Best Of The Best

We all tend to value certain people / companies in high regard for different reasons. Here is a list of people and companies that I think are worth getting to know.

Company: 37Signals
I’ve been watching this company grow for the past 5 years. If I was starting a company today it would be the exact business model I would try to replicate. Lean, efficient, leaders, and master product developers. They literally wrote the book on how businesses can operate better. Really – it’s called ReWork – and is worth its weight in gold.  I share many philosophies with this company – they just execute at a much higher level. If you’re a web developer – reading their SVN blog is without a doubt, a must. Learn from them – how to run a business.

Author: Ayn Rand
I’m a big fan of Ayn Rand’s writings, and actually am somewhat of a clone of the character Howard Roark in The Fountainhead.  Her books are actually all (mostly) related to egoism (the good kind) and capitalism. I share almost all of her views but do not consider myself to be an Objectivist - the name of her philosophy. Regardless of your view of the world – I strongly recommend reading some of her work, if for the only reason to see a fresh look at the world.  Learn from her – be yourself.

Thought Leader: Seth Godin
I could technically put him as an Author (17 books would qualify you for such a title) –  but I see him as much more than a writer.  His work is not only in book format – look him up on Youtube and see some of his great speeches about the world we live in. Mr. Godin is truly an innovative thinker and someone worth reading or watching. When all is said and done – I hope to be producing material of his quality. Learn from him – question everything.

Athlete: tie John Stockton & Steve Prefontaine
As a kid I used to try and emulate these two athletes. I recognized at an early age that each had a great contribution to sport and that aspects of their personality could really help me develop into a model citizen. Here’s why;

• John Stockton –  a small, unimpressive athlete who ended up as the NBA’s all-time leader in assists AND steals. However, it’s his off court personality that really stands out. Mr. Stockton was one very few athletes who choose not to have an agent, never did endorsements and took less money to help his team sign better players – as long as his son’s hockey team could use the facilities (Seriously). His work ethic and commitment to his team are unmatched in pro sports today.  He was unassuming, but always made the right decisions when they mattered and mastered the simplest play in basketball – the pick and role. Learn from him – master something simple.
• Steve Prefontaine – ironically, very much the opposite personality of John Stockton – “Pre”, as he was nicknamed, shared a work ethic that remains unmatched in the running world today.  He went All-out every time he raced, even if it meant losing at the end. He refused to conform to other people’s view of  HOW you should run. He died way to early but left his mark on the world –  watch “Without Limits” and you’ll see.  Learn from him – always go all-out.

Blogger: The Sports Guy – Bil Simmons
If you like sports – you’ll love Bill Simmons. I happen to like sports a lot – but that’s not why I like Bill Simmons. He’s funny as hell  - and a very talented writer. His columns are quite literally hilarious, a feat that is not as easy as it sounds. I find that really funny people are actually quite intelligent, and being a funny author is even harder. Learn from him – Don’t take life too seriously.

Honourable mentions:

• The Oatmeal – The funniest cartoon on the internet
• Studs-up – The other funniest cartoon on the internet
• TechCrunch.com – If you read only one tech-blog, read this one