Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire - Softcover

Lewis, Reginald F; Walker, Blair S

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1574780360 ISBN 13: 9781574780369

Publisher: Black Classic Press, 2005

Synopsis

Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? is the inspiring story of Reginald Lewis: lawyer, Wall Street wizard, philanthropist - and the wealthiest black man in American history.

When six-year-old Reginald Lewis overheard his grandparents discussing employment discrimination against African Americans, he asked, "Why should white guys have all the fun?" This self-assured child would grow up to become the CEO of Beatrice International and one of the most successful entrepreneurs ever. At the time of his death in 1993, his personal fortune was estimated in excess of $400 million and his vast commercial empire spanned four continents. Despite the notoriety surrounding Lewis's financial coups, little has been written about the life of this remarkable man. Based on Lewis's unfinished autobiography, as well as scores of interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, the book cuts through the myth and media hype to reveal the man behind the legend. What emerges is a vivid portrait of a proud, fiercely determined individual with a razor-sharp tongue - and an intellect to match - who would settle for nothing less than excellence from himself and others. Blair S. Walker completed Lewis's memoir after his death.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"Voyages deep into the frenzied, complex world of LBO transactions."--BusinessWeek.

"Sheds light on an important chapter in both African-American and American business history."--Earl G. Graves, Publisher, Black Enterprise magazine.

When Reginald Lewis was six years old, his grandparents asked his opinion about employment discrimination against blacks. Reg replied simply, "Why should white guys have all the fun?" Why, indeed! Lewis grew up to become the wealthiest black man in history and one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time, reigning over a commercial empire that spanned four continents. At the time of his death in 1993, his personal fortune was estimated at $400 million.

"Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?" traces Lewis's rise from a working- class neighborhood in east Baltimore to Harvard Law School and ultimately into the elite circle of Wall Street deal-makers. Expanding on Lewis's unfinished autobiography, journalist Blair Walker completes a vivid portrait of a proud, fiercely determined man with a razor-sharp tongue--and an intellect to match. He shows how Lewis's lifelong hunger for wealth and personal glory fueled his success on the playing field, in the classroom, and in the boardroom. Walker also provides a rare insider's view of Lewis, the iron-willed negotiator and brilliant business strategist in action as he finesses one phenomenal deal after another.

A moving saga of personal courage and determination as well as a virtual how-to book for those who would like to follow in Lewis's footsteps, "Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?" is every bit as memorable as the man whose story it tells.

About the Author

REGINALD F. LEWIS was chairman, chief executive, and principal shareholder of TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc., until his untimely death of brain cancer in January, 1993. He was fifty years old when he died. BLAIR S. WALKER is a former financial writer with the "Money" section of "USA Today." He has also worked as an editor with "New York Newsday" and as a reporter with the Chicago bureau of The Associated Press.

Edition details

• Publisher: Black Classic Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1574780360
• ISBN 13: 9781574780369
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 318