About this item
Highlights
- "A delightfully written book about the little business that could.
- Author(s): Angie Klink
- 286 Pages
- Business + Money Management, Entrepreneurship
Description
Book Synopsis
"A delightfully written book about the little business that could." -Julia Scheeres, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus Land
Matthew Nix, age twenty, yearns to grow Nix Welding, even though his grandfather, father, and aunt are content with the way things are. Small. Status quo. Good enough.
In 1902 in tiny Poseyville, Indiana, Matthew's great-great-grandfather opened the blacksmith shop that became Nix Welding. He thwacked a cross peen hammer onto white-hot iron to shape it into submission on an anvil. Nearly 100 years later, despite family pushback, Matthew looks beyond the cornfields that his family thinks confine Nix Welding. He works his own kind of forge, to bend, mold, and expand the business, often finding himself in his own self-stoked fire as a trial-by-error entrepreneur.
Forging Ahead reveals how Matthew, now CEO, and the team he methodically curated leaned on small-town values and faith to transform humble Nix Welding into Nix Industrial, a revered custom manufacturing and industrial repair powerhouse. Today Nix Industrial is one of the fastest growing companies in America.
Author Angie Klink paints a vivid portrait of a business saga from America's heartland. Forging Ahead is a family tale, a coming-of-age story, a business handbook, and a letter to future generations.
Review Quotes
"Forging Ahead is an inspiring testament to how strong values can guide a business for generations, touching the lives of not only its employees but countless others. The dedication and faithfulness of the Nix family to values-driven leadership make this an inspiring read for entrepreneurs and anyone who needs a tangible example of how staying true to one's faith in business can lead to immense success in both business and life." -Tom Monaghan, Founder of Domino's Pizza, Ave Maria University and School of Law, Legatus
"The Nix family's journey in Forging Ahead illustrates how legacy is built over generations. Matthew Nix's vision to grow NIX Companies while preserving its values offers a powerful example for business leaders. Forging Ahead is a valuable resource for those wanting to create a lasting culture while balancing tradition with ambition." -Scott Farmer, chairman of the board, Cintas
"Becoming a fifth-generation family enterprise requires a lot of work in the family and in the business. Forging Ahead shares the journey of the Nix family with the world and provides other business families with insights on how to build and maintain a generational legacy." -Isabel Botero, PhD, associate professor and chair in family entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville
"Angie Klink and Matthew Nix have masterfully woven together the rich history of the Nix family and their business legacy. Klink skillfully crafts the lens to gaze into the portals of family-business life. With a passion for serving God and people, the Nix family has blended spirituality, passion to succeed, and the drive to foster success in their employees and communities. Reading Klink's testament to the Nix family will awaken your entrepreneurial emotions to bring your life to an enhanced state of grace." -Ira Boots, former chairman and CEO, Berry Plastics; chairman of the board, Milacron
"Forging Ahead is a captivating narrative that beautifully intertwines the rich history of Nix Companies with Matthew Nix's dynamic leadership. It is an inspiring and deeply personal journey through evolution and transformation. Angie Klink's remarkable storytelling brings to life the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering values that have propelled this family business to incredible heights. Forging Ahead is not just about business growth; it is about the heart and soul of a company that values its people above all. It is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration from a true American success story." -Teresa Roche, PhD, chief human resources officer, City of Fort Collins
"Forging Ahead is a story about faith and family, purpose and passion-all beautifully told by an extraordinary storyteller. This inspiring, highly readable account offers valuable lessons about leadership, humility, and what it takes to achieve the American dream." -Teri Rizvi, founder, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, author of One Heart with Courage: Essays and Stories