Martha Matilda Harper and the American Dream: How One Woman Changed the Face of Modern Business - Softcover

Plitt, Jane R

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0999379410 ISBN 13: 9780999379417

Publisher: 978-0-9993794-1-7, 2019

Synopsis

A true rags to riches story of an immigrant girl who transforms her life with her floor-length hair, grit and determination. Ultimately, Martha Matilda Harper launches modern retail franchising, empowers poor women with ownership of her 500 Harper shops worldwide, invents the reclining shampoo chair, is supported by world leaders, suffragists, society leaders, Christian Scientists, and then fades into oblivion. Discover this fascinating tale of how a real Rapunzel rescues herself and then marries a man 24 years younger. Fascinating biography for those who believe in entrepreneurship and the role women have played to shape innovative successful business and humane models.. Marvelous individual and class read about the buried role of women in history.

About this title

About the Author:

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Review:

Jane Plitt's remarkable book excavates and gracefully tells the unlikely and almost forgotten story of Martha Matilda Harper, a self-made woman and one of North America's most successful and innovative entrepreneurs. A colorful and groundbreaking character, Harper invented the hair salon, the reclining shampoo chair, and franchising as we know them, transforming both American business and the role of women in society.

Donal O'Shea, Ph.D., President, New College of Florida

Jane Plitt elegantly captures the challenges women faced in the male-dominated business world at the turn of the century. Martha Matilda Harper's story of entrepreneurship and tenacity resonates with today's young women and men about what can be possible.

Soyeon Shim, Ph.D., Dean, School of Human Ecology, niversity of Wisconsin-Madison

Well-written and intriguing, this book shows the importance of beauty in women's lives and how a woman can achieve the American Dream through talent, ambition, and hard work. A good read-and an important document in uncovering the forgotten history of women.

Lois Banner, Ph. D., Author of American Beauty and In Full Flower: Aging, Women, Power and Sexuality.

This is "Yes!" book for all those daring to dream and work hard. Harper applied such vision and leadership when she launched modern franchising worldwide to change the destinies of thousands of poor women like herself.

Thomas Golisano, Founder and former CEO, Paychex, Inc.

Martha Matilda Harper was possibly the first woman social entrepreneur. She was committed to providing excellent service and products for her clients as well as enabling poor women to have a path to economic independence. Her life and story are informative and inspiring. I recommend this book for all interested in social entrepreneurship and the impact they can have.

Maryl Levine, Leadership Development Coach for Social Entrepreneurs

Jane Plitt has given life to a story that might have remained hidden in time without her. Martha Matilda Harper's life is a story of immigration, a story of empowerment, and a story of an American Dream come true through women supporting women. Martha's innovation, leadership, natural marketing savvy, and new business model created an army of women entrepreneurs in a time when few would have thought it possible. Jane's thorough research and thoughtful writing brings Martha's truly amazing story to life! We are proud for the Rochester Museum and Science Center to be the repository and stewards of the Martha Matilda Harper archives.

Hillary Olson, President and CEO, Rochester Museum & Science Center

Martha Matilda Harper's journey offers valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and business ethics. Jane Plitt has uncovered and eloquently presented the inspiring story of a franchising pioneer.

Steven B. Feirman, Partner, Nixon Peabody, LLP

As a female entrepreneur, one who also knows persistence prevails, I found this story particularly motivating.

Joanne Shaw, Former Chairman, International Franchising Association

About this edition

• Publisher: 978-0-9993794-1-7
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 0999379410
• ISBN 13: 9780999379417
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 190