Historically, author Thomas Meyer shows us, economic recessions and depressions have been incredibly rich soil for innovation. A tribute to the irrepressible, ever-present force of originality within individuals, Innovate! reveals that terrible times, even the Great Depression, have been the best times for innovation to pull people and economies out of tough times. Even now, innovation will see our country through our current economic recession.

Consider these great companies that got their start during spectacularly difficult economic slumps, and are all still in business, including:

• John Wiley & Sons—founded as a small print shop during the Depression of 1807

• Procter & Gamble—in business since the Economic Panic of 1837

• Barnes & Noble—doors opened in the midst of the Long Depression of 1873–1879

• Hershey's—satisfying the nation's sweet tooth since the Economic Panic of 1893

• General Foods, Texas Instruments, Mobil, Tyson Foods, Krispy Kreme, and Sara Lee Corporation—all took off during the Great Depression, despite a devastating 17% unemployment crisis

• Baskin-Robbins, Cantor Fitzgerald, and Mattel—all got their start during the Post–World War II Recession

• Applebee's and Olive Garden restaurant chains—served up success in spite of the economic turmoil of the 1980 Recession and a 10% unemployment rate

Open this book and see for yourself: Tough times are no match for innovation. This inspiring book reveals innovation as the momentum that sets the course for an organization to keep swimming in rough waters—and emerge a champion.