NOVEMBER 11, 2010
Happy Veteran’s Day. If you see a Veteran today, thank him or her for their service and sacrifice to and for us all. I know I will. Thank you Harold, Glenn, Michael, Goose, Dome, Judge Tom Doherty-elect, Mickey, Eddie and every Veteran I know and have neglected to name.
Speaking of Judge Tom Doherty-elect, he was quick to point out to me I forgot an important birthday yesterday. His Email read;
Another notable birthday, the U.S. Marine Corps, Tun Tavern,
Philadelphia, PA, 1775. Congrats on the book! Tom
Philadelphia, PA, 1775. Congrats on the book! Tom
Thanx Tom.
Also, yesterday was the 35th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior, caused by the cold winds of November. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, the 1976 song by Gordon Lightfoot made it famous, although those familiar with Great Lakes shipping knew about it. The ship, nicknamed “Big Fitz” and the “Mighty Fitz” broke in two during a winter storm on a voyage from Superior, Wisconsin to a port near Detroit, Michigan. The ‘Big Fitz’ never made it to Detroit. The crew of 29 perished and no bodies were ever recovered The ship had a checkered history of accidents at sea. It had been involved in at least five accidents on the water since it was christened in 1958.
I will finish the Anheuser-Busch story today. The book I am writing about “Dethroning the King: The Hostile Takeover of Anheuser-Busch, an American Icon.” is a very good read, especially if you like American business history and success stories.
The III thought trusting another person was a flaw. He did not possess that particular flaw. He did not trust his son August IV, The Fourth, although be eventually gave control over to his son. The Fourth was a former party animal enjoying booze, broads and fast cars. As a young man, he routinely broke the cardinal rule for an athlete in training; no booze, broads or bikes. Around the office father and son were referred to as “Crazy and Lazy” When the Fourth showed his dad the Super Bowl commercials of the talking frogs, the III did not get the humor.
Budweiser hired the majority of its junior executives from the St; Louis area. They were down to earth people that enjoyed the perks bestowed upon them. This was returned to the company in loyalty. That turned out to be a one-way street.
When InBev arrived on the scene in 2008, it was known as a no frills operator, the Walmart of brewers. The III was able to squeeze every dime out of the Brazilian company all the while knowing cost-cutting and layoffs would result from the sale. The powers were not concerned. Most of board, executives, lawyers and bankers would make millions from the deal. They did and the end of an American Icon was realized.
Don’t forget to buy my book. They are going fast.
BRUCE A. BRENNAN
DEKALB, IL 60115
COPYRIGHT 2010
Email: brucebrennanlaw@aol.com
www.brucebrennanlaws.com
Go to website below to buy books by Bruce A. Brennan
