It's How We Play the Game: Build a Business. Take a Stand. Make a Difference.

by Ed Stack

For readers of Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog and Howard Schultz’s Onward, an inspiring memoir from the CEO of DICK’s Sporting Goods about building a multibillion dollar business, coming to the defense of embattled youth sports programs, and taking a principled—and highly controversial—stand against the types of guns that are too often used in mass shootings and other tragedies.

In 1948, Ed Stack's father, Richard, started Dick’s Bait and Tackle in Binghamton, New York, with $300 borrowed from his grandmother. A few years later, Dick expanded to a second location. In 1984, Ed bought the two stores from his father. Today DICK’s Sporting Goods is the largest sporting goods retailer in the country with over 800 locations and close to $9 billion in sales.

It’s How We Play the Game tells the absorbing story of a complicated founder and an ambitious son—one who transformed a business by making it more than a business, conceiving it as a force for good in the communities it serves. The transformation Ed wrought wasn’t easy: economic headwinds nearly toppled the chain twice. But DICK’s support for embattled youth sports programs earned the stores surprising loyalty, and Ed was vocal in sounding the alarm about schools’ underfunding not just of sports but of other extracurriculars, which earned DICK’s even more respect.

Ed’s toughest business decision came in the wake of yet another school shooting; this one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. The senseless loss of life devastated Ed on many levels and he decided to take action. DICK’s became the first major retailer to pull all semi-automatic weapons from its shelves and raise the age of gun purchase to twenty-one. Despite being a gun owner himself who’d grown up around firearms, Ed’s strategy included destroying the $5 million of assault-style-type rifles then in DICK’s inventory.

It was a profit-risking policy that would earn the outrage of some—even threats of harm—but turn Ed into a national hero.

With vital lessons for anyone running a business and eye-opening reflections about what a company owes the people it serves, It’s How We Play the Game is the insightful story of a man who built one of America's most successful companies by following his heart.

Genres: Business, Biography, Leadership, Audiobook, Nonfiction

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2019

Reviews

[Federico De Obeso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agradable historia del autor sobre cómo se fundó por su padre y luego dirigida por Él esta empresa.
Hay más lecciones y aprendizaje en esta “biografía” que en mucho de los libros de “empresa” que he leído.
La introducción y los penúltimos capítulos pueden ser chocantes por el tema de las armas y política… pero son interesantes.
Vale la pena.
Recomiendo en velocidad 1.6x en la versión audiolibro.

[Shellie Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven chapters in. Interesting to see how a small business "passes the torch" to a new generation to keep up with an expanding, fast-changing new market. I've upped my rating to FOUR STARS.

[Steve Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting (and surprisingly transparent) story of a true American success story, Dick's Sporting Goods and Ed Stack.

The book traces the history of Dick's Sporting Goods from the formative years of the chain's founder, Dick Stack, to his son (author / current Dick's CEO) Ed's childhood, adolescence, and growth as a leader as he scaled Dick's from 2 stores to over 700. Along the way, Ed shares a mix of anecdotes (some heart wrenching, many inspirational or hilarious) that make the read both enjoyable and helpful to those on their own leadership journeys.

The book ends with Ed taking us into his head and the boardroom as Dick's takes a stand on firearms after Stoneman Douglas. This portion of the book echoes back to chapters in George W. Bush's Decision Points, as it helps walk you through Ed's decision process in taking action to address the gun crisis (Dick's became the first large retailer to completely remove assault weapons and to set a minimum firearms purchase age to 21). While it leaves you feeling inspired at the difference a dedicated leader and corporation can make, it also leaves you a bit unfulfilled at the continued lack of any governmental action whatsoever on the topic.

In summary, a terrific read that at the very least will be enjoyable ... and might just inspire you to take action.

[Nancy Polhamus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more than a book about business - it's also a book about family. Ed Stack did not plan to take over the family business, but did so out of a sense of responsibility to his father and the rest of the family. He does not sugarcoat his complicated relationship with his dad, but also gives him the respect he deserves for starting his own business at the age of 18 and building it through hard work. I picked it up because I admired his courage in deciding to cut back on firearms sales after the shooting at Stone-Douglas High. He was thinking "why doesn't somebody do something?", and then came to the realization that, as Dick's was the nation's largest seller of firearms, it was he who had the power to do something. He also tells some interesting tales about taking the business public. Even to the owners of huge businesses, venture capitalists are not your friends.

[jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lesson on business, but most importantly, principles

Ed Stack’s story of Dick’s Sporting Goods humble beginnings is nothing short of fantastic. As a business major, I loved the detailed account of Dick’s expansion - the highs and the lows of the company, the mistakes made and the lessons learned. But what I truly appreciate from this book is the conviction of the CEO to take a stand for what he believed was right during an incredibly controversial time in the U.S. involving the sale of guns, and gun laws and regulations.

Ed Stack mentioned time and time again that he loves a street fight - but throughout the book, you can’t help but appreciate his immense heart. This was a product of how he was brought up, surrounded by people (full of imperfections) who knew that in life, money is a great tool but what really matters in a person does not have a price: principles.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book on totality. It's takes you in a sort of passenger ride along the history of the company as well as Ed Stack. It helps to slowly show you how he developed and grew as a businessman and leader. I most liken it to Bob Iger's book "The Ride of a Lifetime" as far as style goes. Both even cover hard subjects too - Iger's in dealing with the wale of Pulse Night Club and the tragedy at the 7 seas lagoon; and this book covered the reaction to the rise of mass shootings in schools and the decision making that led to Dick's withdrawal from many gun sales. It's a personal dive that I feel anyone with business/biography reading preferences would enjoy.

