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Building a Company: Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empires
Without Roy, the world might never have known Walt. As his younger brother Walt Disney dreamed, drew, and imagined, Roy O. Disney stayed in the shadows, forming an empire. A brilliant financier and businessman, Roy helped turn Walt Disney's dreams into reality, building the company that bears his brother's name.
Closer than the Warners or the Gershwins, Roy and Walt's lifelong partnership had its stormy moments, but neither of them ever wavered from their joint goal of producing high-quality family entertainment. While Walt's pen gave birth to Mickey Mouse, Roy founded the Buena Vista Distribution Company, brought Disneyland to a fledgling medium called television, and pioneered a merchandising business that would put Mickey on shelves from Brooklyn to Beijing.
After Walt's death in 1966, Roy postponed his retirement and tirelessly devoted his energies to completing the theme park Walt had begun in Florida. When it was finished, Roy named it Walt Disney World, "so people will know that this was Walt's dream."
Building a Company is a fully authorized look at the other Disney genius, featuring never-before-published interviews, notes, letters, and photographs.
Closer than the Warners or the Gershwins, Roy and Walt's lifelong partnership had its stormy moments, but neither of them ever wavered from their joint goal of producing high-quality family entertainment. While Walt's pen gave birth to Mickey Mouse, Roy founded the Buena Vista Distribution Company, brought Disneyland to a fledgling medium called television, and pioneered a merchandising business that would put Mickey on shelves from Brooklyn to Beijing.
After Walt's death in 1966, Roy postponed his retirement and tirelessly devoted his energies to completing the theme park Walt had begun in Florida. When it was finished, Roy named it Walt Disney World, "so people will know that this was Walt's dream."
Building a Company is a fully authorized look at the other Disney genius, featuring never-before-published interviews, notes, letters, and photographs.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 1998
12 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Bob Thomas
131 books33 followersRobert Joseph "Bob" Thomas was an American Hollywood film industry biographer and reporter who worked for the Associated Press from 1944.
Born in San Diego, he grew up in Los Angeles, where his father was a film publicist. He attended UCLA. He lived in Encino with his wife, Patricia. They have three daughters. Thomas, aged 92, died on March 14, 2014 at his home.
Thomas made his mark by engaging celebrities in activities that brought out their personalities, whether by measuring their waistline after childbirth (as he did with Betty Grable) or testing just how tall a leading lady needed to be by kissing her himself (as he did with June Haver). Acclaimed as the dean of Hollywood reporters, Bob Thomas wrote about the movie business for the Associated Press since the days when Hollywood was run by the men who founded it: Jack Warner, Darryl F. Zanuck, Harry Cohn and Louis B. Mayer.
During his long history of reporting for the AP, Thomas authored at least 30 books. Many in the film industry credit his 1969 biography of producer Irving G. Thalberg as sparking their interest in pursuing a career behind the scenes. Other Thomas biographies include Joan Crawford, Marlon Brando, David O. Selznick, Walter Winchell, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Howard Hughes, Abbott & Costello, Walt Disney, and a children's book, Walt Disney: Magician of the Movies. - Wikipedia
Born in San Diego, he grew up in Los Angeles, where his father was a film publicist. He attended UCLA. He lived in Encino with his wife, Patricia. They have three daughters. Thomas, aged 92, died on March 14, 2014 at his home.
Thomas made his mark by engaging celebrities in activities that brought out their personalities, whether by measuring their waistline after childbirth (as he did with Betty Grable) or testing just how tall a leading lady needed to be by kissing her himself (as he did with June Haver). Acclaimed as the dean of Hollywood reporters, Bob Thomas wrote about the movie business for the Associated Press since the days when Hollywood was run by the men who founded it: Jack Warner, Darryl F. Zanuck, Harry Cohn and Louis B. Mayer.
