Launchpad Republic

America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters

By: Howard Wolk, John Landry

Narrated by: Lyle Blaker

In Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters, Howard Wolk and John Landry provide an insightful and thought-provoking history of entrepreneurship in the United States, with a focus on the political, legal, and cultural forces that have sustained "creative destruction" and propelled the country forward for more than 200 years. In telling this story, the book highlights the critical features that have set America apart from other countries and identifies the key attributes necessary for it to maintain leadership for years to come.

Entrepreneurship is a rebellious act, and America's democratic system is unique in enabling new companies to challenge established ones. As a result, the country enjoys not just more robust start-up activity, but also a dynamism that forces big companies to improve-or face the consequences. It protects both property rights and the right to compete in ways not enjoyed elsewhere, encouraging investment and innovation. Aside from assessing how American entrepreneurial capitalism unfolded, the authors address current challenges such as the rise of the "Big Tech", concerns about inequality, inclusivity and sustainability, and the evolution toward stakeholder capitalism. They compare the American approach to both Continental Europe's consensus-oriented framework and China's authoritarian model.

©2022 Howard Wolk and John Landry (P)2023 Ascent Audio

Well-Researched and Covers Broad Topics

Launchpad Republic offers detailed, well-researched history from the unique perspective of entrepreneural development. This book considers many different aspects such as poverty, human rights, the environment, and technological development. There is a bias towards the American Dream being universally beneficial, which is why I give this book only 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, this book should become a US history staple, as long as readers are educated more broadly about the negative impacts of the American Dream.

The reader is pleasant to listen to and easy to understand.

America’s Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters.

This audiobook felt like a masterclass in American innovation—with a narrator who absolutely nailed the tone. The content itself is bold and timely, weaving together the history of American entrepreneurship with modern dilemmas like Big Tech dominance and the rise of social entrepreneurship. But what truly brought it to life for me was the narration. The voice was confident, well-paced, and refreshingly easy to follow, even when the subject matter got complex. You can tell the narrator understood the spirit of the book—equal parts informative and provocative.

One of the highlights for me was how the narration gave weight to key moments—like the discussions around Patagonia and hybrid business models that blend purpose with profit. There’s something about hearing those examples aloud that adds a whole new layer of meaning. The narrator didn’t just read words; they brought energy and emphasis where it mattered most, making the experience feel less like a lecture and more like a guided conversation about where business is headed next.

If you’re into business books that push you to think deeper—about history, ethics, innovation, and impact—this is a must-listen. And if you’re someone who prefers audiobooks over print, rest assured: the narration holds up beautifully. It’s well-produced, thoughtfully delivered, and a great companion for anyone looking to challenge their understanding of modern entrepreneurship.

USA playground for creators and innovators

I enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it which was very informative and educational. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the history of entrepreneurship and anyone interested in going into business for themselves.

The copetiveness of upstarts and incumbents

A good book to learn about finances from the colonial days to this present moment.