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Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff
The funny and talented Chip Gaines is well known to millions of people as a TV star, renovation expert, bestselling author, husband to Joanna, and father of 4 in Waco, Texas. But long before the world took notice, Chip was a serial entrepreneur who was always ready for the next challenge, even if it didn’t quite work out as planned. Whether it was buying a neighborhood laundromat or talking a bank into a loan for some equipment to start a lawn-mowing service, Chip always knew that the most important thing was to take that first step.
In Capital Gaines, we walk alongside him as he relives some of his craziest antics and the lessons learned along the way. His mentors taught him to never give up and his family showed him what it meant to always have a positive attitude despite your circumstances. Throw in a natural daredevil personality and a willingness to do (or eat!) just about anything, and you have the life and daily activity of Chip Gaines.
Capital Gaines is the perfect book for anyone looking to succeed not only in business but more importantly in life.
In Capital Gaines, we walk alongside him as he relives some of his craziest antics and the lessons learned along the way. His mentors taught him to never give up and his family showed him what it meant to always have a positive attitude despite your circumstances. Throw in a natural daredevil personality and a willingness to do (or eat!) just about anything, and you have the life and daily activity of Chip Gaines.
Capital Gaines is the perfect book for anyone looking to succeed not only in business but more importantly in life.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
2874 people are currently reading
7625 people want to read
About the author
Chip Gaines
9 books1,107 followersRaised in Dallas, Texas, Chip Gaines is the host of HGTV’s Fixer Upper along with his wife Joanna Gaines. Chip and Joanna are both graduates of Baylor University. They flip, remodel and fix up homes together as owners of Magnolia Homes in Waco, Texas. Chip manages the construction and realty side of Magnolia. Their businesses include a real estate company, construction company, design firm and residential subdivision, Magnolia Villas. Chip and Joanna have five children and live in Waco, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,829 reviews
April 8, 2026
Before the fame and fortune, there was Chip Gaines seeking out one thrilling entrepreneurial adventure after another.
"If there’s something stirring in you now, and you know what it is, do that. There’s no need to overthink it."
Whether it be a neighborhood laundromat or starting a landscaping business, he was ready for everything.
But, that didn't mean he always had the golden touch.
Despite the long nights and low profit margins, he still kept going.
"God’s grace lasts as long as it is required. But when the grace and peace start to go, it’s a good time to evaluate if God is still in what you’re doing."
He knew when to admit defeat when necessary, but he always, always had something else up his sleeve.
This lovely little book takes you through some of Chip's highs (and lows) before the Magnolia brand really took off.
"If you’re going to make a bet, bet on yourself."
All in all, this was an interesting book...but at the same time it wasn't brilliant writing, which was a blessing and a curse.
It was a blessing because I feel like that added to the authenticity of the overall story - I feel like you could absolutely tell that Chip was the author (opposed to a ghost writer like...some celebrities out there)
But at the same time, I do feel like the style also had some detriments - the insights did feel shallow and pandering to the audience (pull yourself up by your bootstraps, just like me! (except he also had a substantial financial backer to fund the business at the beginning).
I read their other book (The Magnolia Story) and the two of them did overlap quite a bit. I do feel like the Magnolia one had better writing and overall finesse but overall - I did like this one as well!
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June 10, 2018
The only interesting thing about this book is the title’s play on his name and were it not for the fact that I was listening to this audio book with my spouse who was not wiling to cut his losses, I would have given up by the fourth chapter.
As much as I loved the show and Joanna’s book, The Magnolia Story, I could not stomach Chip’s version. The writing is inferior and bordering on juvenile, the insights insignificant and filled with well-worn catch phrases and what he deems coaching is more like preaching. He rehashes stories and instances already covered by Joanna in the first book which she did with more grace and acuity, did we really need to hear it from Chip’s perspective? The answer a donkey’s ass would give is, yes, and hence this book.
