Robert Laidlaw man for our time

by Ian Hunter

This is a biography of Robert Laidlaw, the founder of Farmers department store, who was a contemporary of great US Christian businessmen such as Robert Le Tourneau and Henry Heinz, the founder of The Heinz Company. In 1909, Laidlaw started what became the fastest-growing company in New Zealand history and the country's biggest department store chain. Using innovative management and marketing techniques, Laidlaw not only built a successful company but demonstrated how the Christian faith could be lived out in the marketplace. The biography reveals Laidlaw's reflections on profit, service, innovation, marketing, and the responsibilities of business.

Genres: Biography

354 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

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Reviews

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Actually, I would have given it a 4.5, if I was able. Robert Laidlaw certainly was an incredible man, a man of integrity, a man of vision. But, most importantly, in my view, he was a committed Christian who was not only unafraid to share his faith, but anxious to do so. I would have liked to have read that he spent more time with his family, esp. during the illness and death of his first daughter. But then, I also consider the times in which they lived and cultural norms at that time. His biography certainly was a blessing and a challenge to me in my walk with the Lord and in my witness to those who have not accepted Christ as their Saviour. I would recommend this book to any Christian. I am also anxious to get a few copies of the booklet Laidlaw wrote, "The Reason Why". It was excellent!

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would rate it 4 1/2 stars if I could. Robert Laidlaw was a New Zealander, and an amazing businessman of the 1900's, very innovative for his time. He ran his business on the principles of honesty and integrity first and foremost. His customers knew he would treat them fairly. He cared about his employees and treated them well. He was also an ardent Christian, sharing his time and his wealth to lead others to the Lord. Having myself lived in NZ for nearly 33 years, I found this book quite fascinating. (A negative - the book did have a number of typos.)

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this back in 2002, and found it genuinely inspiring. Laidlaw was a man full of such energy and passion, a significant Christian (he wrote the booklet, The Reason Why which sold millions of copies, and a man whose life exemplified the way a Christian can live in the world and yet be 'not of it.'
Well researched, and excellently written.

[Mark Linton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do you know the greatest witness we Christian people could bear would be this: that if there were half a dozen Christian employees in your firm and the manager were asked to name the six most consistent, courteous and efficient members of his staff, he ought to name the six Christians, without knowing they are Christians at all? It is inconceivable that a Christian, rendering his service as unto Christ, would not give his Lord better service than an unconverted man would offer his earthly employer."

[Anya McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a second-hand shop and had to rescue it! This is the behind-the-scenes story of a great Christian entrepreneur who changed the retail landscape of New Zealand. The author gives a careful and vivid description of the many setbacks that Robert Laidlaw faced, his principled, faith-inspired love for God and people, and the business savvy that laid the foundation for a hugely profitable and sustainable company.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a friend and what took my interest was the fact that Robert Laidlaw was the founder of Farmers Trading Co.(a store I frequent often). I'm so glad I did read this incredible biography of a man who had a passion for business and for God! He laid the foundation of one of the most successful businesses in New Zealand and relied solely on God for all his decisions. A truly riveting read and an inspiration to all who are not only in business but those who are still searching for the Master Planner.
Ian Hunter's book of this man and his family is very thorough and yet easy to read. Highly recommended.