Only in America: From Immigrant to CEO - Hardcover

Oreffice, Paul

3.78

9 ratings by Goodreads

9780974537672: Only in America: From Immigrant to CEO

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0974537675 ISBN 13: 9780974537672

Publisher: Stroud & Hall Pub, 2006

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The United States is the land of opportunity and a society unique in the history of the world. It is only in America that an immigrant could create a new life. Only in America could someone arrive speaking fewer than fifty words of English and work through the ranks to become the CEO of a major company. This someone is Paul Oreffice and this is his story--the American story.

It begins in Italy, 1939. Mussolini is in power, and fascism is the rule of the day. Paul's father has not come home for twelve days, and his mother anticipates the worst. In fact, the fascist police have severely beaten Paul's father and thrown him in a tiny cell. For the sake of his family, Paul's father wins the heart of one of his jailers, who places an anonymous call to Paul's mother, relaying, "Your husband is alive."

Thus begins the adventure that brings Paul and his family to America by way of Switzerland first and then Ecuador, escaping to that country only eight days before Italy enters World War II. Once in America, he enrolls at Purdue University though he knew almost no English. After graduating and serving for two years in the US Army during the Korean War, Paul rises rapidly through The Dow Chemical Companys ranks, helping it go from a domestic company to an international powerhouse through his roles as CEO, president, and chairman.

Only in America weaves the story of Paul's immigration to America, revealing how difficult early experiences sharpened him and molded his outlook on management and life. He gives practical business advice--from someone who has been there--on how anyone, especially an immigrant, can seize the abundant opportunities this country offers, converting obstacles and setbacks into achievements and success.

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From the Back Cover:

Paul Oreffice became a great American business leader by first becoming a great American citizen and patriot. His story, told here with his customary brio, shows how the free enterprise system provides opportunity to talented and determined people whatever their origin and how it puts their talents to work on behalf of social welfare and prosperity.
DICK CHENEY

Only in America is the story of the Land of Opportunity and of an immigrant boy who made the most of it. Paul Oreffice is an American original, and his account of his rise to the pinnacle of business leadership is filled with drama, inspiration, and wisdom.
GERALD FORD 38th President of the United States

Paul Oreffice's remarkable tale of turning insurmountable obstacles into triumphs again and again is nothing short of inspiring.
NEWT GINGRICH Former Speaker of the House of Representatives

I have been an unabashed fan of Paul Oreffice for many years. As I have told everyone, he represents the best of what an American CEO is all about.
JACK WELCH Retired CEO, General Electric

Paul Oreffice affirms that the American dream is alive and well. You won't be able to put it down.
PETER UEBERROTH Former Commissioner of Major League Baseball

Paul Oreffice is the Vince Lombardi of the business world.
WILLIE DAVIS Member NFL Hall of Fame

Only in America is a must read for all immigrants who wish to succeed in this country. Paul Oreffice's journey from Venice, Italy, to CEO of one of the world's greatest corporations is proof that an immigrant can make it to the top. If, like Oreffice, newcomers learn English, get a good education, set goals, and work with determination, they too will succeed. America loves winners, especially those who succeed the old-fashioned way by working harder and smarter than their competitors.
DEXTER BAKER Former Chairman, National Assn. of Manufacturers and Air Products and Chemicals

About the Author:

PAUL OREFFICE was born in Venice, Italy, in 1927. In 1940 he moved with his family to Quito, Ecuador, and in 1945 came to the USA. He went directly to Purdue University where he graduated in February 1949 with a BS in Chemical Engineering.After two years in the US Army, Paul joined The Dow Chemical Company in February 1953. After a variety of international and management assignments, he became the president and CEO of the company in April 1978. He later added the title of chairman of the board. He retired in December 1992.Paul has served on the boards of CIGNA, Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Nortel. He is currently the chairman of Fairfield Homes and is on the board of Spirit Finance Corporation. He is also the chairman of The National Parkinson Foundation and on the visiting board of MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is the only recipient ever of all three medals awarded periodically by the world chemical industry.He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona; Lake Tahoe, Nevada; and Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife, JoAnn. He has two children and four grandchildren.

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