(July/August 2025) Looking for a new read that may give you some tips for business and life? A few APA members share books that inspired.

The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
“As a business owner in this industry, I’ve learned that the key to success isn’t just in the products we create—it’s in the people who bring them to life. That’s why The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni has become a cornerstone in how I think about leadership, hiring, and team development. In our business, where precision, creativity, and service excellence are nonnegotiable, we need team members who are not only skilled but also deeply invested in the success of the whole. This book helped me articulate what that looks like in practice.”
—Jim Nother, President, Nothers The Award Store, London, Ontario, Canada

Start with Why by Simon Sinek
“This book presents an interesting way to consider how to market not only your product and business but yourself. Instead of, ‘How will people use my company or store?’ it should be, ‘Why would my business be a good fit?’ and so on.”
—Megan Raymond, Owner, Raymond’s Trophy & Awards, Bakersfield, California

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
“I read this one early in my career, and it made a significant impact. It’s all about the total customer experience from first interaction to install to after-sale support and community events. It’s an amazing book that highlights customer service, not just a cheap price.”
—Steve Weist, CEO, PDS Equipment, Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
“I like Unreasonable Hospitality because it pushes you to reflect deeply as a leader—not only in how you hire or create experiences, but in how willing you are to be challenged. The book is a powerful reminder that the moment you stop engaging with feedback, you risk becoming stagnant and irrelevant.”
—Liz Haas, Customer Service Specialist, Rayzist Photomask, Vista, California