Congratulations You are about to embark upon a journey of discovery guided by G.M.Lowenthal, co-founder and former CEO of The Boyds Collection Ltd., one of the most successful and profitable gift companies in the world. Mr. Lowenthal or 'The Head Bean Hisself' as he is known to thousands of loyal collectors is the embodiment of the American Entrepreneurial Dream. Starting his company in the garage of an 1880's country farmhouse in rural Boyds, Maryland, G.M. and his wife Justina built their little antique shop into a gift and decorative accessory powerhouse with over 200 million dollars in annual sales. After building the company for almost 20 years G.M. went on to sell his creation to New York based investors who took the company public with a market capitalization of over one billion dollars. In his book, The Ten Secrets of the Secret Society of Entrepreneurs, Mr. Lowenthal relates the 10 guiding principals which allowed him to conceive, build, maintain and then sell his endeavor. The 10 Secrets is an easy and fun read and is meant for both the Boyds Bear fan who would like to learn more about the inner workings of Boyds as well as fascinating stories about Bloomingdale's, QVC and adventures in China. It is also an instructive manual for the budding entrepreneur who would like to learn the stories behind and the guiding principles of this very successful businessman. The Secrets is both a 'how to' as well as a motivational book which relates in a unique style of humor and imagination the elements needed to have both a successful business and a satisfying life.