At one point he retells how the cover art came to be. I’ll save you the meandering explanation, but he posted three photos on his door for consideration and asked his staff to vote. No one voted on the cover that graces this book, but it is the one he wanted and went with his gut (that comes up a lot). You get the feeling he was going to go with it from the start and wonder why he bothered to ask an opinion? It becomes apparent throughout the book that other’s opinions don’t really factor into Chip’s world. His lack of humility is stunning in its audacity.
The last part of the book, however, was the most galling as the audio version contains several of his past employees singing his praises. What kind of an ego does it take to put that in a book? One employee--whom I can only imagine is suffering from some kind of workplace PTSD--shared that Chip would often come in to her office, put his smelly feet (her words) on her desk and heckle her as she dealt with customer service issues. Is that supposed to be a >good story?
By the end of this audio my estimation of Chip had deteriorated to that of a blowhard, arrogant, man child. I can’t recall the last time I gave a book one star, but this one earned it.
As much as I loved the show and Joanna’s book, The Magnolia Story, I could not stomach Chip’s version. The writing is inferior and bordering on juvenile, the insights insignificant and filled with well-worn catch phrases and what he deems coaching is more like preaching. He rehashes stories and instances already covered by Joanna in the first book which she did with more grace and acuity, did we really need to hear it from Chip’s perspective? The answer a donkey’s ass would give is, yes, and hence this book.
At one point he retells how the cover art came to be. I’ll save you the meandering explanation, but he posted three photos on his door for consideration and asked his staff to vote. No one voted on the cover that graces this book, but it is the one he wanted and went with his gut (that comes up a lot). You get the feeling he was going to go with it from the start and wonder why he bothered to ask an opinion? It becomes apparent throughout the book that other’s opinions don’t really factor into Chip’s world. His lack of humility is stunning in its audacity.
The last part of the book, however, was the most galling as the audio version contains several of his past employees singing his praises. What kind of an ego does it take to put that in a book? One employee--whom I can only imagine is suffering from some kind of workplace PTSD--shared that Chip would often come in to her office, put his smelly feet (her words) on her desk and heckle her as she dealt with customer service issues. Is that supposed to be a >good story?
By the end of this audio my estimation of Chip had deteriorated to that of a blowhard, arrogant, man child. I can’t recall the last time I gave a book one star, but this one earned it.
October 27, 2019
Quick Update on what's bothering me: Have you ever met someone that takes all the credit for how life turned out bc of their hard work? No one ever helped them along the way? They don't mention parents, free babysitters, inheritance? Chip does this and it's driving me NUTS! No one can fix and remodel 18 houses, have a store, and have 2-4 kids with no one watching them! I can't even pee without one of them following me, forget a crafting project...
It was interesting learning about Chip and Joanna Gaines' marriage and business expertise. I like how Chip is into his faith and credits a lot of his good nature to it and he is such a positive, sweet man in this memoir. I like how he has his wife's back no matter what and is so encouraging to her. They have a weird yet sweet marriage where they constantly fight FOR each other not AGAINST one another. Learning about his youth was also funny... His respect for Mexicans and their culture and their work ethic was humbling. He went to MX to learn the language, out of respect, although he did not stay long for personal reasons.
Now.... The reason for the 3 stars.... I didn't like how Joanna and Chip seemed to be buying houses like crazy and he kept saying how broke they were!!?? I can't even buy 1, ONE, UNA, JEDAN! He fails to mention how he had six figure investors behind him on his crazy entrepreneurships and had soooo much help from his parents and Joanna's parents. He never says how a show wanted them for a pilot or why... A magic fairy? I could buy us into debt if I had parents willing to throw money at us too... Most people I know have 2 sometimes 3 jobs just to pay the rent and have food yet he's telling me I can have millions in debt and come out alive. Felt repetitive and like a self-help book after a while....
It's a quick book and he does have a nice personality but I wouldn't buy into all that hoo-ha crap. Some people get lucky and others don't and some is circumstance. That's the truth of life.
