Living Above the Store

"There is a third century teaching that says, 'Do not separate yourself from the community.' Commentators since have interpreted this to mean that even if one can accomplish more alone, distancing oneself weakens the entire community. The unique contributions of every individual are critical to the dialogue and discussion which nourish the community. Martin Melaver offers his own commentary on the building and sustaining of community. Each chapter is multi-layered and engaging. Not only does Melaver aspire to connect his actions to a vision of 'Building a Business That Creates Value, Inspires Change, and Restores Land and Community,' but he inspires others to do so as well."

—Rabbi Nina J. Mizrahi, Director, Pritzker Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Community Centers of Chicago

The economic crash of late 2008 is just the latest evidence of the truth that many have known for so long: that too much of our modern economy is based on a house of cards. We need businesses that not only factor their impact on people and places into their equations for success but also strive to restore the communities and environments in which they operate. How can this be done?

In Living above the Store, Martin Melaver provides a roadmap for creating such a business. He challenges business owners and managers to move beyond business as usual and create real change.

Living above the Store brings us into the story of Melaver, Inc., a third-generation, seventy-year-old family real-estate business, as it evolves toward becoming a thought and product leader in sustainable business practices. It is part business-management theory and part case study, showing readers where sustainable principles meet sustainable practices on a day-to-day basis.

Living above the Store demonstrates how to:

• Adopt a business model that provides for economic success while contributing to society and the environment
• Shape a business culture that is restorative to a workforce by helping employees realize their highest potential
• Leverage an ethos within a business that “ripples outward” to foster restoration of both land and community
• Embrace a notion of limits to growth
• Reframe ideas about competition, proprietary knowledge, and business success

Living above the Store is for readers who want to learn more about how a socially responsible business can first redefine, and then find, success.

About the Author

Martin Melaver

Martin Melaver has been CEO of Melaver, Inc., since 1992. Never content with the well-trod path, he has a PhD in literature from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He is actively involved with numerous community organizations in and around Savannah, Georgia. Melaver splits his time between Savannah and Tel Aviv, Israel.

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