If you are reading this copy this! book review to decide whether to invest your time, you need to know upfront that it is not a standard business manual. Copy This!
by Paul Orfalea is a raw, unfiltered memoir from the founder of Kinko’s. It explains how he turned severe dyslexia and ADHD into the exact traits that helped him build a billion-dollar company.
Most entrepreneurship books preach rigid frameworks, flawless execution, and strict adherence to business plans. This book argues the exact opposite. Orfalea shows how delegating daily details and focusing entirely on the big picture can actually outpace traditional corporate strategies.
This breakdown covers exactly what you will get from reading it, who it is actually for, and whether it deserves a spot on your shelf. We will look at the core leadership lessons, the limitations of its older retail examples, and how it compares to modern business guides.
Quick Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur who feels held back by traditional learning styles, this book is a mandatory read. It provides a refreshing, highly personal perspective on building a business without getting bogged down in minutiae. However, if you are looking for modern digital marketing tactics or step-by-step software guides, you will not find them here.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Book Title | Copy This! by Paul Orfalea |
| Best For | Neurodivergent founders, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners. |
| Main Strength | Reframes ADHD and dyslexia as strategic advantages for seeing the big picture. |
| Main Limitation | Lacks modern digital marketing, SaaS, or e-commerce tactical advice. |
| Estimated Price | ~$15–$20 for paperback or audiobook formats. |
Check current pricing on Amazon
What You Actually Get From This Book
Paul Orfalea started Kinko’s with a single copy machine and a deep mistrust of traditional corporate structures. The book details how he scaled that single machine into a multi-billion dollar empire by leaning into his unique cognitive style. He did not succeed despite his dyslexia and ADHD; he succeeded because of them.
Readers get a front-row seat to real-world entrepreneurial problem solving. Orfalea explains how his inability to focus on minor administrative details forced him to hire brilliant people who could handle the minutiae. This created a company culture built on extreme delegation, autonomy, and high trust.
You will also learn the immense value of physical presence and direct customer observation. Orfalea famously walked the floors of his stores daily, watching exactly how customers interacted with the machines. This hands-on feedback loop drove product improvements and service upgrades faster than any formal market research ever could.
Another major takeaway is the concept of turning obstacles into operational advantages. Orfalea discusses how his hyperactive nature made him an exceptional networker and relationship builder. He could connect with employees and customers on a human level that a typical, desk-bound CEO could never match.
Who This Book Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)
This book is a perfect fit for founders who feel out of place in traditional, rigid business environments. If you struggle with strict systems but excel at seeing the broader vision, Orfalea’s story will deeply validate your approach. It is also highly recommended for anyone building a service-based or retail business where direct customer experience is the main differentiator.
However, you should skip this if you want a tactical playbook for modern tech startups or e-commerce. The book does not cover software development, digital advertising funnels, or venture capital fundraising mechanics. It is a foundational mindset and leadership book, not a technical step-by-step manual.
Paul Orfalea started Kinko’s with a single copy machine and a deep mistrust of traditional corporate structures. He details exactly how he scaled that single machine into a multi-billion dollar empire by leaning entirely into his unique cognitive style. He did not succeed despite his dyslexia and ADHD; he succeeded because of them.
He also emphasizes the critical importance of company culture over rigid corporate policies. By treating employees like partners rather than cogs in a machine, he fostered intense loyalty and innovation from the ground up. This approach is a stark contrast to the micromanagement styles that destroy so many modern startups.
The Good Stuff
Most business books preach rigid frameworks, flawless execution, and strict adherence to business plans. As this copy this! book review makes clear, Orfalea argues the exact opposite.
He shows how delegating daily details and focusing entirely on the big picture can actually outpace traditional corporate strategies.
Orfalea started the first Kinko’s shop in 1970 in a tiny converted hamburger stand near UC Santa Barbara. He had severe dyslexia and ADHD, flunked two grades, and was even expelled from school. Instead of hiding these facts, he built an entire corporate philosophy around them.
The book is also refreshingly honest about failure. Orfalea does not paint himself as a flawless genius. He openly discusses his explosive temper, his near-bankruptcies, and the massive mistakes he made while scaling.
This raw honesty makes the lessons feel earned and highly applicable to anyone struggling with the messy reality of building a business.
Pricing and How It Compares to Other Business Books
At around fifteen to twenty dollars for the paperback or audiobook, this is a low-risk investment for the mindset shift it provides. However, it is not the only entrepreneurship book worth your time. Depending on your current business stage, a different book might serve you better right now.
| Book Title | Best For | Main Strength | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy This! | Neurodivergent founders and visionaries | Reframes ADHD and dyslexia as strategic advantages | Lacks modern digital or SaaS tactics |
| Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 | Systematic business builders | Actionable frameworks for scaling and culture | Less personal, more textbook-style |
| The First Billion Is the Hardest | Traditional retail and franchise builders | Deep dives into real-world scaling hurdles | Dated examples, less focus on mindset |
My Honest Take
Paul Orfalea’s memoir is not a flawless blueprint, but it is a necessary reality check for modern founders. It proves that your perceived weaknesses, like ADHD or dyslexia, can become your greatest competitive advantages. The book replaces the guilt of not doing everything yourself with a proven strategy for building a self-sustaining company.
Some readers worry that a book about a 1970s copy shop lacks relevance today. The core principles of extreme delegation, company culture, and direct customer observation apply to any era or industry. Software changes, but human behavior and leadership dynamics remain exactly the same.
