On a lighter, more trivial note than usual, 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of UPS and two new books about the company have been published.
An insider's view comes from Greg Niemann, a loader, driver and manager with United Parcel Service Inc. for almost 35 years.
Published in February, “Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS” is at times light-hearted in its focus on the company's history and culture and what the author calls the “mystique” of UPS drivers. Niemann writes about a customer who had a crush on him when he was delivering packages in Hollywood. Apparently a lot of the UPS drivers – who are mostly male – end up marrying women they meet on their routes.
This certainly gives new meaning to the slogan coined in the 2002 UPS advertising campaign: “What Can Brown Do for You?”
I find this especially entertaining since I have the major hots for my UPS guy. We’ve had a delicious flirtation going on since I moved into my current house in November 2005. Hey – these guys work really hard and really long hours; they deserve to have some fun!
Alas, this will remain a fantasy, since I am totally committed to my wonderful real-life boyfriend JT. Did I mention totally committed?
Niemann also describes the founder of UPS, Jim Casey, as “The Greatest American Capitalist You've Never Heard Of.”
The second book is a more authorized, company-sanctioned book called “Driving Change: The UPS Approach to Business.” Its author, Mike Brewster was provided extensive access to top UPS officials and archives.
To read more, click here.
Or:
UPS Sustainability link.
