Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire Paperback – October 13, 2005

This book was pretty good, not what I was looking for with regard to starting a company but did give wonderful insight on this steadfast and remarkable man, from childhood he seemed to know that he wanted greatness and because of his mom and stepfather honestly his small circle of family and friends he achieved a level of success that was unprecedented for AA at his time and despite the racism he encountered he never let it define him and always saw these obstacles as flaws in his approach instead of his complexion. I always say intelligence is the best defense against racism and he surely showed them how intelligent he was. Bravo!

I just got started reading and instantly I am loving this new read. So intriguing.

I absolutely love this book!! I will give my honest review on this book. The Author does a good job on exposing the reader to the important aspects to the life of the great Reginald F. Lewis. Before reading this book, I have never heard of him and after reading this I wonder why I didn't read this book in High School.As a black businessman, I can relate to all of the racial struggles Mr. Lewis had face. As black entrepreneurs, we have to do more than necessary to exceed expectations. I love how he did not let race adversity stop him and he continued on. Its almost like his life is a strong resemblance of a poem written by Langston Hughes called Mother to Son. Life for us have been no crystal stare.This book should be in high school curriculums across the U.S. because it allows for black men and women that someone like you have accomplish extraordinary wealth and success and you can too. You just need to believe in yourself and if Reginald Lewis can do it? So can I.Key takeaways:Pros:The book had some excerpts from Reginald Lewis explaining from his point of view of the important aspects of his life.The author did a fine job allowing the reader to see how hard Reginald work and how determined he was through his High School days, through Harvard Law and even through Corporate Law. This skill allowed him to be ultra successful in being a financier.The most important pro is hearing Reginald Lewis point of view towards charity and entrepreneurship. His points allowed me to look at business from another lens.First, he led the charge for Harvard to focus their agenda on International business because he saw that business is going to be on a global scale and students must be prepared for global challenges. In my opinion this stemmed from his managing and owning Beatrice Foods International.Second; We need to consider Corporate Takeovers rather than starting a business from scratch. I 100% agree with this. There is so much success that goes with buying businesses rather than starting from scratch: the brand, track record and in some caes easy access to private capital. The problem that I see today is that most people want to start a business from scratch when most businesses failed in the first five years. To me it makes logical sense to buy businesses that are already performing. Add value and sale to other buyers at a later date. That was Reginald Lewis's business strategy. Buy a business, add value and extract that value by selling. It is a value add approach. Which allowed me to see why the book is titled: "Why White Guys Have All the Fun". His legal clients were doing just what he did.Cons:As I mentioned, I want to give an honest review so here are some cons I think could have benefit the reader.1. When exactly did Reginald Lewis wanted to get in the world of Corporate Takeovers and how did he prepare for this change. The book mentioned briefly that he started thinking about corporate takeovers and reading prospectus. However I believe that he must have had someone advise him on how to structure these deals as well as present them to investors.This brings me to my 2nd con.I wish the author could have broke down the specifics of the deal from a math prospective. What were the projected return for investors and how did he learned the sew (McCall Company) and food business.Overall Excellent Book!!!!!

One of the greatest businessmen to ever live. This book will motivate you to achieve. The great Reginald Lewis was a paragon of excellence. His story delivers hope. You will enjoy learning about his life and legacy. His meteoric rise as well as the human frailty that eventually impacts everyone. What a great American story of triumph that is as relevant now as ever. Amazing.

This guy was definitely a sharp and a hardworking guy. Even Milkin and Kravis & Roberts who are very smart and clever in the financial world on wall street will acknowledge his smart business acumen. The Jewish fellows above were impressed with him. As a result, they did not do future business with him after Mccall Pattern and Beatrice Int'l. I believe it was because of jealousy and or Lewis's desire not to yield enough. The Jewish guys above would have yielded more to get the deal done. Tragically, he died too early. He earned alot of money for himself,but he did not do enough forthe African-American community. He could have been a mentor and a bridge for young black youth to the financial world. Also, he left no legacy.To this day, nobody knows who he is. Because he was so busy he had no time for his children. He could have taught his children to follow in his footsteps to build upon his business empire, but his wife is stillrunning Beatrice Int'l the same way 30 years later. The small minorityof Black youths succeed in the entertainment world(ie: sports & music)To get more blacks into other career fields you need a Reginald Lewisin every field coaching and mentoring. I will read again, especially the deal making parts.

Mr.Lewis was a remarkable man who wasn’t bound by color nor an impoverished community. The book breaks down the stages of a mind that is driven by success, challenges, & the betterment of society. He gives out jewels that can be used by anyone no matter what color, class, or creed. Definitely a recommendation on the reading list.

Behind the scene look at how the world of acquisitions and mergers take place and why it has been almost impossible for some to participate in the great wealth of this country. Because they were locked out for obvious reasons. Reginald Lewis was driven, determined, ambitious and single minded in his quest to become a major player in the corporate world. It is unfortunate that the stress (he placed a tremendous pressure on himself, but those who refused to allow him into the game, or attempted to keep him out of the "big leagues" probably did not help) probably contribute to his early and very unfortunate death. I am glad to see his legacy lives on. The book is an eye opener, and not many have the fortitude to do what this man did. This should be a must read for all black students at HBCUs, and all business students in general. The book also demonstrates what drive, commitment, and focus no matter your background can yield success in so many areas in life from family and enjoying life to work and material gain. What a treasure Mr. Lewis was not just intellect got him to reach the heights but courage, common sense and a sense of purpose.