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How to Build a Business Warren Buffett Would Buy: The R. C. Willey Story by Jeff Benedict
Any entrepreneur will love and appreciate this fascinating story sharing the life lessons that Bill Child learned as he built R. C. Willey, a highly successful furniture business eventually bought out by the legendary Warren Buffett. Lessons on leadership, frugality, honesty, integrity, innovation, and customer service will inspire and motivate readers. How do you take a good company and make it one that billionaire Warren Buffett would buy? The blueprints are in the footprints of a remarkable Bill Child. Here are just a few of Bill s Character and work ethic carry more weight than resumes. Change is an essential ingredient for success in the retail industry. Companies that don t adapt don t last. Delegation is vital to growing a small business. True delegation only exists when the leader trusts his people enough to allow them to perform their responsibilities without constant interference.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Benedict
38 books172 followersJeff Benedict conducted the first national study on sexual assault and athletes. He has published three books on athletes and crime, including a blistering exposé on the NFL, Pros and Cons: The Criminals Who Play in the NFL, and Public Heroes, Private Felons: Athletes and Crimes Against Women. He is a lawyer and an investigative journalist who has written five books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 28, 2021
This is a such a great story and one of Utah’s early hallmark business successes.
The Childs brothers really were pioneers in their own right, particularly as it pertains to owning the full vertical customer experience (advertising, furniture purchase, finance, delivery, and installation).
They are also a strong example of religious conviction and Christian principles that they firmly followed as they managed their business.
The Childs brothers really were pioneers in their own right, particularly as it pertains to owning the full vertical customer experience (advertising, furniture purchase, finance, delivery, and installation).
They are also a strong example of religious conviction and Christian principles that they firmly followed as they managed their business.
April 20, 2025
The RC Willey Story is a pleasant and inspiring read—a classic feel-good business tale. The protagonist, Bill Child, stands out as a steady, humble leader who perseveres through adversity and gradually builds one of America’s most successful retail chains. His journey is not one of flashy innovation but of relentless consistency, smart decisions, and the discipline to show up every day and do the right thing.
The book doesn’t necessarily introduce groundbreaking business ideas, but that’s part of its charm. It reinforces the notion that success often stems from clear values, continuous improvement, and surrounding yourself with the right people. A solid reminder that greatness is built one decision at a time.
Near the end the book writes how Bill goes against Warren Buffet around expansions in Broise and Las Vegas, it would have been interesting to read what business thinking and drivers Bill motivated to push through and what ultimately led to the big successes there.
The book doesn’t necessarily introduce groundbreaking business ideas, but that’s part of its charm. It reinforces the notion that success often stems from clear values, continuous improvement, and surrounding yourself with the right people. A solid reminder that greatness is built one decision at a time.
Near the end the book writes how Bill goes against Warren Buffet around expansions in Broise and Las Vegas, it would have been interesting to read what business thinking and drivers Bill motivated to push through and what ultimately led to the big successes there.
December 30, 2018
As I got more involved in private equity and venture capital, everyone and their mother told me that if I wanted to be a good investor, reading everything I could about great investors was a requirement. I don’t remember where I first heard about Warren Buffet, but I’m grateful to my parents for getting me his biography, Snowball, for Christmas in 2013. Many thanks to the BYU Rollins Center for giving me my copy of this book. As much as I knew about Warren Buffet, hearing about his interactions with a Utah business, especially one where not being open on Sundays was such a strategic decision, was impactful.
March 29, 2022
Informative, quick read.
December 2, 2024
wonderful story; furniture retailing is not easy, but the hard bit's the discipline
June 23, 2009
Being raised in Syracuse,UT, the home of RC Willey I was naturally interested in reading the story of the company. I can remember going to Willey's on President's Day or Pioneer Day to get hot dogs or cherry pies, but after being in the business world and reading plenty of business cases I wanted to know how people that I knew personally did it.
First, I'm not a huge fan of the business case writing style. The book felt like a big bullet list put into paragraph form. I would have liked to see this same content in more of a narrative style.
