Doug Hall is an Inventor, Author, Speaker, Trainer & Bourbon Maker who believes that everyone can create and take action on ideas for working smarter, faster and more creatively.
The purpose of his books and consulting is to help leaders grow employee engagement in PROACTIVE Problem Solving of the flawed and ineffective work systems that get in the way of employee and organizational success. Fixing broken human work systems is the focus because Doug believes that as Dr. Deming taught, “94% of problems are due to the system, 6% are due to the worker.”
He is a chemical engineer who rose to the rank of Master Marketing Inventor at Procter & Gamble. At P&G, using early versions of his System Driven Innovation approach, his small team shipped a record nine innovations in twelve months. After ten years Doug retired from P&G and founded the Eureka! Ranch.
The Eureka! Ranch offers two services: Eureka! Culture creates a culture that is fully engaged in PROACTIVE Problem Solving of flaws in existing work systems. Eureka! Inventing helps organizations invent and take action on meaningfully unique ideas for new or improved products and services. Ranch clients include such innovation thought leaders such as Walt Disney, Diagio, Nike, AT&T, Procter & Gamble, American Express and over 2,000 other large, medium and small sized organizations.
Dexter Bourbon Company with its Brain Brew Distillery Is a craft bourbon maker that Doug Co-Founded. Their flagship Dexter Three Wood Straight Bourbon (95 Rating) brings to life the taste of bourbon from the 1800’s through the use of the team’s patented WoodCraft finishing using Dexter era 200 year oak, cherry wood and maple wood. Their Dexter 1862 custom bourbon experience allows everyone to customize the taste of their bourbon to their preference just as Edmund Dexter offered customers in the mid 1800’s.
Eureka! Ranch Distilled Spirits Group provides industry customized versions of Eureka! Ranch services AND the product development and production expertise of the Brain Brew Distillery.
Innovation Engineering Institute is an industry/academic partnership focused on applying system thinking to innovation that Doug and the Ranch team created in partnership with the University of Maine. The IE Institute offers certifications in PROACTIVE Problem Solving and the 48 Skills that make up the IE Curriculum. It’s also taught at colleges as an undergraduate minor or graduate certificate.
Author & Performer Doug is a best selling author of eight books and numerous academic articles on Innovation and Courage. His Jump Start Your Business Brain book was named to Jack Covert’s prestigious list of the 100 best business books of all time. He has starred in two network television series (ABC American Inventor, W Network Backyard Inventor) and a nationally syndicated radio program (Brain Brew Radio). Doug also authored and performed a one man play, North Pole Tenderfoot on his adventure recreating Admiral Peary’s last dash to the North Pole.
Awards & Personal Life: For his pioneering work on System Driven Innovation Doug has been awarded an Honorary Doctorates from University of Maine and the University of Prince Edward Island. He has been named one of America’s top innovation system experts by: A&E Top 10, Inc. Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, DATELINE NBC, CNBC and the CBC. He is a citizen of both Canada and the USA. He and his wife & girlfriend of 49 years split their time between Cincinnati, Ohio and Springbrook Prince Edwards island Canada .
Founder of Eureka! Ranch &
Co-Founder & CEO of Brain Brew Distillery
Reactions to Doug’s Latest Book
PROACTIVE Problem Soving
January 2025
“This is quite simply a brilliant book in it’s clarity, practical application and easily digested examples. STOP STUPID – START SMART is a simple, yet powerful thought. A must read!”
Ken Grier
Founder of De-Still Creative Ltd.
“Doug provides understanding and guidance on the vital importance of stimulating joy in work, by enabling employees to become part of the improvement of their work systems. When employees are engaged, a chain reaction of increased quality, efficiency and productivity is sparked.”
Kevin E. Cahill, President
The W. Edwards Deming Institute
“In this tightly written volume, Doug Hall has made problem solving even easier. Read it, study it, apply it, try any or all of the techniques, and prepare to be stunningly surprised at the results!”
Barry J Bruns
Colonel, USAF (Ret)
“For anyone who leads teams, serves on teams or wants their organization to perform at a high level, you need to read and truly digest PROACTIVE Problem Solving. Doug Hall’s strategies, tools and examples will help your business achieve more than you thought possible.”
R. Bruce Montgomery Jr.
Senior Operating Partner
Bourne Partners
“Only Doug Hall could make PROACTIVE Problem Solving seem so effortless. Doug’s energy for changing the world, one pioneer at a time is admirable. His unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit to teach others how to make a meaningful difference redefines what is possible.”
Corrine Dupuy
Assistant Dean, College of Engineering
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Doug Hall Lecture & Events – A fun video showcasing the
“Presentation Styles” Doug can Deliver for
Your Company &/or Group.
An Award Winning CBC segment featuring Doug Hall as Town Doctor,
where he had 48 hours to help 3 small businesses with Innovations.