[Ryan Rauber · Rating 3 out of 5]

My interest in this came from the fact that Dick's began in Binghamton, which is my hometown. I remembered the early stores, and the one on Main Street in Vestal was the one I frequented the most. It amazes that this little store in Vestal has grown into this national retailing empire. The history of the company is what I found most interesting, and how they expanded too quickly and flirted with bankruptcy in the early years. I was unaware of Dick's reaction to the mass shootings in the country, and that they removed the assault rifles from the stores. Bold move to take that stance, knowing that there was going to be a huge backlash against them.

[Linda Torpey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is true story of a small family business that grows into a nationwide success.
Dick's Sporting Goods has been able to remember to pay it forward throughout their
growth years. This story chronicles those years as well as Ed Stack's more recent
stand against gun violence in our country. This is a compelling story of a business
lead by a man who hasn't forgotten where he came from and what matters most
in life. We need more leaders like this in our country. I highly recommend this book.
It will restore your faith in humanity.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a sports person and had the opposite experience from Ed during childhood sports. I enjoyed the business insite and even the sports stories. I was amazed at the conviction he has put in to his life and work, it showed me that he and Dicks have supported kids through charity and activities for decades. It is no surprise that he would stand up for kids after Parkland but I didn't understand that till this book. I may not buy much sporting goods but what i do will be from Dick's.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hometown business story- Ed Stack bought the family business from his dad, Dick, who started a little bait and tackle shop in 1948 in Binghamton, New York, Ed tells the story of how a small family business became the biggest sporting goods retailer in the country, with all the highs, lows, and lessons along the way. After the Parkland shooting, Ed Stack and the board of directors of Dick's decided to stop selling assault rifles, and destroyed them to make sure their inventory didn't get resold. Besides this controversial decision, the company has a history of supporting communities by supporting children's sports- from Binghamton Little League expansion to bankrolling high school teams in struggling school districts around the country. This company walks the walk.

Home town boy makes very good by doing good. My hometown expat heart is proud.

[Robert Bogue]

Generally, I don’t read biographies. For me, they’re boring. However, Ed Stack became very interesting to me, so I decided that there must be more to him and his book, It’s How We Play the Game, than meets the eye – enough that it was a worthy investment – and I was right.

Read more

[Christi Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how engaging the storytelling was throughout the entire book. It really gives the reader a strong sense of what it was like to be in that moment, facing some difficult decisions in the name of “business.” I have always been a fan of Dick’s Sporting Goods as a retailer, but am even a bigger fan of the conscientious business they have become.

[Kelly Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the history of how Dick’s Sporting Goods was created from such a small beginning and how the company continues to grow and adapt despite a changing retail environment and other social issues that affect retail.

[Mustafa Karagoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amerika'nin en buyuk spor magaza zincirlerinden birinin buyume oykusu. Bu magazalarda silah da satilmakta ve son zamanlarda artan mass shooting problemine de deginmis. Ozel bir ilginiz yoksa cok da tavsiye etmem. Kitabi yazan firmanin kurucusunun oglu ve su andaki CEO'su.

[Luke Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong read. Was far more transparent than most autobiographies and was just the right amount of conversational tone.

I have a totally different level of respect for DICK'S Sporting Goods after reading it.

[Bob Kuster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on how Dick's grew from very humble beginnings to what it is today. Their store campus sounds impressive.

[Chris Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 more than 4.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! I went in expecting just a basic business book....but this was written as a real human. Outstanding book.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story with good business lessons. Interesting story on how a brick and mortar retail operation can thrive in today’s environment.

[Kevin Uhll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting insight on the development at a retail giant from the ground up. Ed explains his thinking and energy behind big decisions and events in his professional and personal life.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy-to-read history of Dick’s and the way character has influenced the company. Notice the “we” in the title.

[James McGlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good history of Dick's. Also recent history of banning assault weapons. His relationship with hi father is pretty complex.

[Jake Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s OK. Lots of background on the family story. Didn’t learn much about business. Not overly inspirational

[Patrick Pilz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A seemingly authentic business biography on the largest sports retail chain in the United States. Not all rosy. A very timely book in the larger scheme of social responsibility of larger businesses.

[Jafry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Lots of little gems to pick up.

[Denny Troncoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Must read for entrepreneurs.

[Spire Metro · Rating 3 out of 5]

History of Dicks. About a 1/3rd of the book is regarding their gun policy.

[Ted Alling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for books like this. I love the entrepreneur journey.

[Steve Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting (and surprisingly transparent) story of a true American success story, Dick's Sporting Goods and Ed Stack.

The book traces the history of Dick's Sporting Goods from the formative years of the chain's founder, Dick Stack, to his son (author / current Dick's CEO) Ed's childhood, adolescence, and growth as a leader as he scaled Dick's from 2 stores to over 700. Along the way, Ed shares a mix of anecdotes (some heart wrenching, many inspirational or hilarious) that make the read both enjoyable and helpful to those on their own leadership journeys.

The book ends with Ed taking us into his head and the boardroom as Dick's takes a stand on firearms after Stoneman Douglas. This portion of the book echoes back to chapters in George W. Bush's Decision Points, as it helps walk you through Ed's decision process in taking action to address the gun crisis (Dick's became the first large retailer to completely remove assault weapons and to set a minimum firearms purchase age to 21). While it leaves you feeling inspired at the difference a dedicated leader and corporation can make, it also leaves you a bit unfulfilled at the continued lack of any governmental action whatsoever on the topic.

In summary, a terrific read that at the very least will be enjoyable ... and might just inspire you to take action.