"From computers to energy to even my love: restaurants . . . Sam's journey reminds us that the American Dream is alive and well." --Kimbal Musk, founder and owner of The Kitchen Restaurant Group Known throughout his childhood as "Bubba," Sam Wyly's story is one of evolution, connection, and unrelenting optimism. Born in rural Louisiana, Sam's humble beginnings may have made him seem an unlikely candidate to become one of the preeminent entrepreneurs of the last century, but his accomplishments speak for themselves. Told with candor and humor, primarily through the lens of his business endeavors, Sam's story tracks a lifetime of growth and betterment, as he consistently utilizes what may seem like limitations to his advantage.
"I cannot think of a proper way to salute Sam Wyly. He has accomplished a great deal, and his success has always been accomplished with honor and integrity." --George H. W. Bush
"Sam is certainly an amazing visionary, a successful entrepreneur and definitely lives the American dream." --Michael Rouleau, former CEO and president of Michaels Stores
"Sam Wyly has been an extraordinary visionary for the long term." --John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods
"Spanning four decades and remarkably diverse industries, the career of Sam Wyly--a true original--shows what good ideas, strong will and access to capital can accomplish." --Michael Milken, chairman of The Milken Institute
About the Author :
As young Bubba, Sam Wyly was transported via rowboat to his one room schoolhouse, and as an adult he graduated with an MBA as a Paton Scholar from the University of Michigan. In high school, after previous heartbreaking defeats, Bubba, alongside his football team, went up against their arch rival to win a long awaited, highly anticipated state playoff game. By adulthood Sam and his partners were taking on massive business monopolies to fight against unjust industry domination that negatively impacted countless individuals. Sam's journey from a small-town boy known as Bubba to billionaire entrepreneur is a compelling story about one man's evolution as an individual; one who was able to grow and transform himself over and over, all the while maintaining a steadfast connection to the values and beliefs he has always held.
Review :
"I cannot think of a proper way to salute Sam Wyly. He has accomplished a great deal, and his success has always been accomplished with honor and integrity." - George H. W. Bush
"I have known Sam for 50+ years. He's an American treasure. Texas and American business lore is replete with stories of entrepreneurs who hit big home runs in some industry, and usually done with much swagger. Sam's homers, at least seven that I can count, range across high tech, oil and gas, green energy, restaurants, retail and venture capital. More admirably, always done with humility, empathy and random acts of kindness. His children are walking commercials for his being a great father on top of all of this." - Alan Steelman, Former Member of U.S. Congress (R-TX) and Vice-Chairman Alexander Proudfoot Company
"Sam led the board of directors of Michaels Stores. He made my position as CEO exciting. He had the vision and trust to let me run the company. I love Michaels today after 14 years of retirement. Our success would never have been possible without his influence and support. He definitely understood the balance between the board responsibilities and running the business. He was always very supportive of me and my team. He was fair, and always saw the bigger picture. Sam is certainly an amazing visionary, a successful entrepreneur and definitely lives the American dream." - Michael Rouleau, Former CEO and President of Michaels Stores
"I put Sam on the short list of early pioneers who brought the Texas business swagger to the national stage. Today, businesses across the globe are looking to plant a flag in the Lone Star State." - Ed Curtis Jr., CEO and Founder of YTexas, and Author of Why Texas: How Business Discovered the Lonestar State
"Sam Wyly's adventures in business span from computers to energy to even my love: restaurants. Every step of the way he is filled with a joyful engagement. Sam's journey reminds us that the American Dream is alive and well." - Kimbal Musk, Founder and Owner of The Kitchen Restaurant Group
"Sam Wyly is an entrepreneurial genius who inspires both new business ideas and spiritual renewal." - Rev. Canon Sally G. Bingham, Founder of The Regeneration Project
"Sam Wyly has been an extraordinary visionary for the long term." - John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods
"Sam Wyly is a wonderful American character: a natural entrepreneur and builder with an outsized personality and humor to match his success." - Walter Isaacson, Former CEO of the Aspen Institute and Author of Einstein: His Life and Universe
"Spanning four decades and remarkably diverse industries, the career of Sam Wyly-a true original-shows what good ideas, strong will and access to capital can accomplish." - Michael Milken, Chairman of The Milken Institute