It was interesting learning about Chip and Joanna Gaines' marriage and business expertise. I like how Chip is into his faith and credits a lot of his good nature to it and he is such a positive, sweet man in this memoir. I like how he has his wife's back no matter what and is so encouraging to her. They have a weird yet sweet marriage where they constantly fight FOR each other not AGAINST one another. Learning about his youth was also funny... His respect for Mexicans and their culture and their work ethic was humbling. He went to MX to learn the language, out of respect, although he did not stay long for personal reasons.
Now.... The reason for the 3 stars.... I didn't like how Joanna and Chip seemed to be buying houses like crazy and he kept saying how broke they were!!?? I can't even buy 1, ONE, UNA, JEDAN! He fails to mention how he had six figure investors behind him on his crazy entrepreneurships and had soooo much help from his parents and Joanna's parents. He never says how a show wanted them for a pilot or why... A magic fairy? I could buy us into debt if I had parents willing to throw money at us too... Most people I know have 2 sometimes 3 jobs just to pay the rent and have food yet he's telling me I can have millions in debt and come out alive. Felt repetitive and like a self-help book after a while....
It's a quick book and he does have a nice personality but I wouldn't buy into all that hoo-ha crap. Some people get lucky and others don't and some is circumstance. That's the truth of life.
October 31, 2017
Witty, raw, real, refreshingly honest, and oh so touching!
This is so much more than a tell all book. Gaines is well known on HGTV's Fixer Upper he's known as a funny goofy guy. But this book shows us the real Gaines.
He is a very positive God fearing man. His outlook on life is not what you would think after watching him on TV every week. I found so many little bits of information that made me love him and Jo Jo so much more. I will share one big one with you his work ethic is above and beyond anything you see on TV. His love for family and God shine through out this book. His intentions towards his employees hold great merit and respect. He is a man of honor.
You get to see behind the scenes the real man we all love. So don't miss this book.
I am very sad to see the end of Fixer Upper, but I can not wait to see where The Gaines family goes from here.
This is a book not to be missed, in fact it is a book to be shared with others in your life.I gave this book 5 stars two times it is just that good.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
This is so much more than a tell all book. Gaines is well known on HGTV's Fixer Upper he's known as a funny goofy guy. But this book shows us the real Gaines.
He is a very positive God fearing man. His outlook on life is not what you would think after watching him on TV every week. I found so many little bits of information that made me love him and Jo Jo so much more. I will share one big one with you his work ethic is above and beyond anything you see on TV. His love for family and God shine through out this book. His intentions towards his employees hold great merit and respect. He is a man of honor.
You get to see behind the scenes the real man we all love. So don't miss this book.
I am very sad to see the end of Fixer Upper, but I can not wait to see where The Gaines family goes from here.
This is a book not to be missed, in fact it is a book to be shared with others in your life.I gave this book 5 stars two times it is just that good.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
April 12, 2018
After reading Joanna and Chip Gaines' book "Magnolia" and enjoying it so much, I was excited to see this one was coming out and knew I would have to read it.
In all honesty, I have probably watched a total of one (maybe two) episodes of "Fixer Upper" but through what I have seen on that show along with their previous book, I truly love and respect the authenticity of Joanna and Chip. They both seem so relatable, genuine, and humorous. They are a well-balanced duo that both seem to balance each other out with Joanna being the more levelheaded but Chip bringing humour into the mix.
In this book, as can be expected through the title and cover, this is Chip's account of parts of their life. It includes accounts of experiences that he has lived and how they have impacted him whether it be through personal growth or reflecting upon these events down the road. It's an inspirational account of his life (thus far) and you can tell that he's hopeful that others will be able to gain from his experiences and possibly take it for inspiration in their own lives.
I really enjoyed this book to the equivalent of the first book (maybe even more). Sometime these type of books can come across as pretentious or false but Chip's personality clearly appears to be uniquely genuine. I truly believe that he wishes people will gain hope and inspiration from their story. Definitely a recommended read and I hope that he (along with Joanna) publishes more in the future!
