billion-dollar dealmaker now available as an Audiobook
“Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?” How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire is now downloadable from Audible.com starting September 10, 2020
New York City — Reginald F. Lewis grew up in the late 1940s, a time when there were many things black people in Baltimore couldn’t do — such as try on clothes, shop at many downtown stores, eat in certain restaurants, or go to certain movie theaters. When six-year-old Lewis overheard his grandparents talking about discrimination and how racism was getting in the way of accomplishing things, he asked, “Why should white guys have all the fun?”
Little did they know, that young boy would grow up to shatter glass ceilings — by becoming the first billion-dollar dealmaker in America, and one of the wealthiest African Americans in history. At the time of his death in 1993, Lewis had a vast commercial empire that spanned four continents.
What began as an unfinished autobiography was made complete with interviews and stories from his family, friends, and colleagues. The result is a book that cuts through the myth and media hype to reveal the man behind the legend, and a vivid portrait of an enthusiastic, fiercely determined individual who would settle for nothing less than excellence from himself and others.
“Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?” How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire continues to inspire countless entrepreneurs, professionals, and young dreamers since it was first published by Black Classic Press in 2005.
Here are a few of the reviews that readers have shared over the years:
G.S. - 5.0 out of 5 stars: Behind the scenes look into the life of an amazing man. Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2010 (Verified Purchase)
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 contributed 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.
Ross - 5.0 out of 5 stars: A good mix of everything
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2020 (Verified Purchase)
This is one of the better financial books I've read on dealmaking in the '80s. Most books only give a brief mention of transactions that took place, while this book spent a better portion of the book going through all the business aspects of Lewis's deals, as well as the personal rigor it took on him and his relationships. This book was able to combine that with a story of the American dream and racial tensions that made for a very compelling read from start to finish.
Having been born right around the time that Lewis passed, I did not know much about him. However this should be different as Lewis should be included regularly as an important figure in black history in America.
“Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun tells the greatest rags-to-riches story in America. It’s vital that Black stories get told. In audio format, this book can inspire a new generation of listeners to persevere in business while giving back to Black people,” said Mr. Lewis’ younger daughter and entrepreneur Christina Lewis, who also recorded the new foreword to the audiobook.
Mr. Lewis’ widow, Filipino American business and civic leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, says this about the new audiobook version: “To those who read the book 25 years ago, I invite you to rediscover it now in Audible form. Please let your grandchildren know how much the story of Reginald F. Lewis would inspire them to dream BIG!”
Starting September 10, 2020, the audiobook version will be available for DOWNLOAD ONLY FROM AUDIBLE.COM, featuring the voice of J. D. Jackson — theater professor, award-winning audiobook narrator, aspiring stage director, and classically trained actor whose TV and film credits include roles on House, ER, Law & Order, Hack, Sherrybaby, Diary of a City Priest, and Lucky Number Slevin. The recipient of several audiobook awards for narration and an Odyssey Honor for G. Neri's Ghetto Cowboy, J. D. has also been named one of AudioFile magazine's Best Voices of the Year for 2012 and 2013.
BOOKS ABOUT REGINALD F. LEWIS
