Memos from the Chairman

To begin with, an author, particularly of a business-related book could not receive a better endorsement than from Warren Buffett. For the informed reader, that could suffice for a review. For those unfamiliar with Buffett, this book is a must read. Ace Greenberg is witty, humorous and on the money with each subject. Peter Drucker suggested that the most effective form of communication is the 1-page memo and Ace Greenberg shows uncanny mastery of that form of communication. Whether you work in a small or large organization, but particularly a large one, this book is must reading. Enjoy.

Alan "Ace" Greenberg's pithy sayings apparently created a spirit of comradery which brought Bear Stearns through the tumultuous 1970s and 80s, to be the powerhouse it is today. In addition to his many talents with arbitrage, yoyo, and playing bridge, the Chairman is a funny guy. It's heartwarming to know he still has his finger in the game, and that his successor is cut of the same cloth. Save your paperclips and fix those rubber bands, people! BTW, if you've ever been to Bear Stearns HQ on Madison avenue; the place still sizzles with elan and zeal. He's certainly built a corporate culture which has lasted. No slouchy people in jeans at the Bear; people there never got sloppy like the rest of america did. Of course, I'm an outsider looking in, but what I saw looks pretty impressive. Who would you trust with your money? The slob slouching around throwing paper clips in the trash, or the guys who are neat as pins who waste nothing? Check out their returns for the answer to that. Edit Add: OK, maybe ties were not all that was needed. It's still a great book, even if the coda to the Bear story is a sad one.

As I was sifting through dust-ridden literature in my library, I came across this legendary book. I too am a former employee of Bear Stearns and remember meeting Mr. Greenberg during my frequent visits to the trading floor. I enjoyed 'Memos from the Chairman' because it's from the real Alan Greenberg, the legend.... Five stars!!!

Good book, quick read. I finished it in about two days and thoroughly enjoyed it. Although it's a little repetetive on cutting costs, Greenberg, HAC, and Nookie make some very good points. At times they do seem quite greedy and money-centric but Greenberg says, "I hate throwing money out the door." The lesson I took away was to not waste rather than to be greedy.P.S.: Keeping with the spirit of the book, save some money and buy it used although I have no plans of selling my copy anytime soon.

A truly inspirational insight into the creation of the corporate culture of Bear Sterns, one of the most successful US investment banks. Put simply, the book is a collection of memos passed around the office, written by the ubiquitous Ace Greenberg. His fascination with saving on paper clips and lighting expenses should be a lesson to us all. At the time I read the book, I was so impressed with the content that I wrote to Mr Greenberg personally, and asked him for a job - need I say any more!!