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

Ok I listened to the audio book first, but since I’ve been in my teenage years I’ve always been intrigued by the cover of this book which made me need a physical copy. So I read a second time. It’s a great book and definitely makes you feel like you’re in his world of business and each step of his life. I think it’s hard to criticize a book that is about someone’s actual life if you didn’t know them personally. But truly there’s not much not to like, other than of course knowing he passes away from a brain tumor which I think is a lesson in itself. I learned so much from his tenacity and ambition. But I also learned that sometimes achieving so much and having to maintain it can be difficult on health especially if you don’t take breaks and try to pace yourself a little. It’s the gamble anybody makes when wanting to go into business and entrepreneurship. Reginald Lewis did his thing and left his mark, I recommend this book especially to young youth in their 20’s like myself.

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!!!!!

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!

Take a journey with Mr. Lewis on how he overcame many obstacles as a child and through adulthood. Remarkable read and inspirational to the young and old alike. He died way to young.

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 for the 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 still running Beatrice Int'l the same way 30 years later. The small minority of Black youths succeed in the entertainment world(ie: sports & music) To get more blacks into other career fields you need a Reginald Lewis in every field coaching and mentoring. I will read again, especially the deal making parts.

Great Book

This book is incredible. Tapping into the life of Reginald Lewis shows us that anything is possible with an opportunity & unwavering focus to succeed. This book covers his upbringing in Baltimore, family ties & foundation, His incredible work ethic through high school all while being a student athlete. The no nonsense stories about his journey & his mercurial attitude, makes for an interesting story. The way he persevered through business deals gone good & bad, it shows how motivated Reginald was to show he deserved a seat at the table. I recommend this book to any one with goals & aspirations to follow the journey of someone who set goals, had extreme focus & conquered despite odds being stacked against them.

I've read this when it was first published and studied it as part of the curriculum in my business class. It is a classic and mandatory if you want to understand or build a big business. But what I find most satisfying is reading this with my wife and children together and then listening to the Audible. We discussed what the triumphs and challenges of Mr. Lewis' journey. Don't even think about it. Just get it and jump right in. I'm also interviewing his widow, Loida Lewis, Esq. and his daughter Christina Lewis, May 12 and May 19 Weds 5pm. I've posted it on social media. I'm a huge fan of RFL and his life should really be required in all of our schools.

Great book!

This is one book I wish I had read when I was twenty. I wish I had the chance to meet the man Reginald Lewis. The man's sheer audacity, drive, and determination is beyond words. This is a must-read for every black man with a dream to make it big in business. And make sure to get an audiobook for their children. The best chapter for me is when Reggie hires Paul Weiss, the law firm on Wall Street. It is the firm at which one of the partners told Reggie he would never become a partner at the firm when he was starting out as a trainee lawyer. 15 years down the road Reggie is paying their bills and giving them work via the LBO he did with Beatrice. This is such an inspirational book, the odds Reggie overcame, the obstacles that most black people can relate to at the time he did in the 1980's is just unbelievable.

3 of the pages at the front of the book separated easily. Very poor quality for a book at this price.

I've read this book twice. First time I read the book I had borrowed it from the library. After finishing it I new I had to own a personal copy. A life that has left us too soon, but his contributions and story will live on forever.

Motivational is an understatement, this book is a life changer. Especially if you have a vauge understanding of of what relentless hard work is about. It can be done, the question is "how much are you willing to put in, in order to get it?" Few Memorable quotes: "Dont let race interfere with the way you think or in which you operate" "we always thought that we should have to take opportunities that were half baked, overlooked or warmed over and use our brilliance and geniuis to figure out how to make lemonade out of a lemon" Finally.. Repetition, endless practice and solitary preparation weren't for public consumption. Never let them see you sweat, just let them see you excel with seeming ease" A Must Read BOOK 20 years on and his words still resonate, Reg you are a Legend