Big Brown: The Untold Story Of Ups

Although its brown vans are on every block and its delivery service reaches more than 200 countries, UPS is among the world's most underestimated and misunderstood companies.
For the first time, a UPS “lifer” tells the behind-the-scenes story of how a small messenger service became a business giant. Big Brown reveals the remarkable 100-year history of UPS and the life of its founder Jim Casey—one of the greatest unknown capitalists of the twentieth century. Casey pursued a Spartan business philosophy that emphasized military discipline, drab uniforms, and reliability over flash—a model that is still reflected in UPS culture today.
Big Brown examines all the seeming paradoxes about UPS: from its traditional management style and strict policies coupled with high employee loyalty and strong labor relations; from its historical “anti-marketing” bias (why brown?) to its sterling brand loyalty and reputation for quality.

Greg Niemann, a Southern California travel and outdoors writer, followed the classic UPS career for almost thirty-five years, rising from loader, to driver, to management. He was West Coast editor of the company's employee publications and was often a liaison for top management. While at UPS, Niemann was accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and named IABC Communicator of the Year.

"For the first time, a UPS ‘lifer’ tells the behind-the-scenes story of how a small messenger service became a business giant." (Retail & leisure International, June 2007)
"UPS founder Jim Casey did more than overcome humble beginnings to achieve the American Dream—he inspired all of his employees to come along for the ride. The continuous success of a company founded on a hundred dollars, determination, and integrity is a story of inspiration. Big Brown is a must-read for anyone who's ever held a job or had a dream."
—Paul Casey, nephew of UPS founder Jim Casey
"UPS began life in Seattle a century ago. Greg Niemann captures that moment—and the spirit of Seattle—perfectly."
—Mayor Greg Nickels, City of Seattle
"Big Brown offers a rare insider's glimpse into a corporate culture cloaked in secrecy. Learn how a corporation can get its drivers to hold their keys in a specific hand, on a specific finger, in a specific manner. Also learn how they attempt to use this obsessive attention to detail to conquer their industry."
—Steven J. Christensen, first vice president,Christensen Wealth Management Group, Wachovia Securities
"This well-written, solidly researched history details how one man's vision and the inexorable march of events led to the evolution of a Seattle messenger service into a worldwide icon. In Big Brown, Niemann successfully delivers the goods—just as UPS has been doing for 100 years."
—Norm Leaper, former president,International Association of Business Communicators
"As a career UPSer, I thought I knew almost everything about my company's history worth knowing . . . until I read Greg Niemann's book, Big Brown. Today's UPSers will not only appreciate the wealth of historical tidbits, as I did, but also gain a greater understanding about why the company holds to its own unique way of doing business. That perspective should also appeal to any student of business. Great work!"
—Steve Maxwell, retired UPS manager

Introduction.
1. The Cult of the UPS Driver.
2. The Greatest American Capitalist You've Never Heard of.
3. Birth of a Delivery Service: The Emerald City.
4. The First Big Brown: An Environment for Opportunity.
5. Determined Men Can Do Anything: New City, New Name.
6. Job for a Lifetime.
7. Going National.
8. Advancing Social Responsibility.
9. The World's Ninth-Largest Airline.
10. Brown Around the Globe: Beyond the United States.
11. A Leader in Logistics: The Decision to Go Public.
12. The Legacy of Jim Casey.
Appendix A. UPS Glossary of Terms.
Appendix B. UPS Worldwide Facts.
Bibliography.
Acknowledgments.
About the Author.
Index.