With that said, I love to read about companies who do it right and succeed. A business needs to be innovative and distinct among its competitors and certainly RC Willey has done that, from marketing, operational and finance perspective, but what really sets the company apart is it's interest in people and relationships. One of the core principles of the company is putting people first whether that be employees or customers. Bill espouses the idea that if you expect great customer service, you'd better treat your employees in the same way. It's more than just lip service like many companies give to customer service or employee relations.
He also was never satisfied with the performance of the company, himself or the employees. His quote is that "we can only stand on the laurels of yesterday for a few moments and then we need to address the challenges of tomorrow." A company needs to strive to constantly self-evaluate and be a better company tomorrow.
Finally, I like the business principle he focuses on in building a company to last and not trying to squeeze every dollar out of the company for personal gain. Too many CEOs are only out to see how much money they can make instead of how to build a strong company that will be dynamic and innovative long-term. As an executive, when you are fully invested in a company you sacrifice to make that happen and give up some potential personal gain.
I have to share one story from the book in this regard. Since the Child's are LDS they have always kept the store closed on Sunday. When Warren Buffett purchased the company in 1995 he didn't think that concept would fly in other markets. Bill Child, though, believed in it and took $9 million out of his pocket to expand into Boise, Idaho to prove this point. He was wildly successful even though the store remained closed on the sabbath. The company then opened 2 stores in Las Vegas and one in Sacramento which were equally, if not more, successful.
Bottom line, this is a great book for understanding the principles of building a strong, principle-based business. Bill Child is a great example of working hard, valuing people, being innovative and sticking to principles. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how to build a business or how to approach business from a principled perspective.
First, I'm not a huge fan of the business case writing style. The book felt like a big bullet list put into paragraph form. I would have liked to see this same content in more of a narrative style.
With that said, I love to read about companies who do it right and succeed. A business needs to be innovative and distinct among its competitors and certainly RC Willey has done that, from marketing, operational and finance perspective, but what really sets the company apart is it's interest in people and relationships. One of the core principles of the company is putting people first whether that be employees or customers. Bill espouses the idea that if you expect great customer service, you'd better treat your employees in the same way. It's more than just lip service like many companies give to customer service or employee relations.
He also was never satisfied with the performance of the company, himself or the employees. His quote is that "we can only stand on the laurels of yesterday for a few moments and then we need to address the challenges of tomorrow." A company needs to strive to constantly self-evaluate and be a better company tomorrow.
Finally, I like the business principle he focuses on in building a company to last and not trying to squeeze every dollar out of the company for personal gain. Too many CEOs are only out to see how much money they can make instead of how to build a strong company that will be dynamic and innovative long-term. As an executive, when you are fully invested in a company you sacrifice to make that happen and give up some potential personal gain.
I have to share one story from the book in this regard. Since the Child's are LDS they have always kept the store closed on Sunday. When Warren Buffett purchased the company in 1995 he didn't think that concept would fly in other markets. Bill Child, though, believed in it and took $9 million out of his pocket to expand into Boise, Idaho to prove this point. He was wildly successful even though the store remained closed on the sabbath. The company then opened 2 stores in Las Vegas and one in Sacramento which were equally, if not more, successful.
Bottom line, this is a great book for understanding the principles of building a strong, principle-based business. Bill Child is a great example of working hard, valuing people, being innovative and sticking to principles. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how to build a business or how to approach business from a principled perspective.
February 11, 2017
The story of R. C. Welley: growing from a small hole-in-the-wall operation with sales of $250,000 in the tiny town of Syracuse, Utah (not New York) into a business that controlled more than fifty percent of all furniture and more than one-third of all the electronics sold in the state with sales of $250 million by the time when the business was bought by Warren Buffett. Some key features that can be found in Bill Child, who inherited the business from his father-in-law, and grew it into such a success: Integrity, hard-working, selecting talents he is familiar with and delegating with trust; anticipating and embracing changes.
Another interesting aspect is how Warren Buffett bought the business: offered $170million (15% lower than what the market had offered through investment banks) only a few days after simply reviewing the financial statements and talked with Bill over the phone. But Buffett's reputable hands-off approach and long term commitment won him the deal. Buffett won't be called generous but is very fair. He provided the options to buy with either cash or stock and offered to lock the stock price to prevent down side risk to the seller. He bought the business but more importantly won over the self-driven entrepreneurs.
