DeVos
writes that this book is not a complete autobiography. He
concentrates on the experiences that have most shaped him, been the
most memorable, and taught him valuable life lessons. The principle
in his life that rises above all others, he writes, is “People who
achieve the highest levels of success … are those who place their
focus on other people rather than themselves.” (xii)
He
gives credit to his Dutch heritage for many of his positive traits. He
tells of his friendship with Jay Van Andel, their starting Wolverine Air
Service, a restaurant, selling the air service and buying a sailboat
(it sank), traveling in South America, forming a wooden toy company,
and getting involved in Nutrilite. When issues developed with
Nutrilite they decided to start their own multilevel marketing
company, the American Way Association. They added an all purpose
cleaner, then more home care products. Needing to control quality
they became manufacturers as well. Amway had been born and
flourished.
Multilevel
marketing was still a new concept. Devos and Van Andel developed a
commission system that would go down the line to as many people as
were sponsored. That Sales Plan became a model for legitimate
direct-selling businesses. The concept was not always well understood
and DeVos writes of problems with the FTC and Revenue Canada.
DeVos
began speaking about the “why,” why building business was
important to America. He used the Carnegie method and developed his
“Selling America”speech. He writes of buying the Orlando Magic in
1991, working to revitalize downtown Grand Rapids, having a heart
transplant at age seventy-one (seventeen years ago), then fulfilling
his dream of owning a large sailboat and sailing the world.
DeVos
is very open and clear about his Christianity and trusting in Jesus
for his salvation. He is also open about his patriotism and
involvement in politics. His focus has always been helping other
people to have better and richer lives, including always setting
aside 10% of their income to give away
This
is a well written and open account of DeVos' life, business, family
and faith. It is an encouragement to anyone wanting to better
themselves, being reminded that concentrating on helping others is the key to
success.
Rich
DeVos is an American businessman, co-founder of Amway, and owner
of the NBA's Orlando Magic. DeVos served in the United States Army
Air Corps in World War II. He and his wife of over sixty years have
four children, sixteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
They spend their time between Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Vero Beach,
Florida.
Howard
Books, 304 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
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