The Farmer from Merna: A Biography of George J. Mecherle and a History of the State Farm Insurance Companies of Bloomington, Illinois

This is a good biography written in the late 50's to chronicle the first 30 years of State Farm. It is a good story if you are interested in success stories and the insurance industry. The language and insurance terminology (even if you are familiar with it) can get dull at times but I think that anyone who works or is interested in learning about the development of the insurance industry would find this an interesting read.I do not see the references to propoganda that other reviews refer to. It really seems to be more of a story and a fairly good retelling of someone's life and their development of such a major organization. While of course it is going to lean towards shedding the best light possible it also discusses some of the problems and personality issues of it's founder.Take a read. It didn't take long!

I'm sorry that one of it's readers tends to think it is for nothing more than insomnia and making coffee jokes. It's obvious they never understood it's meaning and that is why they no longer work for State Farm (A great company to work for)! This book is rather incredible if you take it for what it is worth and look at where State Farm is today. A great inspiration for any entrepeneaur.

"State Farm was launched in 1922, by a 45-year-old, semi-retired Illinois farmer, to compete with long-established insurers ¾ haughty institutions in New York, Philadelphia and Hartford ¾ that possessed overwhelming advantages in capital, reputation, and distribution. Because State Farm is a mutual company, its board members and managers could not be owners, and it had no access to capital markets during its years of fast growth. Similarly, the business never had the stock options or lavish salaries that many people think vital if an American enterprise is to attract able managers and thrive. In the end, however, State Farm eclipsed all its competitors. In fact, by 1999 the company had amassed a tangible net worth exceeding that of all but four American businesses. If you want to read how this happened, get a copy of The Farmer from Merna."-Warren Buffet, Year 2000 Berkshire Hathaway Annual ReportInstant gratification it is not. But America has had too much instant gratification, and now it is time to get back to work.