Robert Strand

In the Company of Angels

Dara O'Rourke

This case study examines the tensions that arise when Patagonia simultaneously pursues sustainability and quality objectives embedded within its mission statement to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Specifically, this case study focuses on Patagonias Durable Water Repellent (DWR) problem--DWR is a highly effective chemical treatment used to waterproof jackets (supporting the quality objective) but has by-products that are toxic and persist in the environment (undermining the sustainability objective). This case presents Patagonias (and the industrys) challenges, its history trying to resolve the problem, including research, its temporary solution to use a less harmful but less effective option in C6, and its investment in Beyond Surface Technologies through $20 Million & Change, amongst others. The case also discusses external issues such as competitors and their efforts, pressure from Greenpeace, governmental involvement, and chemical industry actions. At the higher level, the case focuses on the question of how companies like Patagonia drive innovation down the supply chain to chemical and material suppliers, as well as how they think about innovation/disruption across the entire system, all the while grappling with internal tensions between performance, durability, and their commitment to cause no unnecessary environmental harm.

Driving Sustainable Innovation by Embracing Tensions

Patagonia

Robert Strand, one of the most successful authors in the CBA market, believes that an understanding of the qualities of a Christian deserve a close look. To that end, Strand has developed a nine-book study series on the fruits of the spirit, emphasizing not only that a properly-balanced Christian life must include love, joy, peace, patience, etc., but that God will judge us on our willingness to incorporate them into our daily walk. Written in Strand's famous storytelling style, each book in the series includes study questions and special insights.

A Bible Study on Developing Christian Character

Patience

Hope is the gift that shines at its brightest intensity during a person's youth. Setbacks lack strength when shadowing a teenager, because tomorrow is going to be a better day, and the night is only black for a little while. Moments for Teens captures that spirit of hope and is a strong reminder for those who are young that God is close to them, always, and within easy reach when the first steps into adulthood are looming. Read about a girl who never gave up on her dream, or a lesson learned too late on a mistake from one's teenage years. These and twenty-eight other stories will serve as strong reminders that the Father and His Son are mightily interested in the great resource of human youth.

Relevant Illustrations for an Exciting Generation

Moments for Teens

There is a mystery about mothers that no scholar or philosopher can quite explain. It is the mystery of the bond that exists between mother and child. Who speaks to a dying soldier through the shouts and smoke of a distant battlefield? Whose presence in a doorway can calm a five year old on his first day of school? Whose face does a bride happily and frantically seek as she steps out of the church and into a helpful future? We know the obvious answer to these questions, and yet, the love anyone has for a mother is not easily understood. It is formed when we are formed. It says with us through calm and crisis, and it endures longer than the span of a lifetime. This series of brief stories, quotes, and Scripture illustrates the depth of a mother's love in a powerful way. Collected expressly for all, from the newly-expectant mother to the most seasoned grandma, these thirty stories will bring tears to her eyes, put a warm smile on her face, comfort her heart, and give her hope for today and all eternity. For we know that God has given us a most precious gift in the face of a mother.

Thoughtful Reflections to Warm Her Heart

Moments for Mothers

Filled with wonderfully inspirational stories from Robert Strand's books focusing on mothers, fathers, friends, and grandparents, this unique collection follows the calendar as we celebrate Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas and other holidays.

365 Moments to Cherish

For the man who wants God, who realizes there is more to life than material fulfillment, Robert Strand has crafted a powerful collection of stories just for men. They outline the best of what heaven has to offer the man who is hungry for spiritual wholeness.

Robert Strand

Books

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