Reading rank 238
Insull: The Rise and Fall of a Billionaire Utility Tycoon
, subject: Samuel Insull and the rise and collapse of his utility empire, 1962
David examines how a gifted utility operator built an industry and then put his life’s work at risk through excessive leverage.
71
Coverage Score
4
Scored evidence
About the book
The biography examines the development of electric utilities, Insull’s operating and financing methods, and the trials that followed his downfall.
Why read it
Best if you want to examine utility operations, public education and how complex financing can threaten a successful business.
Key themes
- Systematize the operating business
- Provide service and explain it
- Protect the business from financing risk
Evidence and original sources
Sources: official Founders episodes — #336, #337
This record is supported by 8 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.
- Napoleon's Maxims and Strategy — David briefly recalls the previous week’s study of Insull while discussing surprise, macroeconomic resilience and public opinion in Napoleon’s maxims.