Reginald Lewis: How a Black Entrepreneur Broke Down Barriers and Changed the Business Landscape

Kente' E. Bates: The biography of Reginald Lewis (1943-1993) is a tale of audacity. Lewis is a reminder of what a person can do if they dare to achieve. His name should be mentioned with the likes of Jackie Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lastly, in my view, the only thing left to say is what could have been- what could Lewis have achieved if he had not been taken by brain cancer? This tale has impressed me, gripped me, inspired me.

United States on Sep 26, 2023

D. GaskinsD. Gaskins: 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.

United States on Jun 25, 2023

MC: Anyone can be wealthy and prosperous. if you believe in yourself and have the right mindset, then sky is the limit of what you can achieve. It is not only a select few who can have all the fun. Take massive action towards your goals and be persistent!

Canada on Jan 25, 2023

V.M.: With many accounts from business partners, family and friends, and many quotes from the man himself, this book provides deep insights into the life of a titan of business, a family man, and the social backdrop against which he resolutely fought against. A must-read for anyone seeking to do great and positive things in life.

United States on Dec 20, 2022

Jason Patterson: 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.

Canada on Aug 16, 2022

Zeph: 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.

United Kingdom on Nov 21, 2020

Kindle Customer: 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...

United States on Oct 09, 2020

Priscilya Hawkes: I'm not even sure words can accurately describe how I feel right now after reading this book. I'm a corporate lawyer barred in NY and I've been searching for a way to reinvent myself. When I became a lawyer I never considered how difficult a journey I might have in my pursuit of operating my own firm. Since I don't know what I don't know, there have been questions burning deep down inside that I didn't know or think to ask that are now answered...or at least addressed.

I'm so grateful for the way in which this book was written. It literally gave me the "play-by-play" of this man's life. It's been on my reading list for a while, but God's timing is perfect! I read this at the precise moment I needed to. Eternally grateful and inspired by Mr. Reginald F. Lewis, I am ready to serve humanity by becoming the best I can become. Anything is possible and each day is to be lived in a way that proves I actually believe that.

This book is my new manual for reinventing and transforming my business and life.

United States on Feb 21, 2020

Julia W.: given as a gift

United Kingdom on Jul 06, 2018

Adewole Ademolake: 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

United Kingdom on Dec 27, 2012