If you’re searching for real-world business wisdom and inspiring personal growth stories, Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond by Gary Kusin is a must-read. This engaging memoir pulls you into the remarkable journey of a bootstrap entrepreneur who transformed curiosity and grit into extraordinary success. From cofounding GameStop and Laura Mercier Cosmetics to revitalizing Kinko’s and leading its $2.4 billion sale to FedEx, Kusin’s story is packed with pivotal moments, hard-won lessons, and invaluable leadership insights.

Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned executives, or anyone passionate about self-improvement, Kusin’s experiences provide a master class in business evolution and personal development. With warmth and candor, he shares not only the highlights but also the hurdles, making this book a relatable roadmap for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in any career. Dive in and discover why “Always Learning” is the ultimate guide for leveling up your business and your life.

Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond

Why This Book Stands Out?

• Real Stories from a Self-Made Visionary: Follow Gary Kusin’s journey from a Texarkana warehouse to founding GameStop and Laura Mercier, and turning around Kinko’s—each chapter is packed with firsthand business insights and personal anecdotes you won’t find anywhere else.
• Masterclass in Adaptability and Leadership: Learn how Kusin’s relentless curiosity and refusal to accept the status quo drove him to reinvent himself and the companies he led, offering practical lessons for personal and professional growth.
• Actionable Wisdom for Every Career Stage: Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned executive, or just starting out, the book’s blend of mentorship, leadership principles, and hands-on advice makes it a valuable companion for anyone eager to level up.
• Unfiltered Lessons from Successes and Setbacks: Kusin shares both his triumphs and challenges with candor, making this not just a story of achievement, but a relatable guide for navigating obstacles and embracing continuous learning.
• Inspirational and Engaging Storytelling: With engaging prose and a down-to-earth perspective, Kusin invites readers into the heart of his journey—making big business lessons feel personal, inspiring, and actionable.

Personal Experience

Reading Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond felt like sitting down with a wise mentor over coffee—one who doesn’t just recount victories, but openly shares the bumps and detours along the way. As someone who’s always searching for inspiration and practical wisdom from real-world journeys, I found Gary Kusin’s story both incredibly relatable and aspirational.

What struck me most was how Kusin’s unrelenting curiosity and willingness to step outside his comfort zone resonated with my own experiences. His early days—hustling in his father’s furniture warehouse and tackling daunting tasks like organizing mountains of swimwear just to meet a deadline—reminded me that some of the most pivotal lessons come from moments that seem ordinary at first glance.

As I turned the pages, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own career. There have been times when I felt stuck or unsure, and Kusin’s candid sharing of setbacks and reinventions reassured me that growth is rarely a straight line. Instead, it’s about embracing challenges and being open to learning at every stage.

• Facing the Unknown: Kusin’s story inspires courage to tackle new and intimidating opportunities, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
• Perseverance Through Setbacks: His experiences remind us that mistakes aren’t failures, but stepping stones that shape our resilience and wisdom.
• Value of Mentorship: Throughout the book, Kusin’s genuine commitment to guiding others is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have by sharing our own journeys.
• Continuous Growth: The idea that learning never stops—regardless of success level—encouraged me to keep seeking new challenges and knowledge.

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform obstacles into opportunities or felt the nagging urge to reinvent yourself, Kusin’s experiences will feel both familiar and motivating. I found myself reflecting on my own path, gaining not only practical insights but also a renewed sense of possibility. Whether you’re an entrepreneur at heart, a leader in the making, or simply someone hungry for personal growth, this book offers a deeply personal and empowering read.

Who Should Read This Book?

