UnStuck

Rebirth of an American Icon

by Stephanie Stuckey

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Apr 02 2024 | Archive Date Jun 30 2024

BenBella Books | Matt Holt

Biographies & Memoirs | Business, Leadership, Finance

Talking about this book? Use #UnStuck #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

"Mad adventure mixed with optimism and sentimentality."
—The Wall Street Journal

Discover the inspiring firsthand account of Stephanie Stuckey’s rise to CEO upon suddenly acquiring her family’s beloved yet struggling brand, which had become a “whatever happened to . . . ?” fading memory for most Americans.

Stephanie Stuckey’s remarkable journey unfolds in UnStuck, a memoir that will inspire and captivate. When she unexpectedly becomes CEO of her family’s company, Stephanie embarks on a mission to revive both the business and her family’s legacy. Armed with her grandfather’s wisdom and fueled by an unbreakable emotional connection, she sets out to turn the company’s fortunes around.

Stuckey’s, a roadside oasis for generations of travelers along America’s highways, fell into disrepair after decades of outside ownership. When Stephanie Stuckey, granddaughter of Stuckey’s founder, is offered the chance to buy the business, she takes it, seeing something that isn’t apparent in the bleak financial statements: an emotional connection that she and generations of road trippers had with the brand.

UnStuck weaves Stephanie’s compelling narrative with her grandfather’s rich history. Finding inspiration and insight into both business and life in her grandfather’s archives, Stephanie leans on her past to craft a strategy for the future, determined to rebuild the struggling company and leave a legacy for generations to come.

This story is a celebration of resilience and overcoming seemingly impossible odds—and, ultimately, coming out on top. For female entrepreneurs, unconventional CEOs, family businesses, and road trip enthusiasts, UnStuck offers hope, practical tips on managing tough situations with grit, and an irresistible comeback story promising that second chances are indeed possible.

Advance Praise

“Stephanie Stuckey’s book is an inspirational story about the rebirth of an iconic American brand and is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs on what it takes to build a business. And this is even more challenging for Stephanie because this isn’t just any company; it’s her family’s legacy. Her story highlights the perilous path and the many highs and lows on the journey to eventual success.”
—Jeff Perkins, Chief Marketing Officer, Greenlight Guru, and Author, How Not to Suck at Marketing

“Inspiring and authentic! UnStuck is a great read and a journey through southern American business culture—and a shot at the rebirth of a genuine American treasure . . . Stephanie Suckey’s story does justice to both what Stuckey’s was, and what she is making it, through her creativity, charm, and strong southern will.”
—Pat Egan, CEO, See’s Candies

“As a kid on road trips, I always wanted to stop at Stuckey’s but never once got to—and thus I feel partially responsible for the decline of this legendary roadside chain. But now, I’m loving its return to prominence (and deliciousness) under the leadership of the talented and innovative Stephanie Stuckey! This tale of rebirth and revival is as sweet and fun as a Stuckey’s pecan log roll—and it won’t make your fingers nearly as sticky.”
—Bill Oakley, former Television Writer and Producer, The Simpsons, and Fast-Food Critic