From Poop to Gold

The Marketing Magic of Harmon Brothers

By: Chris Jones

Narrated by: Matt Olson

You've seen the ads: Squatty Potty, Chatbooks, Purple, Poo~Pourri (and more). You've laughed along with millions of others. And you've learned new euphemisms for poop, which can come in handy if you're ever apparated back to junior high. But who creates all these ads? Glad you asked. It's Harmon Brothers.

From Poop to Gold takes you behind the scenes of some of the most successful video ads in internet history - and the lessons learned along the way.

A stunning number of hilarious videos that have “gone viral” - and which have also managed to sell huge quantities of product (think of Squatty Potty’s pooping unicorn as just one example) - have one thing in common: they were created by this small group of people from a small-ish town in Provo, Utah. With awards from AdAge, Unruly, Adweek, and a WEBBY for Best Writing, Harmon Brothers - and their revolutionary model - transform poop into gold, and can do the same for you and your company.

Originally more of a history of Harmon Brothers, From Poop to Gold changed in form as it changed its author, Chris Jones. He began to see dozens of applications of the Harmon Brothers' business model, and ways From Poop to Gold could potentially be much more than just a recitation of facts. Author Chris Jones pulls back the curtain and reveals the behind-the-scenes magic including their innovative business model, one of the biggest secrets behind their success.

American business is often dysfunctional, a clear contrast to the often chaotic but always collegial - and successful - model at Harmon Brothers. More, the HB system both treats its employees like adults and allows them to behave like human beings, unique and powerful in their own ways.

It was a story that needed telling.

©2018 Chris Jones (P)2018 Chris Jones

Great book

Great book only thing is that the principals all cost money. Very useful tips in here I would apply once I’m able to get out of the lean start up phase

Freaking blowing minds!

I’m so impressed with how innovative and fresh this piece on advertising in today’s world. I’m a realtor, wanna be painter and planning to take full advantage of what I learned in these pages. I had a feeling they were on to something after listening to the first 30 min, then running into my bathroom to see a Squatty Potty and Poopourri. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
-James Richardson

Great insights, stories and ideas for doing business better

This book is up there with my business favorites (apart from a couple awkward spots in the performance). As the owner of a small marketing & design shop, it gave me great ideas of things I’ll be implementing to increase our creative culture and encourage better work.

As a longtime fan of the Harmon’s marketing videos and sales funnels, it was awesome to hear the stories behind the ads and see how they do some key things differently- especially when it comes to taking on clients and paying employees. I wish more businesses operated like this.

One note- if you’re expecting to learn to create viral videos like they do, the book isn’t focused on that, and you won’t learn it here. Instead, you’ll get a look behind the scenes of what they do and how to create a creative work environment to get better results from your team and enjoy work life more. At least that’s what I got from it.

the best book ever!!!!!!

My teacher wrote this book and it is one of the best books ever so get it now and listen to it over and over!!!!!!!

Just a Lead Gen tool for Harmon Bros.

good book. narrated by a friend promoting Harmon at every stop. lacks any real educational substance. really good PR top of funnel lead gen tool.