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

By Blair S. Walker and Reginald F. Lewis

Book Overview

"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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471145602
• ISBN13: 9780471145608
• Release Date: December 1995
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Recommend Reading for Young Ambitious People

This book, part history, part eulogy is the story of an African-American from the wrong side of the tracks in Baltimore who made it through Harvard Law and then into corporate financing eventually running Beatrice International one of the larger food companies in the world. While this is a rags-to-riches story, it is more impressive when you realize that when he was born in 1942, Baltimore was a segregated society. And when he died at the young age of fifty he was among America's richest men. The title rather captures Mr. Lewis's outlook on life. He enjoyed himself, he enjoyed what he was doing, he enjoyed life. Sure he enjoyed the trapping of wealth like the limo. But they were just a symbol of the fun he was having. A young person, regardless of race, gender, or religion interested in just what can be done by hard work, drive, and intelligence would do well to read this book. It just could be a life changer.

WOW is all I can say.

This book made me want to work so much harder in life to achieve my business goals. The key is fake it until you make it. No one knows you struggles unless you tell them and you can't make excuses for your life and why you have to work hard. I read it fast and read it again.

VISIONARY!

After reading this book, you can't help but agree that Reginald Lewis was a visionary. After years of hearing others say "You've gotta read the book," I finally did, and there was no regret.While reading, I could relate to quite a few hurdles that Lewis had to jump; and despite the opposition to all that he had in mind, he remained focused on his ultimate goal. Its obvious that he wasn't trying to impress anyone, or prove that an African-American could do it. He was proving to the world that African-Americans are just as human as anyone else; therefore, we should be judged based upon our character, and work.This book of Lewis' life and work was an inspiration, and I would recommend that anyone of color, or anyone who feels the pressure of the world telling them "to slow down and be like the rest of us," should READ THIS BOOK!

Reginald knew what he wanted out of life!

This book was an awesome read. Mr. Lewis was so focused and excepted nothing but the best from himself and others. He burned the midnight oil and got the job done even when backed against the wall. We are all faced with obstacles in life and Mr. Lewis met those challenges we all face with his head held high. This book inspired me to push and dig and fight and expect to win this game called life inspite of it's challenges. This is a must read!

Another great American success story!

A remarkable story of a remarkable man. The book provides honest insight into Reg as a businessman and a clear glimpse into his private life. I especially appreciated how the book does not sugarcoat his sometimes explosive personality. The results of his extreme drive and his unwillingness to accept defeat are an inspiration to all. Although he was no saint and maybe someone you wouldn't want as a boss, his focus on his goals was unwavering. He showed that there really is no limit to what can be achieved through very hard work.When I finished the book, it left me saying "Anything is indeed possible". Truly an inspirational story.