During his long history of reporting for the AP, Thomas authored at least 30 books. Many in the film industry credit his 1969 biography of producer Irving G. Thalberg as sparking their interest in pursuing a career behind the scenes. Other Thomas biographies include Joan Crawford, Marlon Brando, David O. Selznick, Walter Winchell, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Howard Hughes, Abbott & Costello, Walt Disney, and a children's book, Walt Disney: Magician of the Movies. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 14, 2012
At first it reads like any other Disney history with the same names and history as Walt biographies. In the middle though we finally get a picture of how Roy influenced the Studio, kept it going, told Walt he was crazy has he scampered to find another 4 million dollars. Having just written a book myself that includes my own memories of Disney I felt that my memories of the Studio as family are correct on Roy Disney's business side of things. My Father who worked under Roy and then O.B. Johnston was Head of Publication and many Disney reps came to our our to meet "An All American Family." Bob Thomas conveys how some others overseas where surprised and at first embarrassed that Roy Disney wanted to come to their house with his wife Edna and meet the children. These were the memories I had as well as I correspond with a few who became family to me even though my father died 35 years ago when I was 16. Bob Thomas's accounts reinforce what I had felt as a child. What I did find rather sad was that both Roy and Walt worked until their death, never having a chance to kick back and enjoy this business they fought tooth and nail to build from the ground up. If you've built a successful life for yourself and have a chance to retire and at the same time have other interests to take up then do it while you have health. Health is fragile and can be zapped when no one is looking. Thank you Bob Thomas for a fairly detailed account of the Walt Disney Studios.
January 30, 2018
My general life pattern has been to visit a place, get interested in it, and want to learn more. Then, after reading, I always wish I could go back and visit again. Finally I’m getting smart with this. I knew I would be going to Disney World, so I decided *first* to read a book about its founder. Well, actually, one of its founders. I read “Building a Company, Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire.” Why read about Roy, Walt’s older brother, instead of Walt himself? I’m not sure, but this book was on my “to read” books list at Goodreads. That probably means either that I read something favorable about it earlier. No matter, there was plenty about Walt himself in the book too.
I knew that Walt Disney had a brother who was the business genius behind the Disney organization, but that’s about it.
Let’s start with a little background: there were five Disney children: three boys (Roy being the youngest), then, after an 8 year gap, another boy — Walt — and a girl. It came across clearly that Walt was the free-spirited one, while Roy was the responsible older sibling who provided the consistency that helped him achieve success. One example is that, as a young man interested in cartooning and creating movies, Walt often hung around the Universal and MGM, on the pretense of looking for a job. “He had a persistency, an optimism about him, all the time.” Meanwhile, Roy was working and providing funds for Walt’s needs when he ran out (which happened often). It’s interesting to note that Roy had only a high school diploma.
Roy’s assessment of his role in the Disney company was this: “Walt always had his way around. He was the guy, he was just irresistible, and he was so X$X%*& right about it. That’s why I say, if I contributed anything, I contributed honest management for him. It wasn’t that he wasn’t smart enough if he applied himself. He was always disinterested in figures, legal work, and all that stuff. It just took time away from what he wanted to be thinking about. So he’d have been easy prey for somebody to twist him and take him.”
Roy came across as the stable, business-like ying to Walt’s artistic-mercurial yang. The brothers generally got along, although their wives commiserated over the “Disney disposition” that led them to fiery disagreements and even to a period of a few years in later life where they didn’t talk to each other.
Origins of Mickey Mouse
One interesting thing on the origin of Mickey Mouse as a character was that Disney originally worked with a character called Oswald the Rabbit. That didn’t go over too well, and he came up with a mouse, which he planned to call Mortimer. His wife Lilly said, “That doesn’t sound very good,” and she made up the name Mickey.
Walt vs. Roy
Much of this book contrasted Walt and Roy, which was interesting. Roy was generally the peacemaker of the family, the calm, steady one. Many who worked at the Disney studios remembered Roy asking about their families and praising their work, while Walt rarely did this. “Walt’s boys” were motivated by the sheer genius of the man rather than by any positive feedback he gave them.
Roy was so unassuming that some people didn’t even know he was a Disney. There’s a story where he makes a suggestion to an animator, who angrily says to him, “Who do you think you are, God?”