In all honesty, I have probably watched a total of one (maybe two) episodes of "Fixer Upper" but through what I have seen on that show along with their previous book, I truly love and respect the authenticity of Joanna and Chip. They both seem so relatable, genuine, and humorous. They are a well-balanced duo that both seem to balance each other out with Joanna being the more levelheaded but Chip bringing humour into the mix.
In this book, as can be expected through the title and cover, this is Chip's account of parts of their life. It includes accounts of experiences that he has lived and how they have impacted him whether it be through personal growth or reflecting upon these events down the road. It's an inspirational account of his life (thus far) and you can tell that he's hopeful that others will be able to gain from his experiences and possibly take it for inspiration in their own lives.
I really enjoyed this book to the equivalent of the first book (maybe even more). Sometime these type of books can come across as pretentious or false but Chip's personality clearly appears to be uniquely genuine. I truly believe that he wishes people will gain hope and inspiration from their story. Definitely a recommended read and I hope that he (along with Joanna) publishes more in the future!
January 10, 2018
It felt like I was reading The Magnolia Story all over again but just from his point of view. I found it boring and draggy. Love the Gaines but could've done without this book.
June 3, 2018
I've never watched "Fixer Upper" or read Chip and Joanna's previous book, but I still enjoyed getting to know both of them through this little nonfic. They seem really down to earth and have an approach to business that I could really get behind.
WHAT I LIKED
Lots of anecdotes and some great pieces on living fearlessly, taking risks, and keeping family as a top priority.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Maybe I was just expecting something else, but the book felt a little scattered. It was still good, but I don't know if I could sum it up in one line at the end, y'know?
It's great to see a businessperson put God and family first, value people, and strive for a big vision. That's how I want to live too. So thanks, Chip, for the "go get 'em" pep talk!
WHAT I LIKED
Lots of anecdotes and some great pieces on living fearlessly, taking risks, and keeping family as a top priority.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Maybe I was just expecting something else, but the book felt a little scattered. It was still good, but I don't know if I could sum it up in one line at the end, y'know?
It's great to see a businessperson put God and family first, value people, and strive for a big vision. That's how I want to live too. So thanks, Chip, for the "go get 'em" pep talk!
August 23, 2020
I listened to Capital Gaines and it was a great audiobook. I loved that Chip Gaines was the narrator - it felt like I wasn't reading a book, but actually hearing someone's story. I liked how uplifting and encouraging the book was. It was also enjoyable to hear some other stories about Chip and Joanna. A very good read!
December 23, 2017
I didn’t love it. There are a lot of great stories and a lot of great lessons in this book but it seems as though Chip was trying to throw everyone cliche “life lesson” at you and convince you to be a great person by doing everything differently. I think I would have liked it if the book was focused on ra couple of life lessons rather than 10-12. Each chapter was something new and felt separate from the previous chapter.
December 16, 2017
The world needs more Chip Gaines....
I rate the book 4 stars, but Chip is a 5 star guy
Chip’s humility, sincerity and drive to make the world a better place is inspiring. I’m encouraged to know that there are men in the public eye with a Chip’s character, intentionality and leadership.
Highly recommend!
I rate the book 4 stars, but Chip is a 5 star guy
Chip’s humility, sincerity and drive to make the world a better place is inspiring. I’m encouraged to know that there are men in the public eye with a Chip’s character, intentionality and leadership.
Highly recommend!
April 16, 2018
I'll confess that I am a self-proclaimed fan of Fixer Upper. It's one of the very few TV shows I even still watch because I find the Gaines to be authentic and charming. I love their integrity and good-natured demeanors whenever they're on screen, or in public. And in many ways, I think Chip and I would get along great and I'd love to meet him someday. I'm bummed out the show is ending but, thanks to this book, I know why and completely understand. So, what did I think of the book?
