Beyond the Norm: The Amazing Story of a Traveling Salesman Who Went the Extra Mile to Become Chairman of Interstate Batteries

by Norm Miller, Helen Kooiman Hosier

Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Battery System of America, shares the kind of wisdom you're not likely to hear from many top executives in the business world.
For one thing, he is a believer. He believes in the American Dream because he's lived it. From a humble beginning as a traveling salesman for Interstate, he worked his way up through the ranks to become CEO and chairman.
Norm Miller is also a believer in God's power to change lives, because it was that power that turned his own life around after years of drinking as hard as he worked.
That was the beginning of many changes in his personal and professional life. At the same time, there were some things about Norm Miller that stayed the same. His creative energy never flagged, and his willingness to dream up and try new ideas remained his hallmark.
As a result, Interstate Batteries is now one of corporate America's stunning success stories, a robust company that enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence and honesty.
Candid about his failures, overflowing with a wealth of practical advice, and always colorful, Norm shares what he's learned along the way in three exciting and successful decades at Interstate.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Biography, Christian

210 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jessica Partlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because it was in our house and I’m trying to read at least one memoir a month. Also, Partly to irritate my husband because he kept asking “Why are you going to read that? I only have it because he spoke at a meeting I was at once.” Anyway…I’m sure it would be better if I worked for Interstate Batteries, but, as a Christian, I liked reading his thoughts on approaching life with an attitude of living in faith and with the belief of the abundance promised in John 10:10. He led his company with faith and prayer and impressed the value of treating everyone as you would want to be treated upon everyone he worked with. This was a relatable way to see his faith walked out in real life. I can identify with that, even if I’ll never be the president of a company or a NASCAR fan.

[David Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having heard of "Interstate Battery", I knew the product to be of high quality. Having read this book of its CEO, I now know why. "Interstate Battery" has goals and ambitions for itself, its products, their employees, and their distributors and those who sell the batteries. "Interstate Battery" under the leadership of this man, the company is making a difference in this kind of world. I thoroughly recommend this book to you to understand the company, the man, but also understand why they are making such a difference. Enjoy!

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good bio of Norm Miller and Interstate Batteries . A lot of spiritual insights. Some sections read like an ad for IB but reading on was good.

[Mat Rueter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not going to change; it's getting worse and I've got to get out of this situation.

[John Truby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story of a man who turned his life around.

[Tab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good guy...