Roy answers, “No, I’m his brother.”
Roy was frugal in his personal life as well as in his business endeavors. Throughout his adult years, he received disability checks from the government for contracting tuberculosis while in the navy in WWI. However, he insisted that he suffered no ill effects from this and tried to return the checks (he never figured out how to do this, so he just refused to cash them).
Walt Disney statue at Disney World
Walt is memorialized at Disney World, while most don’t even know Roy’s name.
Disney Parks
I enjoyed reading about the Disney progression from cartoons to movies to theme parks. First of the parks was California’s Disneyland, and Walt often said there would never be another one. He often spent the night at the park and roamed it after it closed, making note of things he wanted to upgrade and “plus.” Roy was the one left with the responsibility of finding funding for all this.
In the midst of the beginning plans for Disney World, Walt became increasingly sick. He blamed an old injury he got playing polo, and had surgery. But the doctor found a spot on his lung, and told him he had 6 months to two years to live. He went right back to work, not discussing this with anyone. Two months later, he died, at age 65. His sudden death, and the family’s quiet about it, led to some strange conspiracy theories. One was that Walt had had himself frozen in hopes of coming back to life at a later time. Roy continued to run the business as best he could, and he hoped to die quickly when his time came. He did, of a stroke at 78.
An associate said of the brothers: “I’ve always felt how fortunate the two guys were, Walt and Roy, how much they needed each other. I don’t know if they knew it or ever thought about it. But I’ve often wondered what might have happened if they hadn’t been together. Walt might have ended up working for Walter Lantz, because he wasn’t a businessman. And Roy could have ended up manager of a Bank of America in Glendale.”
I should note that this book was authorized by the family, and thus there isn’t a lot negative about them. That’s fine, although I would like to hear any bits of “the other side” that might be out there. Overall, “Building a Company, Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire” is an interesting read, if the Disney story interests you.
I knew that Walt Disney had a brother who was the business genius behind the Disney organization, but that’s about it.
Let’s start with a little background: there were five Disney children: three boys (Roy being the youngest), then, after an 8 year gap, another boy — Walt — and a girl. It came across clearly that Walt was the free-spirited one, while Roy was the responsible older sibling who provided the consistency that helped him achieve success. One example is that, as a young man interested in cartooning and creating movies, Walt often hung around the Universal and MGM, on the pretense of looking for a job. “He had a persistency, an optimism about him, all the time.” Meanwhile, Roy was working and providing funds for Walt’s needs when he ran out (which happened often). It’s interesting to note that Roy had only a high school diploma.
Roy’s assessment of his role in the Disney company was this: “Walt always had his way around. He was the guy, he was just irresistible, and he was so X$X%*& right about it. That’s why I say, if I contributed anything, I contributed honest management for him. It wasn’t that he wasn’t smart enough if he applied himself. He was always disinterested in figures, legal work, and all that stuff. It just took time away from what he wanted to be thinking about. So he’d have been easy prey for somebody to twist him and take him.”
Roy came across as the stable, business-like ying to Walt’s artistic-mercurial yang. The brothers generally got along, although their wives commiserated over the “Disney disposition” that led them to fiery disagreements and even to a period of a few years in later life where they didn’t talk to each other.
Origins of Mickey Mouse
One interesting thing on the origin of Mickey Mouse as a character was that Disney originally worked with a character called Oswald the Rabbit. That didn’t go over too well, and he came up with a mouse, which he planned to call Mortimer. His wife Lilly said, “That doesn’t sound very good,” and she made up the name Mickey.
Walt vs. Roy
Much of this book contrasted Walt and Roy, which was interesting. Roy was generally the peacemaker of the family, the calm, steady one. Many who worked at the Disney studios remembered Roy asking about their families and praising their work, while Walt rarely did this. “Walt’s boys” were motivated by the sheer genius of the man rather than by any positive feedback he gave them.
Roy was so unassuming that some people didn’t even know he was a Disney. There’s a story where he makes a suggestion to an animator, who angrily says to him, “Who do you think you are, God?”
Roy answers, “No, I’m his brother.”
Roy was frugal in his personal life as well as in his business endeavors. Throughout his adult years, he received disability checks from the government for contracting tuberculosis while in the navy in WWI. However, he insisted that he suffered no ill effects from this and tried to return the checks (he never figured out how to do this, so he just refused to cash them).
Walt Disney statue at Disney World
Walt is memorialized at Disney World, while most don’t even know Roy’s name.
Disney Parks
I enjoyed reading about the Disney progression from cartoons to movies to theme parks. First of the parks was California’s Disneyland, and Walt often said there would never be another one. He often spent the night at the park and roamed it after it closed, making note of things he wanted to upgrade and “plus.” Roy was the one left with the responsibility of finding funding for all this.
In the midst of the beginning plans for Disney World, Walt became increasingly sick. He blamed an old injury he got playing polo, and had surgery. But the doctor found a spot on his lung, and told him he had 6 months to two years to live. He went right back to work, not discussing this with anyone. Two months later, he died, at age 65. His sudden death, and the family’s quiet about it, led to some strange conspiracy theories. One was that Walt had had himself frozen in hopes of coming back to life at a later time. Roy continued to run the business as best he could, and he hoped to die quickly when his time came. He did, of a stroke at 78.
An associate said of the brothers: “I’ve always felt how fortunate the two guys were, Walt and Roy, how much they needed each other. I don’t know if they knew it or ever thought about it. But I’ve often wondered what might have happened if they hadn’t been together. Walt might have ended up working for Walter Lantz, because he wasn’t a businessman. And Roy could have ended up manager of a Bank of America in Glendale.”
I should note that this book was authorized by the family, and thus there isn’t a lot negative about them. That’s fine, although I would like to hear any bits of “the other side” that might be out there. Overall, “Building a Company, Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire” is an interesting read, if the Disney story interests you.
December 6, 2014
This was my first encounter with any kind of Disney biography or history of the Disney company, so I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I could see how others would say that the information is repeated in other historical accounts of the company (The author does mention that he took much of his information from the Disney Archives), but I appreciated that this book focused on Roy's point of view. As a business student, it's fascinating and inspiring to read about a company that encountered so many struggles throughout its life. Thomas does a great job of conveying these struggles and how Roy O. Disney was really the unsung hero of the Disney Company.
May 3, 2019
A very enjoyable read about that other Disney genius. I picked it up after reflecting on how my time working for Walt Disney World in 2006 has shaped my professional attitudes.
Roy was the behind the scenes guy keeping the books and contracts tidy so Walt could create. From their early fights with distributors to Roy's fights after Walt's death with his successors and in the creation of the CalArts school. It's also a delightfully funny book. All I'll say on that front is I wasn't expecting "God bless em, let em pee" to be a quote from Roy O Disney. But he said that. Read the book if you want to know why.
I must admit some disappointment in the book's handling of some of the innovations in 20th century business and marketing Roy helped develop, but there's plenty of material there and it felt well worth the effort. What I missed in this or that was more than made up for with some spectacular details about Roy and Walt's father as an migrant serial entrepreneur socialist or getting a better look at how Roy managed to fund Walt Disney World without taking on any debt.
Well played all around.
Roy was the behind the scenes guy keeping the books and contracts tidy so Walt could create. From their early fights with distributors to Roy's fights after Walt's death with his successors and in the creation of the CalArts school. It's also a delightfully funny book. All I'll say on that front is I wasn't expecting "God bless em, let em pee" to be a quote from Roy O Disney. But he said that. Read the book if you want to know why.
I must admit some disappointment in the book's handling of some of the innovations in 20th century business and marketing Roy helped develop, but there's plenty of material there and it felt well worth the effort. What I missed in this or that was more than made up for with some spectacular details about Roy and Walt's father as an migrant serial entrepreneur socialist or getting a better look at how Roy managed to fund Walt Disney World without taking on any debt.
Well played all around.
June 23, 2022
Appreciated the spotlight on Roy O Disney rather than Walt and Walt's Boys.
Delves into more of the issues of running the business, such as
- Merchandising returns
- Bank of America negotiations
- Financing & funding through convertible debentures
- Litigation of copyright infringement and knockoffs
- Travel expenses & tax deductions
- ABC contract negotiations
- Disneyland ownership buybacks
The focus on business, while never as detailed as I'd like, provides more practical information than simply the stuff of leadership & dreams that you find in other Disney books. As such, the information is more actionable.
Delves into more of the issues of running the business, such as
- Merchandising returns
- Bank of America negotiations
- Financing & funding through convertible debentures
- Litigation of copyright infringement and knockoffs
- Travel expenses & tax deductions
- ABC contract negotiations
- Disneyland ownership buybacks
The focus on business, while never as detailed as I'd like, provides more practical information than simply the stuff of leadership & dreams that you find in other Disney books. As such, the information is more actionable.
September 18, 2023
The level of detail in this biography is both its greatest asset and its greatest detriment. On the one hand, it's full of fascinating anecdotes about Walt and Roy O. Disney's lives and the growth of their company, including some stories that are not normally included in the "Disney legend." On the other hand, often these anecdotes are so meticulously detailed that they become boring and difficult to read. I caught myself skimming a lot in the second half of the book.
December 12, 2018
The forgotten Disney brother (who seemed to like it that way) gets thrown into the spotlight in this fascinating book. I had no idea how monumental Roy had been in the success of the Disney empire, and from the larger-than-life stories of building a world-enveloping brand to the simpler brotherly quarrels and brotherly love, I resonated with this incredible biography so much.
October 8, 2024
An excellent read about an under appreciated, and oft overlooked, key player in the history of Disney. While often times feeling similar to Walt Disney: An American Original, this book does a wonderful job highlighting how integral a part of the history of Disney Roy was. I strongly recommend this book - not just to Disney fans, but to anyone interested in overcoming adversity.
December 21, 2017
Great book about a man who had almost as much to do with the creation of the Walt Disney Company as Walt did. And he is the man who forged through after Walt passed away to continue on and build Walt Disney World. And it gives a different perspective about Walt as well.
November 16, 2020
This book was really well written. Roy Disney was often considered the quiet brother and the ignored brother in many ways. Without him, though, the Disney Company would not exist. I enjoyed getting a different perspective on the history of Disney.
July 7, 2017
A great read and lesson for those who are trying to balance an artistic vision with the business of the marketplace. The combination of Walt & Roy is a winner.
November 7, 2020
[Hardback] Hands down one of the best biographies I’ve ever read. So well written, so in depth. I couldn’t put it down. A must read for any Disney fan!
June 24, 2022
Wonderful insight into the creation of the biggest corporation of today's world, and a reminder that everyone starts small.
July 11, 2016
So inspiring, so interesting, so everything. If you're interested at all in how Disney came to be and like biographies, this one should pique your interest. This is my second biography this year, and it may be my new favorite genre. Learned so much about the different styles of Walt and Roy and how the company would not be standing today if not for Roy, yet he did not demand credit at all. SO humble, and the way their relationship formed and evolved over time is fascinating.
Walt is starting to challenge my worldview of things one has to be if one is a good leader -- his talent and skillset made up for a lack of what I would call key traits of a leader, e.g. giving praise to those who do well, having a work life balance, just a couple examples of things he definitely didn't have/do. On the other hand, Roy, as the one who managed the business side of things and was ultimately the reason the company stayed afloat financially, had most of the required leadership qualities -- which to me points out the importance of business students developing those qualities if they are to have much value to any organization. Without those skills, people would not have followed him, would not have made business deals with him, etc. They were both wicked smart, just in different ways. Their shared values naturally shaped the company culture. I would love to research more now about how the culture has either stayed same/changed since their deaths decades ago.
I also love the role of Edna in both of their lives - I definitely admire her. :) So headstrong, funny, honest, smart.
BRB, going to watch a Disney movie. Or, does anyone want to go to Disneyworld?
