This episode tells the story of how Ingram transformed from a regional schoolbook depository into the go‑to wholesaler for U.S. trade books. Learn about how Harry Hoffman and Ingram expanded the company's reach in books and prepared the way for Amazon and its business model.
Books Discussed
The Family Business: How Ingram Transformed the World of Books (2021) by Keel Hunt
https://www.amazon.com/Family-Business-Ingram-Transformed-World/dp/1682753124
Big Fiction: How Conglomeration Changed the Publishing Industry (2023) by Dan Sinykin (Columbia University Press)
https://cup.columbia.edu/book/big-fiction/9780231192958/
People Referenced
04:07 | Bronson Ingram — Ingram family leader who backed the book venture; introduced in Episode 9.
04:14 | Jack Stambaugh — Early partner in the Tennessee Book Depository; featured in Episode 9.
04:20 | Harry Hoffman — CEO who built Ingram’s trade wholesaling and spearheaded the microfiche program.
27:51 | Ben Thompson — Analyst and writer behind “Aggregation Theory” (Stratechery)
31:12 | Jeff Bezos — Founded Amazon in 1995; early operations benefited from proximity to Ingram’s Eugene, OR warehouse and deep title catalog.
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