#99
Mentioned in 38 episodes

The fish that ate the whale

The Life and Times of America's Banana King
Book • 2012
This book tells the fascinating story of Samuel Zemurray, who started as a roadside banana peddler and eventually built a sprawling empire involving banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen.

Rich Cohen's narrative explores Zemurray's rise to power, his involvement in overthrowing Central American governments, and his complex role in American history.

The book delves into Zemurray's personal life, his business exploits, and the moral implications of his actions, painting a nuanced portrait of a man driven by an indomitable will to succeed.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 38 episodes

Mentioned by David Senra as an example of an entrepreneur who knew his business from A to Z.
2,704 snips
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Mentioned by David Senra as an example of mentorship and paying it forward in business.
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#373 Breakfast with Brad Jacobs + How To Make A Few Billion Dollars
Mentioned by David Senra in the context of the United Fruit Company and Juan Trippe's business strategy.
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Mentioned by David Senra for a quote emphasizing the importance of deep business knowledge.
1,901 snips
#337 Napoleon's Maxims and Strategy
Mentioned by David Senra , quoting a line about knowing your business from A to Z to solve any problem.
1,292 snips
#366 Mr. Beast Leaked Memo
Mentioned by David Senra as a captivating story of Sam Zemurray's obsessive drive in building a banana empire.
997 snips
The best interview I've ever done about Founders
Mentioned by David Senra to draw parallels between Sam Zemurray's business approach and James J. Hill's.
969 snips
#371 James J. Hill: The Empire Builder
Mentioned by David Senra to draw parallels between Sam Zemurray's and Leon Hess's business strategies.
935 snips
#378 The Last Oil Baron: Leon Hess
Mentioned by David Senra while discussing similar business decisions made by Sam Zemurray.
788 snips
#352 J. Paul Getty: The Richest Private Citizen in America
Mentioned by David Senra as a book about Sam Zemur, discovered through the podcast.
639 snips
#358 I had dinner with John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods
Mentioned by Ryan Holiday as an example of a biographer whose style he might emulate.
406 snips
How to Write a Book Like Ryan Holiday
Mentioned by David Senra to illustrate the importance of recognizing and collaborating with individuals who share a similar drive for excellence.
394 snips
#273 Kobe Bryant (Mamba Mentality)
Mentioned by David Senra in comparison to Edison's work ethic.
364 snips
#267 Thomas Edison
Mentioned by David Senra as a well-written book about Sam Zemurray's life story.
312 snips
Sam Zemurray (The Fish That Ate the Whale)
Mentioned by the podcast host in relation to business strategies and field work.
262 snips
The Founder of Kinkos — Paul Orfalea
Mentioned by David Senra to illustrate a point about seizing opportune moments in business.
224 snips
#246 Mark Leonard's Shareholder Letters
Mentioned by David Senra to illustrate the concept of seizing opportune moments in business.
221 snips
#338 Monty Moncrief Texas Oil Billionaire

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