EMyth

The journey of E-Myth began in 1977, not in a boardroom, but from a profound realization by its founder, Michael E. Gerber. He observed a recurring and tragic pattern: countless small businesses, started by passionate and skilled technicians, were failing. These were bakers who loved to bake, mechanics who were brilliant with engines, and designers with an impeccable eye. The fatal flaw, as Gerber identified, was the 'E-Myth' - the entrepreneurial myth that being good at the technical work of a business is the same as being good at the business of that work. From this pivotal insight, E-Myth was born in San Mateo, California, with a revolutionary mission: to transform the state of small business worldwide, one owner at a time. It set out to be the 'McDonald's of consulting,' creating a systematic, affordable, and accessible way for small business owners to learn how to work *on* their business, not just *in* it.

This philosophy was crystallized in the best-selling book, 'The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It.' The book, and the coaching programs that followed, introduced a new language to the world of entrepreneurship. Concepts like the 'Franchise Prototype,' the 'Three Personalities' of the Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician, and the importance of systems became foundational principles for a generation of business owners seeking to build a business that could thrive independently of its founder. Over the decades, E-Myth has evolved, but its core purpose has remained steadfast. Under the leadership of Board Chair and CEO Ilene Frahm, who partnered with Gerber in the early days, the company continues to guide business owners away from the chaos of a 'job' they've created for themselves and towards the freedom of a true, sustainable enterprise. It’s a journey from being a slave to the business to becoming its leader, a transformation that has impacted hundreds of thousands of businesses globally, from landscaping companies to tech startups, proving that the E-Myth principles are as relevant today as they were in that small California office over forty years ago.