Company History
Company histories are adventure stories. People take a step into the unknown to create something that didn’t exist before. We capture the drama of your adventure, specializing in the histories of family, employee-owned, and boutique firms.
Private Historian can tell your adventure in two ways: in a handsome, lushly illustrated book or in a stirring video by our Emmy-winning documentarian.
“What a wonderful book!
Every page I’ve read is of real interest.”
—Warren Buffett on a Private Historian book about a business associate
Getting Started
We sit down to talk about goals. Company histories often look like a coffee-table book, but there are many ways to present a story. The book can cover a company over centuries, tell the tale of one leader, or explain an innovation. Keep in mind this book will be custom. It is key we get to know you and what you want—or don’t want.
Researching
We interview executives and workers, read old newspapers, go through the company archives, and find industry histories. We can record on video the oral history of a founder, to preserve memories before it’s too late.
Writing and Printing
We write to inform, enrich, and even entertain (remember that time Joe thought the dog food was a snack?). We set your story against the background of its times, creating a book that assesses your company’s significance in history (it’s likely more than you realize). The final step is the printing of your book in whatever quantity and format you would like. Congratulations! You preserved your heritage for the ages.
Let’s work together
Private Historian has published not only histories of companies, but family histories, neighborhood histories, a collection of letters, and a memoir. One client relationship started with a conversation about a Virginia ancestor; the job turned into a website that advocates reform of financial laws. The Private Historian, with a deep background in history, journalism and academia, can help with any kind of research or writing.
Referrals
Private Historian offers a generous fee to anyone who refers future clients.
Talk to the Private Historian, Matthew Nickerson, by calling (224) 460-2105, emailing [email protected], or filling out the form below.