Insull: The Rise and Fall of a Billionaire Utility Tycoon
, subject: Samuel Insull and the rise and collapse of his utility empire
A dense study of industry-building that David uses to examine expansion, public trust, and the ruinous edge of leverage.
About the book
The biography covers Insull's construction of a network of utility holding companies, including Commonwealth Edison and Middle West Utilities, spanning more than thirty states, and the criminal indictment and acquittal that followed his companies' bankruptcy.
Why read it
Best if you want a demanding founder study that connects industry-building and public education with an unsparing warning about leverage and accountability.
Key themes
- Building an industry, not only a company
- Growth with operating discipline
- Leverage and final outcomes
Evidence and original sources
This record is supported by 13 public evidence rows linked to original Founders episodes.
- How To Lose A Few Billion Dollars: Samuel Insull — Episode is built around Insull: The Rise and Fall of a Billionaire Utility Tycoon by Forrest McDonald.
Unofficial listener-built companion, not affiliated with or endorsed by David Senra or Founders Podcast.