1: “‘Fail fast’ might work when it comes to software,” Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich writes in his powerful book Know What Matters.

“‘Done is better than perfect’ might be an appropriate mantra for Facebook,” Ron observes.  

“When speed-to-market is your priority, minimally viable may be sufficient.

“But if we’re trying to build a lasting brand, to create a relationship with our customers for the long term,” he notes, … continue reading

1: Ron Shaich‘s first impression of the company he would sell twenty-four years later for $7.5 billion was not good.

It was 1993.  Ron was the CEO of Au Bon Pain.  He had gotten up before dawn to visit the St. Louis Bread Company, a bakery that sold sandwiches, baked goods, and pastries, which one day would become Panera Bread.

After making several wrong turns, Ron arrived … continue reading