Innovation on Tap

Stories of Entrepreneurship from the Cotton Gin to Broadway's Hamilton

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Pub Date Oct 29 2019 | Archive Date Dec 20 2019
Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press

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Description

Innovation on Tap is the story of innovation in America told through the eyes of 25 entrepreneurs, from Eli Whitney and his cotton gin to Lin-Manuel Miranda and his Broadway smash, Hamilton.  

The stories illustrate the sweep and impact of innovation. From razor blades, insurance, and baseball to smart cities, online running communities, and cybersecurity, innovators across three centuries gather in an imaginary barroom to discuss the essential themes of  entrepreneurship--Mechanization, Mass Production, Consumerism, Digitization, and Sustainability--while emphasizing and reemphasizing the importance of community to their success.   

Innovation on Tap is the story of innovation in America told through the eyes of 25 entrepreneurs, from Eli Whitney and his cotton gin to Lin-Manuel Miranda and his Broadway smash, Hamilton.  

The...


Advance Praise

“One of the most unique and useful books on entrepreneurship I've ever read.  Eric deftly guides us through a journey with history’s greatest entrepreneurs—their innovations, incredible obstacles, and the drama that fueled their historic impact. Every chapter and page offers modern entrepreneurs unique lessons and insights to succeed in their own ventures.”

—CJ Cornell, serial entrepreneur and author, The Age of Metapreneurship and The Startup Brain Trust


“Imagine the ability to eavesdrop on the banter of entrepreneurs across three centuries of American innovation as they chat at the bar, comparing notes of their successes and challenges. Innovation on Tap puts that opportunity at your fingertips with a well-researched, accessible, and fun read that makes these undervalued histories highly relevant to today’s entrepreneurs and innovators.”   

—Greg Galer, Ph.D. Executive Director, Boston Preservation Alliance and former curator, Industrial History Center at Stonehill College  


“Schultz tells the sweeping story of American ingenuity over the centuries through the decisions and decisive actions of some of our greatest entrepreneurs.  From razor blades to musicals, fiber bars to automobiles, national parks to cybersecurity, he skillfully blends history with an understanding of business and innovation to craft a must-read book.”

—Matthew Moen, Ph.D., President, Gettysburg Foundation and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of South Dakota


“In Innovation on Tap Eric Schultz paints an informative and inspiring panorama of the history of entrepreneurial achievement in America. The unique perspective provided in this book will be an invaluable guide forward for entrepreneurs and leaders of all kinds in navigating the busy intersection of entrepreneurship and innovation.”

—Daniel Isenberg, former entrepreneur and professor at the Harvard Business School; author, Worthless, Impossible and Stupid: How Contrarian Entrepreneurs Create and Capture Extraordinary Value


“Eric Schultz—accomplished innovator turned penetrating historian—deftly links foundational moments in business history to today’s challenges, while making legendary entrepreneurs feel as familiar as the folks at the corner bar.  Open a cold one and enjoy these stories—you'll want to start applying them right away.”

—Jon Klein, former President, CNN/US


“By emphasizing sustainability as a theme of modern entrepreneurship, Eric Schultz has hit on one of the drivers of the global economy.  From ensuring clean water and preserving public lands, to developing new renewable energy models and launching urban gardens, Eric tells powerful stories of entrepreneurs that will educate and inspire.”  

—John Mandyck, CEO, Urban Green Council; visiting scientist, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University 


“Eric Schultz is a talented CEO and entrepreneur who guided the growth and sale of Sensitech, an Ascent portfolio company.  Whether you are a serial entrepreneur or just launching your first start-up, you will find important lessons and wisdom in the entertaining stories of innovation and community that Eric shares in Innovation on Tap.

—Matt Fates, General Partner, Ascent Venture Partners


“When Eric Schultz writes about the birth of jazz and Hamilton's rise on Broadway, he reminds us that social and cultural innovation can transform the world every bit as much as the latest technological breakthrough.” 

—Craigie Zildjian, CEO, Avedis Zildjian Company

“One of the most unique and useful books on entrepreneurship I've ever read. Eric deftly guides us through a journey with history’s greatest entrepreneurs—their innovations, incredible obstacles...


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Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781626346635
PRICE $27.95 (USD)

Average rating from 7 members


Featured Reviews

I love how this book takes you into the past, giving you the ever evolving face of entrepreneurship over the decades in American history. Indeed, all good stories start from somewhere and though there are many new innovations, systems and places- one thing that this book brought out is that, people are the constant element in all this. And successful entrepreneurs have never stopped looking for better ways to involve people in whatever it is they create.
Thanks Netgalley for the link- I am not a fan of make-up but reading Chapter 9 on Elizabeth Arden's journey was quite remarkable.

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I can call this book a history of innovation. Interesting insights and stories of entrepreneurs, innovators and creative minds from different times. We can lead a lot from the past to focus on our future.

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.We needed hero very time some problem stood firm.
Science came to rescue.
Wars advanced scientific pursuit for destruction which after wars ended, did usher some blessings.
Each time somebody stood firm and took leadership. That particular hero riding on his innovation captured the opportunity that new technology provided.


This book is about such heroes.
It starts with Manufacturing of cotton gin which revolutionized cotton industry and high quality muskets and shovels.
And then all prominent entrepreneurs of USA are described with particular focus on their struggles and how they overcame them.

It is heartening to see a lot of ladies in that list. And also black entrepreneurs as development of human race is not focal but it is due to contribution of every community.

I liked parts on Gillete who made steel blades, Carrier who invented Air conditioning and Mary Elizabeth who made candy industry.

In last part present entrepreneur are described with special focus on people working on environmental preservation and cybersecurity.

Overall, holistic book giving place to all significant pioneers and covering every business without particular bias.
I didn't like concept of these people walking in a bar and discussing. There are lots of titles where people walk into the bar.
Read this book to feel the circumstances which tried to defeat these great people but with great perseverance were overcome by them; for general benefit of mankind.
Writing is fluent and engaging with excellent research of the history of particular event.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.

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