Well... it stinks to say but it's not great. It's not utterly terrible either. It's just... okay. While it was certainly entertaining to hear about some of these "dumb things" Chip did, the "smart things" portion felt too brief. Which made the chapters feel incredibly truncated with how none of it flowed together or at least connected in some way; each chapter was it's own silo of information. There was all this space on the page used for the stories that the lesson learned was a short blurb (nearly just two sentences in some chapters) that was just a cliche. By the time I finished, I felt that the book's length was far too long, and too broad in scope.
I think Chip has a ton of wisdom. I really believe he's learned a lot from the decisions in life. Unfortunately, I don't think that wisdom really came through in the book in a meaningful way that would spur others on to go and create, or "get after it" as he states in the final chapter. Perhaps I'm comparing this book too much to Jon Acuff's "Quitter" and "Start". But those were better books in this field. Had Chip's name not been attached to this book, I really don't think it'd do that well.
All in all, it's a good effort but ultimately, a disappointing read that I almost didn't finish.
Well... it stinks to say but it's not great. It's not utterly terrible either. It's just... okay. While it was certainly entertaining to hear about some of these "dumb things" Chip did, the "smart things" portion felt too brief. Which made the chapters feel incredibly truncated with how none of it flowed together or at least connected in some way; each chapter was it's own silo of information. There was all this space on the page used for the stories that the lesson learned was a short blurb (nearly just two sentences in some chapters) that was just a cliche. By the time I finished, I felt that the book's length was far too long, and too broad in scope.
I think Chip has a ton of wisdom. I really believe he's learned a lot from the decisions in life. Unfortunately, I don't think that wisdom really came through in the book in a meaningful way that would spur others on to go and create, or "get after it" as he states in the final chapter. Perhaps I'm comparing this book too much to Jon Acuff's "Quitter" and "Start". But those were better books in this field. Had Chip's name not been attached to this book, I really don't think it'd do that well.
All in all, it's a good effort but ultimately, a disappointing read that I almost didn't finish.
December 2, 2017
If you're a fan of Fixer Upper (and who isn't, right?) you are abundantly familiar with Chip Gaines. He's one half of the successful duo of Chip and Joanna Gaines of Waco, Texas, who have taken their love of home renovation and decorating to the masses on HGTV.
This book is about Chip's beginnings and how he started out in business, met and married Joanna, and ended up with a TV show and successful interior decorating business. But it's also about how Chip made a lot of mistakes along the way and the lessons he has learned from those mistakes. Chip's a very humble guy on TV and his book comes across the same way. He's funny, but smart in all the ways that count. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. A few times, he even made me cry. (I won't say why - it may not for you, but for me it rang personal.)
My favorite line: "It's infinitely better to fail with courage than to sit idle with fear."
This book is about Chip's beginnings and how he started out in business, met and married Joanna, and ended up with a TV show and successful interior decorating business. But it's also about how Chip made a lot of mistakes along the way and the lessons he has learned from those mistakes. Chip's a very humble guy on TV and his book comes across the same way. He's funny, but smart in all the ways that count. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. A few times, he even made me cry. (I won't say why - it may not for you, but for me it rang personal.)
My favorite line: "It's infinitely better to fail with courage than to sit idle with fear."
May 29, 2018
I love Fixer Upper and I really loved Magnolia Story but this book is pretty boring. A lot of "God is good, take risks, reach for your dreams, blah, blah ,blah." It reads like a bad self help book. I was hoping for more insight on his approach to business and running your own company but he barely touched on that stuff. Oh well. At least it was short.
November 9, 2017
The title doesn’t let you know what your going to read about but I am very glad that I read it. A bit of a brag book but challenges the reader to step up and do something that you are really passionate about and that will possibly be of value to others.
