It's How We Play the Game: Build a Business. Take a Stand. Make a Difference.

I just started this new book that begins with Dick’s small bait and tackle that my dad frequented when I was small. I went to Binghamton North High with Ed Stack and was good friends with his sister. Everyone knew and loved the Stack family. They were hard working, humble, ambitious, and fun.Through Ed‘s leadership, Dicks grew larger than anyone could ever imagine. Yet, the Stack family stayed true to what makes people good humans. They understand the working class struggle. Dicks now has a large distribution center east of Binghamton and just outside of the Eastside neighborhood where the Stacks grew up. This facility has helped our formally factory dependent area survive.The true mortality of the Stacks was just revealed to America. After all of the mass shootings, Eddie and his team did what is right for humanity and not only stopped selling semiautomatic weapons but destroyed them. He, his team, and his family are American heroes. They are a positive example of doing the right thing even when it is difficult and costs you. “It’s How We Play the Game: Build a Business. Take a Stand. Make a Difference.” The Stacks make us humble and show us a path to corporate good. In a world of capitalists with too much hubris and not enough morals, the Stacks and Dicks stand out. I celibate their prosperity, their giving back, their humility, and their moral leadership.

Ed Stack’s story of Dick’s Sporting Goods humble beginnings is nothing short of fantastic. As a business major, I loved the detailed account of Dick’s expansion - the highs and the lows of the company, the mistakes made and the lessons learned. But what I truly appreciate from this book is the conviction of the CEO to take a stand for what he believed was right during an incredibly controversial time in the U.S. involving the sale of guns, and gun laws and regulations.Ed Stack mentioned time and time again that he loves a street fight - but throughout the book, you can’t help but appreciate his immense heart. This was a product of how he was brought up, surrounded by people (full of imperfections) who knew that in life, money is a great tool but what really matters in a person does not have a price: principles.

I read this book only because it was our guy's book club choice. I was afraid it was to be yet one more of those business motivational tomes. You know, it is all about leadership , discipline, "getting back in the game", focus, blah, blah, blah. There is some of that but not enough to detract from what is a really interesting and well told story. The part of the book about going from a two store operation to a mega national chain was intriguing, and when Stack gets into all that went into their decision to stop selling assault style weapons, it got even better. One thing I found interesting was many of his stories involve people whoa are still very alive. In that they weren't portrayed as good guys, leant a measure of credibility. Also, the author's discussions of the deadly competition in retail was informative if unsettling. So, all I all I found it worth my time and recommend it.

"It's How We Play the Game" is the story of a small business that grew into anationwide success. Dick's Sporting Goods has been able to remember to payit forward throughout their growth years. This story chronicles those years as wellas Ed Stack's stand against gun violence in our country. This is the compellingstory of a business lead by a man who hasn't forgotten where he came from andwhat matters most in life. We need more leaders like this in our country.I highly recommend this book. It will restore your faith in humanity.

Great book about tenacity and managing a sports store. Don't agree with the approach but learned a lot about sports retail. You need to make sure you define the value proposition of your store. For Dick's it's being the serious sports store for the pros, enthusiasts, and everyone. Learned a lot about getting popular products to sell in your stores and maintaining business relationships. After this book, I have a much better understanding about Dick's.

Having lived in Binghamton all my life, this was an especially interesting book to read. It brought back a lot of childhood memories. We bought all of our sporting goodsAt the court street store. I remember seeing Terry Bradshaw doing their advertisement, and thinking "wow, they are getting big". But, besides all of the hometown references, it was very captivating business book on a small family own business growing and becoming a national powerhouse

I absolutely loved this book. Great book about the life of Ed stack and the business of Dicks sporting goods. A real business genius. Fun engaging read.

It's How We Play the Game is the insightful, entertaining, and informative story behind a great business success. Ed Stack convincingly makes the case for the connection between commitment to community and business success. A good read for both business people and the general reader.