By Hugh Kruzel
Perhaps best known today for his condo project, The Brewer Lofts, Sudbury-born Greg Odenburg has worked in design, marketing, project management and development across the country and around the world.
He is versed in dealing with architects, contractors and suppliers in complex budgets, tight timelines and meeting specific objectives. He is also an artist and supports many charitable organizations.
Busy people may appear not always to have time to read, but they have been influenced by books of their childhood, young adulthood, and through years of schooling. Today, they may also find guidance in the words of others who are leaders in their fields or just gurus in civics, industry or thought.
When asked what one recent book has influenced Oldenburg the most, and how has it affected him he offered this title:
Wind - How the Flow of Air has Shaped Life, Myth and the Land, Jan DeBlieu (1998)
“… it reinforces my view of my existence on earth. Wind as a metaphor has shaped our planet and the exploration of it. Growing up, whether on a canoe trip, on a sailboat or the years [when] I've windsurfed and kite-boarded, wind has always been there either positively or negatively. While we can feel if in our face or see it in the sky, land and waters — wind is transparent — can't be seen unless it interacts with our surroundings. It drives us.”
What about professional growth or books on entrepreneurship or business?
To Make Riders Faster, Anna Dopico (2018)
“No doubt, this is a must-read for any entrepreneur who looks to reach the pinnacle of their industry (on the world's stage) and the efforts needed to break through. A ‘Made in Canada’ story. It covers all bases: technology, ingenuity, stick-to-it-iveness, finance, marketing, stubbornness, despair, hope, success. [It] asks: ‘What is your dream?’ And then challenges you to find the ability to make it happen.”
Are there books you would say are "must reads" for people to get the same inspiration you have for business?
“Yes, there are at least three.”
Iacocca - An Autobiography, Lee Iacocca. (1984) This is a two-part chronological book. Early life through Ford and then Chrysler. I lost interest in the book at the K-Car chapter, but the initial 160 pages are a must-read for leaders. He was a true original in the business world.
Screw It, Let's Do It, Richard Branson (2006) What more needs to be said? People are calling you crazy and you're still at it; a first-person account of the challenges and obstacles to overcome. Who doesn't want to have a record company, airline, private Caribbean island, or intergalactic business? C’mon!
Mötley Crüe: The Dirt - Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band, Mötley Crüe (2001) Sometimes your path doesn't align with the norms of this world and those of others, but why does it have to? Thankfully, Mötley Crüe hasn’t absorbed themselves into a past, present and future that counts on conformity. Still kicking ass, alive (amazingly) and not making apologies for whom they are.
What about a favourite author? Do you have one?
“No, I have no specific favourite author. Was a big fan in high school of Coles Notes to straightline Shakespeare's thoughts and get a reasonable grade. Same for Ray Bradbury (but I get it now). I do have a list of movies inspired by books:
The Wolf of Wall Street, Billions, Californication, Vice, Fighting With My Family, Frost/Nixon, Silicon Valley, Bad Blood. I may not have the time to read the book now – maybe someday - but love the 2hr version on the big screen or binge watching a series!”
After that answer it was only natural these questions had to be asked:
What do you have on your shelf that you have yet to read? Will you make time this summer? And do you read more in that season?
“Well ... I’m looking to re-read a few things. Always love going to Value Village and seeing what's on the racks there — always surprising to see the variety. In a time with Amazon, and other online options, the ability to turn a page and discover something new is [always] there. But no, no additional reading in the summer because we're working, in the lake, sailing, waterskiing and adventuring. Besides and ideally, we are not WiFi connected!
“Sometimes some leisure pursuits fall by the wayside. Hot Rod, Car and Driver, Mixmag, Rolling Stone, Dwell and Canadian Interiors … magazines are great. It is still reading, right? I’m keeping up with [news]papers and Twitter feed most days. You can only read or write so many words in a day, same goes for music, cooking and errands.”
And Oldenburg loves the opportunities and space we have to play in here in the North.
“Sudbury is amazing! Let’s be outside!”
Off the Shelf explores the reading habits of Sudburians. Hugh Kruzel is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury.