April 21, 2018
I read this when I was still somewhat innocent of just how, uh, Texas Churchy Republican the Gainses are. I read this before I saw the episode of Fixer Upper where they casually hung out with Dubya's wife. Please keep that in mind as I continue this review and don't think poorly of me.
It was ... fun? In that sort of dopey "look at my life, I'm awesome but also I'm just the worst lol" guy way. Chris Gaines is a bro, but he doesn't say anything super offensive, just sings Joanna's praises and tells silly stories about himself when he's not fixating on his own antics.
Where Joanna's book is a canoe on a still lake, Chris' is a boogie board on the surf. He also talks about God and Jesus much much more than she does. Again, all in all this wouldn't have turned me off of the couple and their endeavours so much as that cordial Bush visit did. I can't really watch the show anymore, which is a shame because what else am I gonna watch? Househunters International, like some sort of savage??
It was ... fun? In that sort of dopey "look at my life, I'm awesome but also I'm just the worst lol" guy way. Chris Gaines is a bro, but he doesn't say anything super offensive, just sings Joanna's praises and tells silly stories about himself when he's not fixating on his own antics.
Where Joanna's book is a canoe on a still lake, Chris' is a boogie board on the surf. He also talks about God and Jesus much much more than she does. Again, all in all this wouldn't have turned me off of the couple and their endeavours so much as that cordial Bush visit did. I can't really watch the show anymore, which is a shame because what else am I gonna watch? Househunters International, like some sort of savage??
February 23, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was a bit apprehensive, as I expected it to be a lot of repeat stuff
from the Magnolia Story. But it wasn't. I also figured out why Joanna fell in love with him. He's got a lot of common sense and a heart of gold. Love their moral compasses and their desire to do as much good in the world while they're here. And I believe they single handedly put Waco back on the map in a very good way, after the Branch Davidian Episode with Janet Reno and Bill Clinton decades ago giving Waco a Black eye, even though Waco was just the nearest town to the debacle.
from the Magnolia Story. But it wasn't. I also figured out why Joanna fell in love with him. He's got a lot of common sense and a heart of gold. Love their moral compasses and their desire to do as much good in the world while they're here. And I believe they single handedly put Waco back on the map in a very good way, after the Branch Davidian Episode with Janet Reno and Bill Clinton decades ago giving Waco a Black eye, even though Waco was just the nearest town to the debacle.
March 27, 2019
I listened to this on audiobook and I ONLY finished it because somebody was reading it to me. With a title like Capital Gaines, I expected to hear about the hard work and obstacles that Chip overcame in his upbringing and his path to becoming an entrepreneur. What I got instead was a random, disjointed book about somebody with natural talent who was pretty much successful at anything he put his mind to, as long as he trusted in God. So much God. This book just doesn't need to exist. Or else really needed better editing. There was no flow at all. Read Magnolia Story instead.
March 7, 2018
The Gaineses are always fun to read about. This is like a continuation of the Magnolia Story giving more background of their lives continuing to today why they chose to end their TV show. They are such hard working people who’ve never given up on their dreams. Their vision and passion is inspiring and challenges me to make a difference in the world-my world right around me, starting with my family. ❤️
April 16, 2018
Interesting, inspiring, and easy to read.
May 4, 2023
inspiring!
July 25, 2019
Digital audiobook read by the author
SUBTITLE: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff
I’m a great fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper. This is Chip Gaines telling the story of how he and his wife Joanna came to be the successful entrepreneurs that they are today.
One thing that has struck me in the TV show is how immaturely Chip behaves at times. And this book is FULL of his immaturity. I don’t find his antics, his teasing, his eating bugs, or many of the other stunts he pulls funny. I find them irritating. Take a look at that subtitle one more time; what I’m going to remember about this book will be the “doing stupid stuff.”
On the other hand, his sincere belief in “Go for it,” in taking life by the horns and going all out clearly comes through. I think he’d probably do well on the motivational speaking circuit.
