Zappos and/or American Culture

I just received the 2008 Zappos.com Culture Book. On a recommendation from a friend, I emailed the CEO and asked for it. Within a week it was mailed to me – in Switzerland.

I’ve never used Zappos.com, but I’m already a fan. Any company that a) aware of their culture, and b) is interested in maintaining said culture is going to develop a following and have some longevity.

It's an 2-inch (5.08 cm) tome of quotes from Zappos employees commenting on what makes their company what it is. I love it. I showed the book with some enthusiasm to a Swiss co-worker…

SWISS: So this is basically a book of all the employees saying how great their company is?

GREG: Yes.

SWISS: Is it an American company?

GREG: Yes.

SWISS: [Smiles and shrugs as if to say, “Of course it is. Only an American company would publish a book of their employees saying how great they are.”]

There are only two other people in my office who have shown an interest in the Zappos.com Culture Book. They are from Texas and St. Louis.