Cabela's: World's Foremost Outfitter: A History

by David Cabela, Chuck Yeager (Introduction)

In 1961, Dick Cabela—with his wife, Mary, and his brother, Jim—turned his kitchen table into the foundation of what would become one of the world's top outfitting companies. The origins of this successful business are traced from Dick's bout with polio to his deep love of fishing and hunting that would inspire him. From one small ad in the back of the Casper Tribune to an annual mailing of 60 million catalogs, Cabela's has served the needs of two generations of outdoor enthusiasts while remaining, at heart, a family business.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2001

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little repetitive at times, but an interesting read concerning the beginning and growth of Cabela's. The book tells how the company grew from founder Dave Cabela's idea to sell hand tied flies in his father's furniture store (an idea that did not work) to a large mail order outdoor equipment company, to a tourist attraction retailer of outdoor goods. Published in 2001, the internet was just starting to become a bigger part of their business, and the company was years away from going public.

It would be interesting to read a continuation that followed the company from it's IPO through it's eventual acquisition by Bass Pro Shops. Regardless, the origin story of the mail order business is pretty interesting.

[Lizzy Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story told about a major part of Nebraska history and frankly world wide history. A success story of good people working hard and becoming successful. Inspirational and good hearted as well. Not all successful people are evil. That’s important to remember. It was repetitive because many
People contributed to this story so many of them told versions of the same story. But overall
Very good.

[Paul Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great American success story from Sydney, NE, no less. The Cabelas are a great family and as strong of conservation supporters as they are entrepreneurs.