30 review for The Farmer From Merna: A Biography of George J. Mecherle and a History of the State Farm Insurance Companies.

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Dewayne – Nov 18, 2016

   I have been employed at State Farm for 15 years and was given this book on day one, but never read it. I felt the urge to pick it up after attending a class focused on strategic decision making and how history plays a major part in what happens next. I thought what better way to understand State Farm's history than read about the man who built it. G.J. of his time would be equal to a Steve Jobs of today. I never knew how much of the auto insurance industry today was defined by his innovative tho I have been employed at State Farm for 15 years and was given this book on day one, but never read it. I felt the urge to pick it up after attending a class focused on strategic decision making and how history plays a major part in what happens next. I thought what better way to understand State Farm's history than read about the man who built it. G.J. of his time would be equal to a Steve Jobs of today. I never knew how much of the auto insurance industry today was defined by his innovative thought and passion to make life better for average farmer by not over paying for insurance. Even more amazing is how the culture he built over 90 years ago is still reflected today. That is a company with a noble mission of helping people and employees who are like family. While I would not call this book an easy read. I would pass this on and suggest all State Farm employees read it at least once.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Scott Leatherman – Aug 10, 2020

   Although the general population may find this mundane, it is a definite must read for anyone who works for State Farm. This is mainly an biography of our founder and the early years of State Farm. The first couple of chapters discussed GJ Mecherle’s father’s migration from the village of Untermasholderbach in Germany and GJ's childhood. These first few chapters were slow to develop and to be honest pretty boring; but if you can get through those, the rest of the book is very fascinating. Not only Although the general population may find this mundane, it is a definite must read for anyone who works for State Farm. This is mainly an biography of our founder and the early years of State Farm. The first couple of chapters discussed GJ Mecherle’s father’s migration from the village of Untermasholderbach in Germany and GJ's childhood. These first few chapters were slow to develop and to be honest pretty boring; but if you can get through those, the rest of the book is very fascinating. Not only do you find out the inspiration behind why GJ started the company but the struggles he faced creating it during a economic down turn. I was very impressed and surprised to learn how many innovations this young company brought to the insurance industry that are still around today and how many employee benefits State Farm pioneered in the work place. This really helped me regain pride in the company. Again I would recommend this book to any current or future State Farm employee or agent.

3. 

   4 out of 5

   Derik Frederiksen – Feb 01, 2020

   Amazing backstory of State Farm, but if you’re not affiliated with the company you will be very bored.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Mark – Dec 02, 2017

   The chapters on the young State Farm are interesting. I liked the high growth story in a business as stable as auto insurance. The affects (or lack of them, until 1946) of WWII were unexpected. That held the second half of the book together, for me. The book's later chapters are interesting to someone familiar with the internal workings at the company. They're definitely skimming material for anyone else. The chapters on the young State Farm are interesting. I liked the high growth story in a business as stable as auto insurance. The affects (or lack of them, until 1946) of WWII were unexpected. That held the second half of the book together, for me. The book's later chapters are interesting to someone familiar with the internal workings at the company. They're definitely skimming material for anyone else.

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Ruan Stander –

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Alex Warren –

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Micaela –

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Josh Paul –

9. 

   4 out of 5

   William Knecht –

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Jason –

11. 

    5 out of 5

    Arashdeep Singh –

12. 

    5 out of 5

    Jen –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Nedim Umur –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Juan Diego –

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Shameel Jahanzeb –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Samantha –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Seavan Sternheim –

18. 

    5 out of 5

    steve drozdowski –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Neil Macaraig –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Jo Ann Marie –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Ann Anderson –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Andrew Brashers –

23. 

    4 out of 5

    Bryan –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    John W –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Melissa –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Lzang –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    Jodi –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Jim –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Jonathan Waite –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Lance Litton –