Book Review: “Common Sense Purchasing: Hard-Learned Lessons from a Purchasing Pro” by Dr. Tom DePaoli

Book Review: “Common Sense Purchasing: Hard-Learned Lessons from a Purchasing Pro” by Dr. Tom DePaoli
In Common Sense Purchasing: Hard-Learned Lessons from a Purchasing Pro, Dr. Tom DePaoli brings decades of practical, in-the-trenches purchasing experience to the table, delivering a no-nonsense, highly readable, and profoundly insightful guide to the world of procurement. This isn’t your typical academic tome filled with abstract theory and buzzwords. Instead, it’s a reality-based, experience-rich book filled with actionable insights, humorous anecdotes, and straight talk that every purchasing and supply chain professional — from entry-level buyer to senior executive — can benefit from.
Real-World Wisdom, Not Textbook Theory
Dr. DePaoli has worn many hats in his career: Navy officer, corporate executive, consultant, and educator. He draws from this broad reservoir of experience to craft a book that speaks directly to professionals operating in the often chaotic and misunderstood world of purchasing. His voice is authentic, and his perspective is that of a seasoned pro who’s seen both the good and the bad of organizational purchasing.
Unlike many supply chain books that get bogged down in theory, Common Sense Purchasing dives straight into the real world — the politics, the resistance to change, the pressure from management, and the daily firefights that purchasing professionals face. Through a collection of stories and observations, Dr. DePaoli makes one thing clear: purchasing is not just a support function — it’s a strategic, high-impact discipline that requires courage, vision, and a strong dose of common sense.
A Storytelling Approach That Teaches
What makes the book especially engaging is Dr. DePaoli’s gift for storytelling. Each chapter offers a slice-of-life tale drawn from his extensive career. These aren’t hypothetical case studies; they’re real incidents with real consequences — stories of supplier mishaps, internal battles with corporate bureaucracy, and even humorous missteps that reveal the hidden truths of the profession.
Dr. DePaoli doesn’t shy away from sharing his own mistakes, either, which adds to the credibility and relatability of the narrative. He’s not trying to come across as infallible; instead, he positions himself as a fellow practitioner, a mentor who’s willing to pull back the curtain and let others learn from both his victories and his scars.
One example involves a well-intentioned but failed attempt to implement an overly complex procurement system. Instead of placing blame, Dr. DePaoli analyzes the root causes: lack of training, top-down imposition, and a failure to consider the day-to-day needs of end users. The lesson? Simplicity and user involvement are more valuable than chasing technological perfection.
Hard-Hitting Lessons in Every Chapter
Each chapter concludes with “Lessons Learned” — concise takeaways that reinforce the main message and give readers something tangible to walk away with. These lessons are gems, packed with insight and ready for immediate application. Whether it’s the importance of maintaining supplier relationships, the dangers of over-centralization, or the pitfalls of excessive bureaucracy, Dr. DePaoli delivers practical guidance with clarity and punch.
One of the key themes that runs throughout the book is the importance of relationships. Dr. DePaoli stresses that successful purchasing isn’t just about finding the lowest price — it’s about building trust, managing risk, and creating win-win partnerships with suppliers. He calls out the false economy of short-term thinking and the damaging effects of treating suppliers as adversaries instead of collaborators.
Another recurring lesson is the necessity of internal selling. In many companies, purchasing is still seen as a back-office function. Dr. DePaoli shares techniques for how purchasing professionals can elevate their function by building credibility, educating stakeholders, and demonstrating value in terms that the C-suite understands.
Honest Talk on Change, Culture, and Resistance
Dr. DePaoli tackles one of the biggest challenges in purchasing — change management — with honesty and insight. He knows that procurement transformations don’t happen overnight. Organizations resist change for many reasons: fear, comfort with the status quo, or leadership that lacks vision. In his stories, we see how Dr. DePaoli dealt with these hurdles — sometimes successfully, sometimes with hard lessons — and how he adapted his strategies to push change forward without burning bridges.
His advice is practical and people-focused. For instance, he recommends finding internal “change champions” who can help sell new initiatives, and he advises always piloting new processes before full-scale rollouts. He emphasizes communication — not just pushing information out, but truly listening and adapting to feedback.
A Focus on Ethics and Integrity
One of the book’s strongest attributes is its clear stance on ethics. Dr. DePaoli pulls no punches when it comes to discussing the ethical gray zones that purchasing professionals can find themselves in. From dealing with corrupt suppliers to resisting internal pressure to bend the rules, the book provides a strong moral compass for navigating the complexities of the job.
His call for ethical leadership in purchasing is both refreshing and essential. In a globalized world where procurement decisions have far-reaching impacts — including social and environmental consequences — integrity must remain at the heart of every purchasing decision. Dr. DePaoli reminds us that being a purchasing professional is about more than managing costs; it’s about being a responsible steward of company resources and doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
Not Just for Purchasing Pros
While the book is a must-read for anyone in purchasing, its appeal extends to supply chain professionals, operations managers, and even financial executives. The principles of communication, process simplification, leadership, and continuous improvement apply across departments. In fact, leaders in any field would benefit from Dr. DePaoli’s emphasis on clear thinking, ethical action, and smart risk-taking.
For educators, the book is an ideal supplement to traditional procurement courses. Its real-world approach balances textbook knowledge with street-smart wisdom, making it a valuable resource for classroom discussions and case studies. For corporate trainers and consultants, it offers a trove of examples that illustrate both pitfalls and best practices.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have on the Procurement Bookshelf
Common Sense Purchasing is a rare book — one that blends real-world grit with professional polish. It’s honest, practical, entertaining, and above all, useful. Dr. Tom DePaoli writes with the conviction of someone who has walked the walk, and his advice is rooted in years of practice, reflection, and continuous learning.
In an era where procurement is gaining more strategic importance than ever before, this book serves as a timely reminder that success in purchasing isn’t about chasing fads or adding more complexity. It’s about common sense, good communication, strong relationships, and doing the right thing. If you are a purchasing professional — or aspire to be one — you owe it to yourself to read this book. It might just change how you see your role, your suppliers, and your organization.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Dr. Tom DePaoli is an accomplished business consultant, author, and former Navy Reserve Captain. As CEO of Apollo Solutions, he specializes in Lean Six Sigma, supply chain management, and leadership training. With a diverse background across over ten major industries and more than fifty consulting engagements, Dr. DePaoli brings a practical, story-driven approach to organizational change. He has authored thirteen books, including Leadership by Storytelling, Boogeyman Leadership, and Kaizen Kreativity (Oops!). Available on Amazon. A passionate educator and advocate for workplace creativity, Dr. Tom combines real-world experience with humor and insight to inspire continuous improvement and bold leadership transformation.
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