A Cut Above: How the Man Who Gave the World the Afro Made $$ Millions! [Hardcover]

Cornell McBride (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 20, 2006

FROM THE MAN WHO GAVE THE WORLD THE AFRO. It’s a fantasy many of us have: invent a product and make a million dollars. Cornell McBride, Sr. did just that—twice. By inventing one of the most famous hair-care products in history, Cornell created one of the country’s most successful African-American-owned companies. Cornell’s creation was Sta Sof Fro, a revolutionary hair-care formula that would eventually give the world the “Afro.” Starting out with an investment of $500, his M&M Products Company exploded onto the scene as sales of Sta Sof Fro skyrocketed. Within five years, M&M Products was a multi-million dollar company. Cornell was a millionaire by age 35. This is Cornell’s dramatic story, packed with the lessons he learned for creating and recognizing opportunities and figuring out how to overcome any obstacle placed in his path. It is a powerful tale that details triumphs as well as disappointments. "A Cut Above" shares the steps this great American leader followed on his road to success and embodies his corporate motto: "Always giving back." It is a true rags-to-riches American success story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The history of the evolution of the African-American hair-care business would not be complete without this inspiring story..." --Bonnie L. Krueger, Editorial Services Director, Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine

"Cornell McBrid's philosophy is simple: Putting people first -- and that includes your employees -- means bigger profits..." --Bob Johnson, Founder and Chairman, Bet/Entertaimant Television

"This book reveals the author's secrets for success in both business and life." --Honorable Andrew Young, Chairman, GoodWorks International, Former Mayor of Atlanta, Civil Rights Activist, Former U.S. Ambassador for the United Nations

About the Author

Cornell McBride, Sr., is co-founder of M&M Products Company and McBride Research Laboratories. Air Force veteran, pharmacist, inventor, entrepreneur, author — today McBride travels the country, not only in support of his products, but also as a motivational speaker. He is a regular columnist for Sophisticate's Black Hair Style and Care Guide and has been on the cutting edge of the ethnic hair care industry for over thirty years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: MRL Publishing (January 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976859505
• ISBN-13: 978-0976859505
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,299,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book written by a business pioneer., July 12, 2011

By 

Kim D. Smith "Delta Girl" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: A Cut Above: How the Man Who Gave the World the Afro Made $$ Millions! (Hardcover)

This book was written by Cornell McBride Sr. The man who created Sta Sof Fro, an original product that catapulted him to millionaire status before he was 35.
He details the factors in his early life that led to his success. He also gives a step by step account of how he became a millionaire.
He is not only an entrepreneur, but an inventor, visionary and family man.
I had a chance to speak with him and get him to autograph my copy of his book.
He thinks for the 3rd and 4th generation in terms of business longevity.
He has a lot to offer in terms of wisdom and his book details the good, the bad, and the ugly of his rise to fame and having to sell his original creation to stay afloat financially.

Yet, like the phoenix, he rose again to create another multi-million dollar company.

A true business icon who has much to tell those desirous of business success.
Additionally, he is a great African American Icon because he came from humble beginings and was self-made. He retains his humble persona despite his great achievements!

I recommend his book as required reading for all who want to be inspired and succeed in life.

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars, December 29, 2010

By 

chon - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Cut Above: How the Man Who Gave the World the Afro Made $$ Millions! (Hardcover)

I enjoyed the book. I thought I was getting a new book, however it was already signed by the author to another person.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful success story: Rags to Riches in Georgia., April 4, 2007

By 

BookMan (Columbus, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Cut Above: How the Man Who Gave the World the Afro Made $$ Millions! (Hardcover)

A neighbor gave me a copy... I'm so glad he did! I read this book in one day which I never do.

A Cut Above is the autobiographical story of the author's determination to make a better life for himself and his family. The son of a black Savannah Georgian mill worker McBride's story is not simply a story of inventing and growing a business. His story also includes accounts of unfair discrimination which was prevalant at the time. This is not a bitter story. It simply illustrates what an intelligent young black entrepreneur was up against in the 1960's and 1970's. Those with a desire to start their own business from scratch will find this book inspirational.

Many references to Atlanta and Savannah, GA as this is where the bulk of the story occurs.