Are you searching for inspiration to supercharge your career, grow your business, or simply become a better leader? Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond by Gary Kusin is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning. Let me tell you exactly who will benefit most from this remarkable journey:

• Entrepreneurs & Aspiring Founders: If you’re building your own business, dreaming of launching a startup, or hustling to bring your vision to life, Kusin’s firsthand stories of creating GameStop and Laura Mercier Cosmetics will give you both practical guidance and a healthy dose of motivation.
• Business Leaders & Executives: Seasoned CEOs, managers, and team leaders will find invaluable lessons in leadership, turnaround strategies, and growth mindset from someone who’s successfully led companies through dramatic transformations—like Kusin did at Kinko’s.
• Career Changers & Ambitious Professionals: If you’re navigating a new role, facing big decisions, or looking to climb the ladder, this book offers a treasure trove of real-world advice on adapting, learning, and thriving in any environment.
• Lifelong Learners & Mentorship Seekers: For those who crave constant self-improvement and mentorship, Kusin’s transparent reflections and honest storytelling serve as both a guide and a companion on the journey of personal and professional growth.
• Anyone Facing Challenges or Setbacks: Kusin’s resilience in the face of adversity—and his creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems—will encourage readers who need a reminder that every challenge can be a stepping stone.

What sets this book apart is Gary Kusin’s approachable, down-to-earth perspective. He doesn’t just recount victories; he shares struggles, pivots, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re starting out or already on your path, this book is packed with actionable insights and authentic stories that prove learning never stops—and neither should you.

Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond

Key Takeaways

Discover why Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond by Gary Kusin stands out as a must-read for anyone interested in business, leadership, or personal growth. Here are the most important insights and lessons you can expect from this inspiring book:

• The Power of Curiosity: Kusin’s relentless curiosity and refusal to accept the status quo are central themes, highlighting how a learning mindset can open doors to unexpected opportunities and success.
• Resilience in the Face of Challenge: From humble beginnings in Texarkana to leading major turnarounds, Kusin shares how setbacks and failures are stepping stones for growth, not roadblocks.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: The journey from bootstrap entrepreneur to cofounding global brands like GameStop and Laura Mercier Cosmetics offers firsthand lessons in spotting opportunities, taking calculated risks, and building something from the ground up.
• Leadership That Transforms: Kusin reveals his approach to leading teams, turning around struggling companies like Kinko’s, and inspiring others to achieve excellence—valuable insights for aspiring and established leaders alike.
• Mentorship and Lifelong Learning: The book serves as a mentor’s guide, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge, learning from every experience, and never settling for complacency.
• Personal Growth Through Business: Kusin’s story illustrates that professional and personal development go hand in hand, showing readers how to evolve both as a leader and as an individual.
• Practical Wisdom and Actionable Lessons: Each chapter is filled with real-world advice and clear takeaways that readers can apply immediately to their own careers and lives.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manager, or someone simply striving to level up, this book is packed with inspiration and strategies to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

Final Thoughts

Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up, from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond is more than just a business memoir—it’s a heartfelt guide for anyone eager to grow, innovate, and lead with authenticity. Gary Kusin’s journey from a determined Texarkana youngster to the visionary behind global brands and successful corporate turnarounds is packed with real-world lessons, candid stories, and practical wisdom. His narrative offers insight not only into the mechanics of building businesses, but also into the mindset needed to thrive in the face of adversity and constant change.

• Inspiring Personal Stories: Relatable tales from Kusin’s early life and career illustrate the power of curiosity and relentless self-improvement.
• Actionable Business Insights: Learn from Kusin’s experiences leading GameStop, Laura Mercier, and Kinko’s, with takeaways relevant for entrepreneurs and executives alike.
• Mentorship and Leadership Principles: Discover the philosophies that shaped Kusin’s approach to leadership, mentorship, and personal growth.
• Universal Appeal: Whether you’re starting your career, leading a company, or seeking a meaningful read, this book offers encouragement and practical wisdom for every stage.

If you’re seeking a book that delivers both inspiration and tangible guidance—a story that will motivate you to challenge the status quo and embrace lifelong learning—then Always Learning deserves a spot on your shelf. Don’t miss out on the chance to glean hard-earned lessons from one of the most dynamic leaders in business.

Ready to be inspired and take your next step toward personal and professional growth? Get your copy of Always Learning today and start your journey!