Chip narrates the book himself. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job. Although, his Spanish pronunciation is dreadful! The “afterword” includes a couple of “testimonials” from employees, and they each read their own words, as well. If anything, especially in Elizabeth’s story, Gaines comes across as even more immature, but clearly his employees – at least these – love him.
SUBTITLE: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff
I’m a great fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper. This is Chip Gaines telling the story of how he and his wife Joanna came to be the successful entrepreneurs that they are today.
One thing that has struck me in the TV show is how immaturely Chip behaves at times. And this book is FULL of his immaturity. I don’t find his antics, his teasing, his eating bugs, or many of the other stunts he pulls funny. I find them irritating. Take a look at that subtitle one more time; what I’m going to remember about this book will be the “doing stupid stuff.”
On the other hand, his sincere belief in “Go for it,” in taking life by the horns and going all out clearly comes through. I think he’d probably do well on the motivational speaking circuit.
Chip narrates the book himself. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job. Although, his Spanish pronunciation is dreadful! The “afterword” includes a couple of “testimonials” from employees, and they each read their own words, as well. If anything, especially in Elizabeth’s story, Gaines comes across as even more immature, but clearly his employees – at least these – love him.
January 18, 2018
3.5 A really nice, light and inspiring read. He makes having vision, dreams and goals not only seem as if they are attainable, but also as if you truly owe it to yourself and the world to act on them. He makes you WANT to go for it!
I do think that it changed direction somewhere in the middle. It started out being about things he’d learned from past mistakes and then kinda turned into just listening to him talk about his life and what he wants out of it. I still enjoyed it, I just think it kinda lost focus.
I do think that it changed direction somewhere in the middle. It started out being about things he’d learned from past mistakes and then kinda turned into just listening to him talk about his life and what he wants out of it. I still enjoyed it, I just think it kinda lost focus.
January 23, 2019
I just am so inspired by Chip and Joanna. I loved this book. His view of life is pretty similar to mine...or at least how I want to be. He isn’t afraid of failure, he has a lot of hope and passion and especially dedicated work ethic. It was really inspiring to me right now (given that I’m unemployed and trying to create my next chapter.) I love how unashamedly he mentions his faith in God and shared insights from various stories in the Bible. I just really want to be their friend. And work for them.
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October 26, 2018The book is great. The audiobook is even better because Chip Gaines reads it. Who is Chip Gaines? If you are asking that question, this book may not be the one for you. Unless, you like books that are inspiring, humorous, and full of entrepreneur know-how. Though, to be honest, even if you don’t own or want to start a business, this book has so much to offer. Chip Gaines is like your personal life coach, and he just wants you to win!--Megan G.
May 11, 2018
His ending made it sound like if you don’t write a book about your life then you failed in living passionately and making a difference. I enjoyed the biographical parts much more than the coaching, self help fluff.
February 1, 2021
Good read
December 27, 2021
This was such a fun book! I enjoy getting to read about the Gaineses and their family. Reading about their aspirations and goals. It is inspiring to me to work harder to make a difference in my world and in those around me.
March 5, 2018
I like Chip and Joanna. They seem like a real couple who actually love each other. No fake fights for the TV, and they respect each other for what they each bring to the table.
That being said, Chip would drive me nuts. He's too much of a go-getter to be able to calm down and just enjoy living. This book seemed like one long TED talk, a cheerleader for us to get out there and go live our dreams.
This was a bit of a brag book, which is a little off-putting for me. I didn't know their Magnolia tentacles reached so far, and they're not through expanding. They will soon own Waco, I have no doubt.
I for one don't want to live the way Chip prescribes. I'm not an adventurous soul. I don't want to come home bloody and sweaty every day to prove I've done something useful. I don't want a large scar on my forehead to prove that I am fearless (or stupid). He needs to understand that the quiet people are just as useful as the more outgoing ones. (He needs to read "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking", by Susan Cain.) Just because I'm not like him doesn't mean I'm not fulfilling my own dreams in my own peaceful way. I think he assumes that because people may not always be running at 100 miles per hour, they're not doing everything they can to be who they want to be.
