Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lessons I Learned Running Dunkin Donuts

The fact that Robert Rosenberg took a young and struggling family-owned regional business and over 35 years as CEO turned it into one of the world’s most profitable and iconic brands is well-known to many.How he (and his team, which he credits profusely throughout the book) accomplished this is not only an immensely-powerful lesson in leadership but a captivating page-turner, as well.The author shares the back story of the business as well as the continuing growth, lessons, mistakes, and victories along the way. Like the Level-5 leader (see “Good to Great” by Jim Collins) he is, he gives the credit for success to others while accepting responsibility for what went wrong. He is a combination of humble and driven, with a genuine and authentic focus on bringing value to those he leads directly, as well as to his franchisees and the consuming public.A number of the excellent commentaries on this page provide some of the specifics that Mr. Rosenberg shares in the book so I won’t go into them here.Of note, however, was his dealing with the challenges and existential threats to his company — both from within and external — that could have closed its doors forever. Brilliant! And something for which every leader needs to be prepared. The part about the attempted hostile takeover was such a heart-clutching read it would have made for a powerful movie in and of itself.Also particularly loved the stories about some of the Dunkin’ franchisees who came to this country with next to nothing financially, but the willingness to work hard and follow a proven system for success; the result being the attainment of their "American Dream.” So very inspiring!Really, this is about both the skillset and and the heart of a very successful business leader and human being who shows us what business is *really* about when approached correctly. And that great leadership is never about the leader himself/herself, but about the lives to which they bring immense value along the way.If you can fill in the following blanks (and you probably can): “It’s time to make the _______” and “America Runs on _______”, not to mention, if your day begins with a cup of that amazing brew…then your life is one of the countless millions that's been touched by this magnificent embodiment of leadership.Have you ever imagined being mentored by one of the most successful CEOs in modern business history? While the book might not be “exactly” the same as that, it comes very close. And the wisdom you’ll gain will be enormous. Prepare to take lots of notes.Suggestion: Not only read this book yourself; buy a copy for every leader and future leader whom you’d like to help put nine steps ahead of the game…in a ten-step game.

I was intrigued by the title as I browsed through the new nonfiction listings for 2020. I was immediatelyinterested in the history of a product that I have enjoyed over the years. The first chapter provided a backgroundto that history. Successive chapters gave me an introduction to the world of business, specifically the franchiseside of it; in my professional life I had had no education in the workings of corporations. My adult sons howeverhave entered the entrepreneurial business world and I was happy to have this well written tome to provide me witha portal into their world. Although some of the technical aspects described were beyond my ability to comprehend, they were few and far between and except for these few speed-bumps this book is a quick and always enjoyable read. As a very recently retired Physician, I found the last chapter informative in how to approach thisnew phase of my life. Overall, two thumbs up are well deserved.

Engaging and inspiring read. I love Rosenbergs’s willingness to talk about the highs and the lows of business, and the rewards of loving your work and the people you work with. If you’re an entrepreneur and have ever bitten off more than you can chew, Rosenberg shows how to believe in yourself and come back. If you have ever gone with your heart to build what you believe is the best service you can create, Rosenberg inspires there as well. If you just love donuts and coffee, this is a great read about the search for the best cup and best snack to dunk. Thoroughly enjoyable.

An iconic brand that has gone through ups and downs, this book takes us readers through the trials of a family owned business and out the successful side. How the author, Robert Rosenberg, learned how to become such a great CEO, that is explained. I really thought his dad, the founder, was very interesting. The advice in this book is perfect for anyone looking to work with a family member in a business.

Excellent business book that combines valuable business insights with great storytelling. Bob shares the honest mix of successes and failures on his road to taking Dunkin from $10M business to $2.5B business over 35 years he led the company. What really stood out to me is his empathic leadership style and his genuine care for all constituencies of his enterprise, particularly franchisees and employees. I feel Bob exemplifies the leadership that would help make this world a better place for all. Another key take away for me is how Bob was able to keep his large organization adaptable and innovative through eras of changing tastes and customer preferences.