary.
So you be you and not what you do.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Dale's simple approach to this book. Quick read with straightforward thoughts and principles.

"When you sense fear of the unknown, it’s often a sign you need to walk into, not away from, what is repelling you."