From Lifeguard to Sun King: The Man Behind the Banana Boat Success Story

by Joe Carlen and Robert Bell

Book Overview

From Lifeguard to Sun King is a compelling account of the life of Robert Bell, the founder of the Banana Boat sun care brand and one of America's most innovative entrepreneurs. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0832950149
• ISBN13: 9780832950148
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Wbusiness Books
• Length: 118 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Fun in the sun, or just at home!

This was a great read; fun, interesting, and informative. Love the fact that they had some great pictures in it as well. You don't get that very often in business books. They really help you connect with Robert Bell's experiences and passion. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to read something inspiring and fun.

A Fascinating Read

This is a story of American Dream. Robert Bell was a typical middle class American kid. When he was a pool boy at Miami, he wanted to make his customers happy and started to experiment mixing sunscreen lotion. He later founded the Banana Boat Sunscreen., sold it for huge profits, and bought Sea and Ski, and sold it again. We often see the glamour part of a successful entrepreneur. This book shares the sweat and tears of Robert Bell's entrepreneur journey. It is a good beach read book. Next time I use Banana Boat, I will have more to talk about on the beach.

Every Entrepreneur Should Read This

This is a great read - not only for new entrepreneurs but for seasoned veteran entrepreneurs as well. Bob's challenges, decisions and experiences are, at some level, the same ones that all entrepreneurs will face at some time in our career. He made it hugely big but that does not change how others can and will learn from his story. Yes it is fascinating but it is still an opportunity to learn from one of the best. If nothing else, you can judge how you handled or might handle similar situations. My book choices alternate between business and fiction novels. This was a a very enjoyable book and a good choice. Highly recommend it.

Great Story, Really Opened My Eyes to Opportunities

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time, not only as a business book but as a book overall. In the book Robert talks about how he came up in the world, the most interesting part was that he started his company as a STUDENT, like I am now, and grew it to a multi-million dollar operation. All it took was attention to detail and perseverance. This book gave me the same feeling I got reading Richard Branson Biography, it really makes you think WHY NOT ME. From Lifeguard to Sun King will make you think hard and maybe even find that opportunity around you that can lead to your own successes.

Hitch a Ride on this Boat, the Banana Boat

Robert Bell's story is a great American success story. Full of illustative anectdotes and interesting stories, this book is easy to read. The art of storytelling in this book contributes to the compelling development of an international brand and distribution system. This book is, pure and simple, a delightful story of how to use your hutzpah to build a success story. Buy it & read it!