Wild Company

The Untold Story of Banana Republic

By: Mel Ziegler, Patricia Ziegler

Narrated by: George Newbern, Elisabeth Rodgers

With $1,500 and no business experience, Mel and Patricia Ziegler turned a wild idea into a company that would become the international retail colossus Banana Republic. Reimagining military surplus as safari and expedition wear, the former journalist and artist created a world that captured the zeitgeist for a generation and spoke to the creativity, adventure, and independence in everyone.

In a book that's honest, funny, and charming, Mel and Patricia tell in alternating voices how they upended business conventions and survived on their wits and imagination. Many retail and fashion merchants still consider Banana Republic's early heyday to be one of the most remarkable stories in fashion and business history. The couple detail how, as "professional amateurs", they developed the wildly original merchandise and marketing innovations that broke all retail records and produced what has been acclaimed by industry professionals to be "the best catalog of all time".

A love story wrapped in a business adventure, Wild Company is a soulful, inspiring tale for listeners determined to create their own destinies with passion for life, work, and fun.

©2016 Mel and Patricia Ziegler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A Real Blast

I listened to this twice in a row, really blown away for their story.
Pure Genius!!!!!!!! I love it when you can keep the creative alive cause the numbers don’t lie.
Now I want mini series! Ticks off all my boxes, art, writing, fashion, and how things go from concept to garment. Really enjoyed each speaking their roles.
Many congratulations for enthusiasm to live so Large.

Wow

I’m really glad I listened to this book. I loved banana republic back in the day…before they got all dance and overpriced, and wondered what happened

Surprisingly Great!

A compelling and interesting story. Read by my absolute favorite narrator: George Newburn. Highly Recommended!

Always a big fan of Banana

And, wow. Knowing all this I'm a bigger devotee to the backstory and awkward about the current business. Regardless, congratulations to the authors for an excellent book and a perfect business reality.

Wildly inspiring and entertaining!

Easily one of the most inspirational and best books I've read in months. This book has given me so much inspiration for my own business and the story of this husband and wife is so crazy.

Wether your in business or not you'll be entertained and inspired by this book!

One of my new favorite books, I hope to meet these two one day!