Big Red: Memoirs of a Texas Entrepreneur and Philanthropist - Hardcover

McCombs, Red

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0976669757 ISBN 13: 9780976669753

Publisher: Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin, 2010

Synopsis

Red McCombs has, in his words, "dabbled in automobiles, cattle, oil and gas, broadcasting, insurance, racehorses, motion pictures, real estate, politics, minor league baseball, and pro football." The successful businessman is also the cofounder of Clear Channel Communications, the former owner of two professional basketball teams, and a noted philanthropist. Published by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, Big Red is a candid first-person account of the life and times of this extraordinary Texan.

Based on a series of oral history interviews with Dr. Don Carleton, the book begins with an account of McCombs's childhood in the West Texas town of Spur, where he first went into business for himself at the age of ten by selling peanuts to farmworkers. McCombs started selling cars in Corpus Christi in 1950, and before long he was one of the most successful Ford dealers in the country. He moved to San Antonio in 1958 and built a business empire, always looking for his next great deal. Through all of his wheeling and dealing, however, McCombs says he's signed only one lifetime contract—with his wife, Charline.

McCombs's candid views on why U.S. automakers floundered, as well as his insights on the development of the highly successful Clear Channel Communications, are among the many behind-the-scenes accounts he relates about his remarkable life.

About this title

About the Author:

Car dealer and businessman RED MCCOMBS is cofounder of Clear Channel Communications, the former owner of several professional sports teams, and a noted philanthropist.
Dr. DON CARLETON is executive director of the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0976669757
• ISBN 13: 9780976669753
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 252