Only in America: From Immigrant to CEO [Hardcover]

Paul Oreffice (Author), Tom Hanlon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2006

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 Company�s 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.

Editorial Reviews

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�s 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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Stroud & Hall Publishers (June 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974537675
• ISBN-13: 978-0974537672
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating!, July 12, 2006

By 

Cot Campbell (Aiken, SC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Only in America: From Immigrant to CEO (Hardcover)

This book is fascinating. It's an interesting story to begin with, and is handled with skillful pace. Anyone concerned about getting bogged down with the nuts and bolts of the corporate world need not worry. This part is intriguing, colorful, and just thorough enough. All the people in this book come alive. When I finished, I wanted more! I thought I would like the book, but it greatly exceeded my expectations. I do not think Paul Oreffice exaggerated any aspect of it, and it still reads like a very spritely novel. High, high marks!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Tale, August 23, 2006

By 

Edward Bowen "Edward L. Bowen" (Versailles, KY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Only in America: From Immigrant to CEO (Hardcover)

While I am personally familiar with the author and was expecting an interesting book, I had no idea what an emotional thriller some sections would be. Mr. Oreffice was very generous in revealing his emotions, both about the hardships and fears visited upon his family and about the intimate feelings back and forth between himself and his family, especially his father.

It is appropriate that World War II receives so much attention, both from the fact that it was such an overriding influence on people of his generation and from the plain story telling reality that those stories are more compelling than business stories. The tale of his cousin who leapt from a train nearing a death camp is one of the most gripping stories of its kind I have ever read.

The balance is perfect. The lengthy business career is dealt with well, but not in too much detail. Yet, it provides for a full appreciation for the remarkable accomplishments.

All in all, the book celebrates its rather ambitious title and does justice to it. The jacket design is inspired, as that sweet little fact looking back from darkness evokes the Anne Frank images. Thus, to a reader of a certain age, an aura is created before the first page; then that opening story about a little boy wondering where his father was and beginning to learn about how adults struggle to protect children gets the book off to a stunning start.

The images of Mussolini and his troops are chilling, and yet Paul can go to the pleasant tales of his horsemanship without one hindering the other.

With the autobiography complete, we can only hope for a follow-up book made up of more randomly selected tales.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible and inspiring memoir, August 17, 2006

By 

Daniel E. Donnelly - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Only in America: From Immigrant to CEO (Hardcover)

I have known Paul Oreffice for a number of years, throughout which I have come to know him as a truly remarkable, caring, and sincere individual. In addition to being an interesting story, his book is a lesson in history, perseverance, integrity, common sense, and humility. I am confident that readers will find his book to be as fascinating and inspiring as the man who wrote it.