Reading List: Jaime Brugueras of Mineful

Jaime Brugueras

In “Reading List,” we ask ecommerce professionals to name some of their favorite recent books and blogs and tell us why they read them. For this installment, we corresponded with Jaime Brugueras, CEO of Mineful, a customer retention and analytics tool.

Prior to starting Mineful, Brugueras worked as a database marketing analyst consultant for Allstate Insurance, McDonald’s, Redbox, and other large corporations. He says he became frustrated with the inaction of higher executives after seeing reports with “actionable insights” and research. So, he decided to build Mineful, which uses data mining and analytics to trigger actions.

Jaime Brugueras’ Top Five Books

Thinking Strategically by Avinash Dixit and Barry Nalebuff

Thinking Strategically, by Avinash Dixit and Barry Nalebuff.

“This book is a simplified version of everything I learned in grad school. Rather than using mathematical formulas or fictional games, this book provides real world applications to game theory in business, politics, sports, and others.”

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Behind the Cloud by Marc Benioff

Behind the Cloud, by Marc Benioff.

“For anyone trying to build any type of company from the ground up, this is a must read. The marketing and management lessons taught through his stories can help you think about how you can apply some of his concepts into your business. From the origins of the company, Marc had his plan laid out about how his company would give back to the community, and when employees and shareholders value this culture, everyone succeeds.”

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Competing on Analytics by Thomas Davenport and Jeanne Harris

Competing on Analytics, by Thomas Davenport and Jeanne Harris.

“The book illustrates various examples of companies that have used analytics not only to become more efficient, but as a competitive differentiator. The book is full of stories of how companies use data to out-think and out-maneuver their competitors, making it an easy read for anyone. Competing on Analytics is an inspiration for my career and a reference I use everyday when talking with small businesses about the advantages gained from using their own data.”

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Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko

Thinkertoys, by Michael Michalko.

“I reference this book many times when creating a new feature, product, marketing campaign, software code, or creative writing. Through thought-provoking lessons, hints, and mind games, this book has changed completely the way I think about creating something new. I realize how linear my thinking process had become, but now exercising my brain I can better create opportunities and connections to new ideas and developments.”

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Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein

Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist, by Roger Lowenstein.

“Warren Buffet’s investing techniques, business philosophy, and personal values are rigorously explained in this book and provide business lessons any entrepreneur can apply. However, what is most inspiring about this book are the stories of how a man at such a young age read more than 40 business books and worked hard to developed three businesses before graduating from high school.”

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Jaime Brugueras’ Top Blogs and News Sites

TechCrunch

TechCrunch.com

“I mainly try to stay in touch with what is happening in tech via TechCrunch.”

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Built in Chicago

BuiltInChicago.org

“I also stay up-to-date with what is happening in the entrepreneurial community in Chicago through Tech.li and Built in Chicago.”

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Both Sides of the Table

BothSidesOfTheTable.com

“I follow a few venture firms providing valuable tips to entrepreneurs. This includes two blogs: Mark Suster’s ‘Both Sides of the Table’ and David Skok’s ‘For Entrepreneurs’”

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Chicago Tribune