Working for him would be exhausting. I get it, he wants everyone who works for him to be fulfilled doing whatever it is they are doing. I've got news for ya, packing candles isn't all that fulfilling; but it puts food on the table. He needs people who are not like him to do that work, who are satisfied with their role in the wings and not in the spotlight. Many people are happy with a 9-5 job, then to go home to their families and not wonder what the next company move will be.
He has good advice for those who may be stuck in their lives, not knowing where to turn for their future. But the whole book was advice on how to be like him. Very few people are like him, and that's okay. We can't all be head honchos or we'd have no one to boss around.
Quick read; glad it was over when I finished it because cheerleaders can be so annoying.
That being said, Chip would drive me nuts. He's too much of a go-getter to be able to calm down and just enjoy living. This book seemed like one long TED talk, a cheerleader for us to get out there and go live our dreams.
This was a bit of a brag book, which is a little off-putting for me. I didn't know their Magnolia tentacles reached so far, and they're not through expanding. They will soon own Waco, I have no doubt.
I for one don't want to live the way Chip prescribes. I'm not an adventurous soul. I don't want to come home bloody and sweaty every day to prove I've done something useful. I don't want a large scar on my forehead to prove that I am fearless (or stupid). He needs to understand that the quiet people are just as useful as the more outgoing ones. (He needs to read "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking", by Susan Cain.) Just because I'm not like him doesn't mean I'm not fulfilling my own dreams in my own peaceful way. I think he assumes that because people may not always be running at 100 miles per hour, they're not doing everything they can to be who they want to be.
Working for him would be exhausting. I get it, he wants everyone who works for him to be fulfilled doing whatever it is they are doing. I've got news for ya, packing candles isn't all that fulfilling; but it puts food on the table. He needs people who are not like him to do that work, who are satisfied with their role in the wings and not in the spotlight. Many people are happy with a 9-5 job, then to go home to their families and not wonder what the next company move will be.
He has good advice for those who may be stuck in their lives, not knowing where to turn for their future. But the whole book was advice on how to be like him. Very few people are like him, and that's okay. We can't all be head honchos or we'd have no one to boss around.
Quick read; glad it was over when I finished it because cheerleaders can be so annoying.
November 17, 2019
Get to know Chip Gaines all the better in his own business memoir. Find out about some of his wacky ideas and crazy schemes that got him to where he is today. Hey, no matter what his stories sound like, I'd vouch that he's made it somewhere good in life.
Chip and Joanna are both honest, authentic people. Chip is a bit crazy, but that's okay, because that's why we like him. He's a comedian -- literally. His book is filled with so much laugh-out-loud humor. Every time I sat down to read a bit of this book, it brightened my day exponentially -- and that's what I love the most about it. It made me happy just to read a few pages and relax.
This guy has a great approach to business and entrepreneurship. He thinks fast on his feet, and he's done so many types of jobs... so he knows what he's talking about. Through this book, he is really trying to persuade YOU to chase down your dreams too. Make it happen!
The Gaines family can only go up from here. I'm always excited to hear of the next Magnolia venture. I would recommend Capital Gaines as an inspirational and motivational read.
Chip and Joanna are both honest, authentic people. Chip is a bit crazy, but that's okay, because that's why we like him. He's a comedian -- literally. His book is filled with so much laugh-out-loud humor. Every time I sat down to read a bit of this book, it brightened my day exponentially -- and that's what I love the most about it. It made me happy just to read a few pages and relax.
This guy has a great approach to business and entrepreneurship. He thinks fast on his feet, and he's done so many types of jobs... so he knows what he's talking about. Through this book, he is really trying to persuade YOU to chase down your dreams too. Make it happen!
The Gaines family can only go up from here. I'm always excited to hear of the next Magnolia venture. I would recommend Capital Gaines as an inspirational and motivational read.
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