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Iacocca: An Autobiography

Scott Manning
January 19, 2002

Author: Lee Iacocca

See it on Amazon

iacocca (6k image)Ever worked for the boss from hell? Ever had a job you wish you didn't have? You're unappreciated. The boss knows all and you don't know anything. Any of your great ideas are not only threatening to your boss, but they are shot down immediately. Ever stayed with this job until the boss fired you?

If so, I would suggest you do what Iacocca did: become the owner of your x-boss's failing competitor, pull it out of bankruptcy in less than three years, make it the leading seller in the industry, and then threaten to buy out your x-boss's company.

Lee Iacocca's story has inspired all who have heard it. He started working for Ford Motor Company in 1946. Included in his long list of accomplishments is the creation of the Mustang. Working his way to the top of the company, Iacocca was eventually fired over a power struggle with Henry Ford in 1978.

Mad, discourage, but not beaten, Iacocca joined a failing company, Chrysler, as the President and CEO. Chrysler had just reported its worst earnings ever.

Over the next decade, Iacocca not only pulled Chrysler out of complete collapse, but he also introduced the Minivan, became the hero for executives the world over, almost bought out Ford, and turned down a nomination for President of the United States.

This book tells his entire story. It does an incredible job of showing how he became the best at Ford and details how he completely turned around the failing Chrysler corporation.

Personable and detailed, this book delivers Iacocca's full story, including his views on the events that have taken place in his life: what he liked or didn't like, what he wish he had done differently or not at all, and what he would like to do again. Iacocca's no nonsense approach to life and business is a mentality that is desperately needed in today's world.

This book is for anyone who wants to be inspired by this rare breed of man. Iacocca's methods are timeless, and his attitude towards problems and how to fix them will leave you encouraged.

About Lee Iacocca
Born in Allentown, PA 1924.

In 1946 he joined the Ford Motor Company, where he rose to president (1970-78). He left the company after a dispute with Henry Ford II and became president (1978) and then chairman (1979) of the Chrysler Corp., restoring it through shrewd financial policies, a $1.2 billion loan guarantee, and tax concessions granted by Congress.

In the 1980s, he also served as chairman of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and engineered Chrysler's $1.5 billion acquisition of American Motors. Iacocca retired at the end of 1992, but in 1995 he aided billionaire Kirk Kerkorian in his unsuccessful attempt to win control of Chrysler.

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