An essential reading guide for those who love local
Do you or a loved one love local?
We asked three of our “Localists” to tell us their favorite books — from Arizona history to entrepreneurship to locally based authors — to add to your reading list or give as a holiday gift.
Our definition of “Localist” is someone who believes their community is more vibrant, diverse and economically healthy when small and locally owned businesses are given the chance to thrive. They love Arizona businesses so much they make monthly donations to support Local First Arizona. It’s easy to do at localfirstaz.com/localist.
If you’d like to buy one of these books for yourself or someone else, consider purchasing from a locally owned bookstore! Find one near you with the Local First Arizona Business Directory.
Jeremy Macdonald
My good friend Jarrod Riddle is an incredible Arizona promoter and history buff. He created the Spirit of Arizona Tour Company. He recommends any book that will immerse you in our beautiful state, including:
"Pioneer and Military Memorial Park of Phoenix" by Derek D. Horn and the Pioneer Cemetery Association
“Images of America: Early Phoenix”
“Images of America: Vanishing Phoenix”
The images are amazing and open your eyes to how much the state has developed over the years!
Rachel Richards
I'll go with “Fear Is My Homeboy” by Judi Holler.
She's based in Scottsdale, and her take on tackling fear is great advice for all kinds of entrepreneurs.
Michael Schefman
Here are a few books I would consider essential for small business owners at any stage:
“This is Marketing” by Seth Godin: A brief and brilliant little book about the true essence of business communication — storytelling. You’ll get practical ideas of what good looks like (and doesn’t), so you can move from customer transactions to customer relationships.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: Essential reading for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by their business. Learn the art of breaking big things into little things, so you can take simple and consistent actions that build up over time.
“How the Mighty Fall” by Jim Collins: In Good to Great, Jim Collins analyzes the things great companies get right. This book focuses on the inverse, what once great companies got wrong and how they failed, spectacularly. It’s a great read for a dose of preventative medicine.