Another interesting aspect is how Warren Buffett bought the business: offered $170million (15% lower than what the market had offered through investment banks) only a few days after simply reviewing the financial statements and talked with Bill over the phone. But Buffett's reputable hands-off approach and long term commitment won him the deal. Buffett won't be called generous but is very fair. He provided the options to buy with either cash or stock and offered to lock the stock price to prevent down side risk to the seller. He bought the business but more importantly won over the self-driven entrepreneurs.
June 1, 2016
What a cheesy title! And yet, a wonderful read.
This is the story of RC Willey - a furniture and appliance store that Berkshire bought in 1995.
You get an insight into
The American Mid West work ethic
The Mormon culture
How a no-Sunday work policy for a retail company can work
WB's way of closing a deal
WB's way of bestowing trust and being authoritarian in business decisions
Bill Child's amazing work ethic.
This tiny book has so much to teach - no wonder the American Dream has worked miracles for that country.
Paraphrasing: "Since no one was at home, and as was customary in those days, he went in, installed the TV and then went to the roof to fix the antenna."
"We are not going to build a store there... I have spoken to 3 of your friends and they say that even with your operating skills you cannot succeed in Vegas if closed on Sundays"
"Thanks for pointing out the mistake, but Warren wants you to have the extra shares"
This is the story of RC Willey - a furniture and appliance store that Berkshire bought in 1995.
You get an insight into
The American Mid West work ethic
The Mormon culture
How a no-Sunday work policy for a retail company can work
WB's way of closing a deal
WB's way of bestowing trust and being authoritarian in business decisions
Bill Child's amazing work ethic.
This tiny book has so much to teach - no wonder the American Dream has worked miracles for that country.
Paraphrasing: "Since no one was at home, and as was customary in those days, he went in, installed the TV and then went to the roof to fix the antenna."
"We are not going to build a store there... I have spoken to 3 of your friends and they say that even with your operating skills you cannot succeed in Vegas if closed on Sundays"
"Thanks for pointing out the mistake, but Warren wants you to have the extra shares"
October 31, 2009
This was such a good book about the R.C. Willey funiture and appliance company. Bill Child, the man who made the company what it is is an incredible example on how to grow and maintain your business in a moral fashion while maintaing steady growth and change.
I would actually recomend this book to anyone because there are great life lessons that can help anyne in their daily lives. Not to mention that the book is easy to read and engrosing.
The story is how the company started in great debt but became a company that sold over 2.5 million a year and was structured such that Warren Buffet eventually bought the company out.
This is a great story all around, even if you don't have your own business.
I would actually recomend this book to anyone because there are great life lessons that can help anyne in their daily lives. Not to mention that the book is easy to read and engrosing.
The story is how the company started in great debt but became a company that sold over 2.5 million a year and was structured such that Warren Buffet eventually bought the company out.
This is a great story all around, even if you don't have your own business.
May 20, 2010
A very short book detailing the beginnings and growth of the RC Willey furniture and appliance store.
Why this book interested me (and might interest you)
1. I lived in Utah and have shopped at RC Willey.
2. I am Mormon and wanted to read about how Bill Child stuck to his moral principle about not opening his stores on Sunday despite Sunday being the best day by volume for furniture shopping.
3. I am fascinated by Warrren Buffet's business approach, success, etc. . .
I found the book very enjoyable and fun to read. I am always surprised to realize as you study other people's lives how often tragedy strikes and places people on paths they never imagined.
Why this book interested me (and might interest you)
1. I lived in Utah and have shopped at RC Willey.
2. I am Mormon and wanted to read about how Bill Child stuck to his moral principle about not opening his stores on Sunday despite Sunday being the best day by volume for furniture shopping.
3. I am fascinated by Warrren Buffet's business approach, success, etc. . .
I found the book very enjoyable and fun to read. I am always surprised to realize as you study other people's lives how often tragedy strikes and places people on paths they never imagined.
October 2, 2009
This book reads much like a business case. It was fascinating to learn how Bill Child grew the R.C. Willey business from a small appliance store into a retailer with a net worth of over a billion dollars. Much of Bill’s business practices were unconventional like his avoidance of financing any expansions with credit and his refusal to do business on Sunday. Although it is not possible for all businesses to be run similar to R.C. Willey, Bill has set an excellent example of the importance of sticking to one’s core-values.