Walt is starting to challenge my worldview of things one has to be if one is a good leader -- his talent and skillset made up for a lack of what I would call key traits of a leader, e.g. giving praise to those who do well, having a work life balance, just a couple examples of things he definitely didn't have/do. On the other hand, Roy, as the one who managed the business side of things and was ultimately the reason the company stayed afloat financially, had most of the required leadership qualities -- which to me points out the importance of business students developing those qualities if they are to have much value to any organization. Without those skills, people would not have followed him, would not have made business deals with him, etc. They were both wicked smart, just in different ways. Their shared values naturally shaped the company culture. I would love to research more now about how the culture has either stayed same/changed since their deaths decades ago.
I also love the role of Edna in both of their lives - I definitely admire her. :) So headstrong, funny, honest, smart.
BRB, going to watch a Disney movie. Or, does anyone want to go to Disneyworld?
July 10, 2014
If you've read other books on Walt Disney, I'm sure a god deal of the information here would be repeated, but, the author makes an effort to share the information of the founding of the Disney company from the perspective of Roy whenever available, and from the point of view of the hard core financial difficulties and such the brothers went through over the years during the forming of the company.
As far as the story and information goes, I enjoyed it well enough, but there was a great deal of cursing quoted from the two brothers, too much for my tastes, as well as one short story of Roy and his wife with their struggles having children and their intimate relations which I did not prefer to read.
As far as the story and information goes, I enjoyed it well enough, but there was a great deal of cursing quoted from the two brothers, too much for my tastes, as well as one short story of Roy and his wife with their struggles having children and their intimate relations which I did not prefer to read.
August 24, 2015
After reading several biographies on Walt Disney some of this book was familiar but I enjoyed revisiting that information as well as learning more about Roy and his role in building the Disney Empire. It was also fun for me to learn we have much in common, our diets, meat and potatoes, and love of reading biographies.
If anyone really wants to know how the Walt Disney Company was built and learn more about the man who fulfilled Walt's dream and completed Disneyland East, Walt Disney World, you need to read this book.
If anyone really wants to know how the Walt Disney Company was built and learn more about the man who fulfilled Walt's dream and completed Disneyland East, Walt Disney World, you need to read this book.
February 15, 2015
I enjoyed this story of the Disney company - because, really, that's what it is. A brief history of the Disney family, followed by the tale of how the entertainment company grew. While parts of it do focus specifically on Roy O.'s life, most of the information herein could be found in any WED biography. I liked it: the story was interesting and readable, without getting into too many business details, but not particularly unique.
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September 16, 2012I found the book to be quite interesting. Disney has always been an established company in my lifetime, so reading about the beginnings and the pitfalls that the Disney brothers experienced in the early years was illuminating. That being said, the authors writing style was very challenging to read. He skipped back and forth through time and event which made following along with the creation of the company rather difficult.
August 10, 2011
I LOVED the book it TRULY gave me an insight on the back story behind the Walt Disney Company! Gave me an idea of all the hard work and $ that needed to be brought in to start what we call an "EMPIRE" today! Walt & Roy are 2 of the MOST AMAZING individuals and their life story is pretty amazing!!
August 17, 2010
A terrific account of how the Disney Company was built, specifically the role that Roy O. Disney played (which does not get the attention that it deserves, because most of Walt's dreams would have likely failed without his older brother there to make the financing work).
October 24, 2016
This book isn't for everyone. If you are the kind of person who read DisneyWar twice, then you will love this book's perspective. If you aren't, then it probably isn't for you. I enjoyed it a lot. I am fascinated by Roy Disney and don't think he gets enough credit as a business superstar.
March 30, 2013
A must-read company profile for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs.
September 1, 2013
I really enjoyed getting a different view of a company that I love and enjoy. It is a beautiful story about a very important man for Disney.
February 20, 2016
Not much to say here. Another great read by Bob Thomas. Enjoyed it almost as much as his bio on Walt.
May 16, 2016
A well overview of Roy Disney. Older brother of Walt.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews