An Enterprising Life: An Autobiography

Jay VanAndel was a titan in business, though gentle and quiet-spoken. His book tells a remarkably candid story of his journey from a young man to his life-long partnership with Rich DeVos. His intellect is such that you grow, just reading the book. And, you grow in compassion as well. I recommend this to everyone, so they can understand the value of the free enterprise system.

the straight forward honesty about integrity and persistence and faith and a friendship that lasted a lifetime

I really love to read autobiographies. This book did not disappoint. It is a very fascinating story. I really enjoyed reading it.

Another hyper influential leader of American history.

What an impressive individual, and a well documented and well-written book. Wow, what an inspiration, not just to Amway Global IBO's, but to all entrepreneurial thinkers and businessmen in general.

EVERY TIME I READ THIS BOOK I HAVE TO READ AT LEAST 50 PAGES OR SO. THE MAN HAS POURED OUT HIS WISDOM ABOUT HOW ANY BODY CAN HAVE A MULTIBILLION $ BUSINESS IN THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.A DIPLOMATIC TALK, VERY EASY FLOW OF STORIES WITH DEEP UNDERSTANDING MESSAGES ARE CONVEYED IN A VERY NATURAL FORMAT AS IF YOU ARE SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO THE MAN HIMSELF.THE BOOK IS EASY TO READ AND ONCE YOU START READING THE BOOK DO NOT GET SURPRISED AS YOU MAY FINISH THE BOOK IN TWO TO FIVE DAYS.THE MAN SHOWS THE PASSION FOR THE REFORM ABOUT FLAT TAX LAW OF 10%, FREE ENTERPRISING ECONOMY, THE REFORMS IN US POLITICS, THE LOVE FOR THE COMMUNITY, RESPONSIBILTY TOWARDS WEALTH HOW HE HAS SHARED MILLIONS OF $ TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE.HE SHARES HOW THE CAPITALISM AND WEALTH BRINGS WINGS OF FREEDOM AND ROOTS OF RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THE MANKIND AND YOUR FELLOW HUMAN BEING.HE ALSO SHARES HOW ONE COULD BE DANCING IN THE PEANUT BUTTER CONFUSING ACTIVITY WITH ACCOMPLISHMENT AND HOW YOU CAN MAKE A LEMONADE OUT OF A LEMON WITH ONE BASIC CONCEPT CALLED HARDWORK AND PRAYERS.THE BEST PART IS WHEN HE DESCRIBES WHENEVER THERE IS WEALTH GIVEN TO YOU IT IS GOING TO BE DISTRIBUTED EITHER BEFORE ONE'S DEATH OR AFTER. THE IDEA OF SHARING THE WEALTH BEFORE IS THAT YOU GET TO ENJOY THE FRUITS IN FRONT OF YOUR OWN EYES.AFTER BECOMING A BILLIONAIRE HE SHARES HIS FEELINGS. HE ADDS FURTHER WHERE HE GOES ON TO SHARE YOU CAN DRIVE ONLY ONE CAR, EAT ONE MEAL, SLEEP ON ONE BED AT A TIME-THAT IS LIMITED; BUT YOU CAN CREATE MULTIPLE TIMES WEALTH AND SHARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WITHOUT ANY LIMITATION.HE DESCRIBES IN THE BOOK WHAT HE WENT THROUGH WITH RICH DEVOS IN EARLY DAYS OF NUTRILITE COMPANY DISTRIBUTORSHIP AND WHY THAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE PROVIDED THE STRONG FOUNDATION FOR AMWAY PRINCIPLE OF LOYALTY, HONESTY INTEGRITY AND SINCERTY TO THE DISTRIBUTOR FORCE.A MUST READ FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES, THEIR CHILDREN, WIVES, FAMILIES, SOCITIES,CULTURE, HEALTH, AND MAKING A LASTING DIFFERNCE IN OHTER PEOPLES' LIFE IN POSITIVE WAY.

Now a day's most people doubt whether anybody can be wealthy in true sense on the godly principles. Jay's story is a phenomenal example that it's the only way. After reading the book I can say that Jay is the symbol of Persistence and Enthusiasm. The man with faith, courage, discipline, hope, love & character.He has written these things in the most entertaining way by covering different facets of his life. If someone want to see the true blend of godly principles in terms of economic self and spiritual self, this is it.He shares his experience varying from current tax structure & government regulations, to his views on how economic growth can be increased, to responsibilities of wealth, to businessman as Environmentalist, to enduring legacy. This is a story of faith, family and friendship.His life is a true example of great life, mind you not a good life, but great life. Quite few people are confused in between that. He went through all thick and thins with his lifetime friend Rich De Vos and they survived. They had the attitude of never giving up and breathing prayer all the time. That's awesome!I think that's the basic reason why Amway is so successful, which is envious company in business world. I am sure people will watch AMWAY growing from 7 Billion Dollars to 100 Billion Dollars with the blink of their eyes. Still few will wonder what happened but obviously they are making it happen. Because you know what Amway got a strong foundation of honesty and integrity and rewards are based on individual accomplishments, which is very clear in this book.I love one his statement in the book that " The task of every person on earth is to use everything he is given, every ability he has, to the ultimate glory of God." [Page 121, 9'Th line]Very few people live the life like Jay Van Andel!

Jay Van Andel, Co-founder of Amway Corporation, shows the reader how persistance and hard work in following a dream can reap great rewards, not only for oneself, but also many ordinary Americans who have joined the network.The author explained how sticking to Christian principles helped guide the life-long partnership with co-founder, Rich DeVos into a business approaching 8 billion in annual sales in under 40 years!Many Americans today find themselves forced into sending their wives into the work force just to pay the incredible taxes levied on us by our government. The corporation they started has given independent business owners at least one way to get out of the rat race and still be able to financially support themselves without the help of government programs.Their business was founded in the principles of integrity, trust, honesty, character and care for their customers and distributor network. Is it any surprise that their core products focus on being the best that can be bought and which are environmentally safe to boot? With the younger generation of Van Andels and DeVoses at the helm, I'm sure that the future will be very bright for Amway.The book is a must read for anyone wanting to start a business of one's own. The book was exciting and fast-paced and I couldn't put it down until I was finished.

Great book to read.