The E-Myth is a must read book for anyone running or thinking of running a business. Many who run a small business, or know someone who does, will recognise Gerber's description of what it's like - "Exhaustion was common, exhilaration rare." All the reasons a new entrepreneur had for going into business evaporate in a whirlwind of longer hours, more stress, cashflow struggles, even longer hours, even more stress, etc. Gerber offers a solution to this based on the development of "turn-key" systems to allow others to replicate your business model, instead of you doing everything yourself. McDonalds is used as a key example throughout the book.

The main theme is "The Fatal Assumption" made by most people who decide to start their own business: "If you understand the technical work of a business, you understand a business that does technical work." Being an expert at 'doing the work' of the business does not mean you can automatically run it well.

Gerber makes a compelling case for ensuring three key roles are covered in your business: the technician, the entrepreneur, and the manager. It's clearly written and a bit like receiving advice from an old friend.