July 12, 2011
I loved this book. What an incredible story of a man who through hard work and sticking to his principles was able to build a great business (RC Willey) which eventually sold to Warren Buffett for $175 million dollars. The subject of this book, Bill Child, was a remarkable man who used optimism, energy and relationships to overcome every obstacle in his path and create a legacy for himself and his family. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to read about business success to read this book.
February 3, 2015
A fun, quick read. The history of RC Willey is interesting, as are the interactions with Warren Buffet. Benedict tells a good story, although it's something of a puff piece. You don't learn until the end that the book was commissioned by RC Willey. Not much in the way of new business insights, but it's great to see a family business that focuses on customer service and honesty succeed. If only more business people were like Bill Child and Warren Buffett.
October 8, 2009
A very enjoyable and informative look into business success in general and to a significant part of Utah for the last half century along with an introduction to Warren Buffett and his approach to business life. Every adult in Utah would benefit from taking the time to read these 163 pages -- easy and interesting reading.
March 2, 2010
This is a fun book about how a small business owner took a company to a large one. I think this book was published so that employees could get the book for Christmas and is kind of a cheerleader for the company. Not sure why they marketed it to the masses...
But it was a fun read. Especially if you are from Utah.
But it was a fun read. Especially if you are from Utah.
April 4, 2010
Anyone who has lived or currently lives in Utah, has been to a RC Willey. You would be surprised about how Bill Child took over the company and made it a great sucess! I never realized how long they had been doing free hotdogs and drinks! Good principles taught in this book!! If you do purchase the book, buy it at any RC Willey and you will get the best price.
June 1, 2010
This is a fabulous story...one that everyone in the business world should read. It is well written, flows nicely and is easy to read in a night---which is what I did. It reminds all of us that honesty, ethical behavior, maintaining our standards and good old hard work can still create success and what are really important in life. It is a worthwhile read for anyone---I highly recommend it.
November 26, 2010
I liked this book more than I thought I would. It told the story of the R.C. Willey furniture store starting in my hometown of Syracuse and eventually became so profitable that a few years ago Warren Buffett purchased it. A great story of how some honest men who worked hard and made some good decisions created an awesome company.
June 10, 2014
The book had a personal touch since I'm from Salt Lake and I know people who know Bill Child quite well. It has great lessons about how to handle your personal finances, how to operate a business successfully, and how you can do both while still sticking to your values. Even non-business-minded people would be interested however, because the book is a great success story.
March 23, 2015
In my opinion this was a very well written biography, telling about the company and how it first got started to when they finally sold it. I thought all the history and the old pictures were interesting. it was fun to learn about how the companies would pay random people if they sold their electrical devices. All in all I thought it was a great book and would recommend it to anybody.
May 27, 2010
Very easy read, but a great story about RC Willey and how they became so successful. Bill Childs led with many principles that I believe in, so I liked to see that he succeeded. I recommend this to anyone who is in business or leadership.
March 24, 2011
This is a very quick read. I read it this afternoon. It is a page turner. It is an inspiring read. Bill Child built a business on integrity, and never wavered. RC Willey is a success as a result of this integrity and a lot of hard work.
Enjoyable read, not financially cumbersome.
Enjoyable read, not financially cumbersome.
May 2, 2009
Good book that details the hardships and philosophies of running your own business. Story was interesting.
October 26, 2009
I really enjoyed this book and the experiences shared in it. It was a simple read but a lot can be learned from it.
December 9, 2009
Click on the description; that's an accurate assessment of the book. I was surprised that I found it so interesting.
April 8, 2010
Every business owner should read this book. A tried and true approach to success and growing wealth, based on timeless principles that still work!
August 12, 2010
Quick read and I really liked it. I'm apparently on a "Utah entrepreneur" kick. Anybody know of a book about the Huntsmans or Marriotts? :)
November 25, 2013
Really great read. I loved how well the story shows that honesty and living by ones values and beliefs can lead to success in business. I would recommend this book to anyone.
July 22, 2011
A great business case study.
September 9, 2011
another great book on my bookshelf, one book at a time that made a difference in my research for my will "13 Habits that made me Billions".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews