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Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, in Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion Dollar Industry in Europe
High-Fashion Adventure
Le Deal is an adventure story involving raw entrepreneurship, high-level politics, and a young American family in foreign lands. It is the true story of Byrne Murphy, a businessman who abruptly moves to Paris with his wife and baby daughter in a quest to reignite his career and his fortunes. He quickly finds himself up against strange and powerful forces for which he is ill prepared.
Just days after landing in France, Byrne reads that the newly installed prime minister has declared a moratorium on all new retail development, apparently snuffing out Byrne’s proposed new venture---discount fashion malls---before it’s even started . He and his company will engage in a mano a mano struggle with the prime minister (which reaches all the way to France’s Supreme Court); encounter a ruthless political ambush in Germany by the soon-to-be chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder; and face a threatening (“Is this the Mafia?”) would-be partner in Italy. Counterbalanced against these are a series of mostly charming encounters with nearly all members of the British Royal Family, capped off by a tour with Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, which nearly ended in a royal embarrassment of epic proportions.
Byrne and his wife, Pamela, experience the joys and risks of living and growing their family in foreign lands. From proposals for dalliances to a harrowing experience with a local and dangerous disease during pregnancy, they are reminded time and again that surprises can be ever present in foreign cultures.
Over eight years the company (McArthurGlen Europe) grew from nothing to generating approximately a billion dollars in sales from 11 centers across Europe. Those efforts created nearly 8,000 jobs, opened 1,500 stores featuring 500 brands, attracted nearly 40 million shopping visits per year, and spawned an array of competitors. In short, an industry.
Along the way, the author learns what he, and Americans in general, do and do not know about life beyond our borders. The book ends with a message about the need for twenty-first-century Americans who work in international affairs to truly take “context” into account; to realize, in our quest to accomplish more in less time, that investing the time to understand the nuances of foreign cultures with which one may be working is a key to prospering in this multicultural, polyglot, interconnected, globalized world.
Le Deal is an adventure story involving raw entrepreneurship, high-level politics, and a young American family in foreign lands. It is the true story of Byrne Murphy, a businessman who abruptly moves to Paris with his wife and baby daughter in a quest to reignite his career and his fortunes. He quickly finds himself up against strange and powerful forces for which he is ill prepared.
Just days after landing in France, Byrne reads that the newly installed prime minister has declared a moratorium on all new retail development, apparently snuffing out Byrne’s proposed new venture---discount fashion malls---before it’s even started . He and his company will engage in a mano a mano struggle with the prime minister (which reaches all the way to France’s Supreme Court); encounter a ruthless political ambush in Germany by the soon-to-be chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder; and face a threatening (“Is this the Mafia?”) would-be partner in Italy. Counterbalanced against these are a series of mostly charming encounters with nearly all members of the British Royal Family, capped off by a tour with Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, which nearly ended in a royal embarrassment of epic proportions.
Byrne and his wife, Pamela, experience the joys and risks of living and growing their family in foreign lands. From proposals for dalliances to a harrowing experience with a local and dangerous disease during pregnancy, they are reminded time and again that surprises can be ever present in foreign cultures.
Over eight years the company (McArthurGlen Europe) grew from nothing to generating approximately a billion dollars in sales from 11 centers across Europe. Those efforts created nearly 8,000 jobs, opened 1,500 stores featuring 500 brands, attracted nearly 40 million shopping visits per year, and spawned an array of competitors. In short, an industry.
Along the way, the author learns what he, and Americans in general, do and do not know about life beyond our borders. The book ends with a message about the need for twenty-first-century Americans who work in international affairs to truly take “context” into account; to realize, in our quest to accomplish more in less time, that investing the time to understand the nuances of foreign cultures with which one may be working is a key to prospering in this multicultural, polyglot, interconnected, globalized world.
- GenresBusinessNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2008
About the author
J. Byrne Murphy
3 booksJ. Byrne Murphy was one of the founders and deputy chief executive of McArthurGlen Europe. He spent eight years in an ultimately successful struggle to implant the concept of designer outlet centers in Europe. Mr. Murphy is an entrepreneur who has started up several European ventures, including the $225 million restoration of a fifteenth-century Medici palazzo in Florence, Italy, and its conversion into a private residence club. He is a cum laude graduate of Harvard College and received his MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. After living in Europe for twelve years, Mr. Murphy now resides in the Washington, D.C., area with his wife, Pamela, and their four daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 28, 2021
Business books aren't my usual cup of tea, but J. Byrne Murphy's Le Deal story of how his company brought the concept of high-end retail outlet shopping centers to Europe in the 1990s piqued my interest.
Murphy and his partners in McArthur Glen had some success opening retail shopping centers in the US, and saw their next move in taking the concept to Europe. The Savings & Loan financial crisis created havoc for many companies, including theirs, but Byrne and his partners believed this concept was a winner. They just had to find financial backing.
They believed their best move would be to start in England. The British were not keen on fashion outlet stores, afraid that they would hurt the big fashion shops in London. Why would people pay full price for clothes if they could get them cheaper in outlet shops? No, the big fashion houses would never go for that.
McArthur Glen explained that these outlet shops would be selling end of season clothes, directly owned and supplied by the big retail names themselves. Nonsense was the reply, the British do not want to shop at discount stores for fashion.
After convincing them of the concept, Murphy and his team discovered that they had competition in the form of a man they had come across before. Roger Morgan was a smart businessman, and they had had a good relationship- until now. It seemed that Morgan was always one step ahead of them, was he spying on them? Morgan "gazumped" them, a new term for me. In England, a real estate deal is not necessarily complete when the agreement is made. If another company offers more money even up to the moment before the closing, your deal can be "gazumped". That seems unfair.
Murphy moved with his wife to Paris, and he began to set the wheels in motion to open outlet centers in France. The steps that he had to take- from meeting with every politician in every small town they were looking at to site visits to winning approval to appeals to their win to eventually having their case before the French Supreme Court- are recounted in detail here.
The numerous political considerations in France were something Byrne and his team did not have to deal with in the United States. Every politician had an angle, and allegiances changed frequently. The disasterous EuroDisney experience hurt their credibility with the French as well. US businesses were not exactly welcomed with open arms.
I found the section where they were preparing for their grand opening in France most fascinating. As someone who worked in marketing in a mall, I could relate to all the preparations and excitement. McArthur Glen had to deal with possible protests from downtown merchants blocking the road and construction that was still going in inside the stores right up until the evening before the grand opening.
Le Deal is a business book that reads like a novel. From the differences in business culture in Europe to the criteria for site selection to the machinations of the politicians, it was all so interesting, and at times it feels like a thriller- will they get it done? You have to read it to find out how, and I recommend you do.
Murphy and his partners in McArthur Glen had some success opening retail shopping centers in the US, and saw their next move in taking the concept to Europe. The Savings & Loan financial crisis created havoc for many companies, including theirs, but Byrne and his partners believed this concept was a winner. They just had to find financial backing.
They believed their best move would be to start in England. The British were not keen on fashion outlet stores, afraid that they would hurt the big fashion shops in London. Why would people pay full price for clothes if they could get them cheaper in outlet shops? No, the big fashion houses would never go for that.
McArthur Glen explained that these outlet shops would be selling end of season clothes, directly owned and supplied by the big retail names themselves. Nonsense was the reply, the British do not want to shop at discount stores for fashion.
After convincing them of the concept, Murphy and his team discovered that they had competition in the form of a man they had come across before. Roger Morgan was a smart businessman, and they had had a good relationship- until now. It seemed that Morgan was always one step ahead of them, was he spying on them? Morgan "gazumped" them, a new term for me. In England, a real estate deal is not necessarily complete when the agreement is made. If another company offers more money even up to the moment before the closing, your deal can be "gazumped". That seems unfair.
Murphy moved with his wife to Paris, and he began to set the wheels in motion to open outlet centers in France. The steps that he had to take- from meeting with every politician in every small town they were looking at to site visits to winning approval to appeals to their win to eventually having their case before the French Supreme Court- are recounted in detail here.
The numerous political considerations in France were something Byrne and his team did not have to deal with in the United States. Every politician had an angle, and allegiances changed frequently. The disasterous EuroDisney experience hurt their credibility with the French as well. US businesses were not exactly welcomed with open arms.
I found the section where they were preparing for their grand opening in France most fascinating. As someone who worked in marketing in a mall, I could relate to all the preparations and excitement. McArthur Glen had to deal with possible protests from downtown merchants blocking the road and construction that was still going in inside the stores right up until the evening before the grand opening.
Le Deal is a business book that reads like a novel. From the differences in business culture in Europe to the criteria for site selection to the machinations of the politicians, it was all so interesting, and at times it feels like a thriller- will they get it done? You have to read it to find out how, and I recommend you do.
March 27, 2021
Le Deal by J Byrne Murphy is a real-life story of passion, perseverance, belief, loyalty with a lot of heart. Unlike so many memoirs, it’s not an equally balanced arc through Byrne Murphy's life. It’s not an ego gratifying display of his awesomeness, heavily weighted in the success of the company and all the amazing things that went on around that. Instead, it’s a deep focus on the beginning years of his struggle as an entrepreneur after he landed in Paris with his wife and a baby and a dream in 1992.
Byrne Murphy covers all of it in detail. The ups and the downs, many downs. The moments where he felt like he could lose it all, which seemed to happen at least once a year. His personal struggles as a leader and a manager. His momentary conflicts about whether or not the struggle was worth it. The breakthroughs – mostly understood in hindsight – when he realized they had gotten to another level.
Le Deal provides insight into the mindset required to be a founding CEO of a start up. It's a scary place to be knowing your every action will impact the future of the company and all the people who work for you! This book is a gold mine. Labor relations, change management, marketing, Govt. relations, & cost reduction – I get to know all about it in this book. More than that it teaches you about persistence, about having a greed for ambition, about confronting petty egos, not falling in the paralysis of analysis and doing something, and about having guts to do what might be unpopular now but right in the long term.
Le Deal by J Byrne Murphy is distinct in the way it is written, as it masterfully balances the nature of honesty and humility. The story, told in first person by Phil himself, begins by focusing on his early life. In fact, Byrne Murphy shares the most candid and universal experience there is--being lost and finding oneself. Throughout the book, you see the growth of Byrne Murphy along with his company. From the uncertainty of his actions to his decisive leadership, he is molded by the obstacles he faces--all of which are detailed.
The book is beautifully written, and Byrne Murphy's voice shines through as both smart and honest. He spends most of the book returning to the real-life business and relationship challenges of founding a company and managing people. Writing aside, the story itself is fascinating—let me be more precise—Phil is fascinating.
This is one of the best book written by a businessperson. It's smart, exciting, and is full of amazing life lessons. A must-read for anyone that identifies themselves as a competitor, whether that be in business or life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves biographies. More so for budding or even seasoned entrepreneurs.
Byrne Murphy covers all of it in detail. The ups and the downs, many downs. The moments where he felt like he could lose it all, which seemed to happen at least once a year. His personal struggles as a leader and a manager. His momentary conflicts about whether or not the struggle was worth it. The breakthroughs – mostly understood in hindsight – when he realized they had gotten to another level.
Le Deal provides insight into the mindset required to be a founding CEO of a start up. It's a scary place to be knowing your every action will impact the future of the company and all the people who work for you! This book is a gold mine. Labor relations, change management, marketing, Govt. relations, & cost reduction – I get to know all about it in this book. More than that it teaches you about persistence, about having a greed for ambition, about confronting petty egos, not falling in the paralysis of analysis and doing something, and about having guts to do what might be unpopular now but right in the long term.
Le Deal by J Byrne Murphy is distinct in the way it is written, as it masterfully balances the nature of honesty and humility. The story, told in first person by Phil himself, begins by focusing on his early life. In fact, Byrne Murphy shares the most candid and universal experience there is--being lost and finding oneself. Throughout the book, you see the growth of Byrne Murphy along with his company. From the uncertainty of his actions to his decisive leadership, he is molded by the obstacles he faces--all of which are detailed.
The book is beautifully written, and Byrne Murphy's voice shines through as both smart and honest. He spends most of the book returning to the real-life business and relationship challenges of founding a company and managing people. Writing aside, the story itself is fascinating—let me be more precise—Phil is fascinating.
This is one of the best book written by a businessperson. It's smart, exciting, and is full of amazing life lessons. A must-read for anyone that identifies themselves as a competitor, whether that be in business or life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves biographies. More so for budding or even seasoned entrepreneurs.
May 11, 2021
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Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, In Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion-Dollar Industry in Europe by J. Byrne Murphy is a memoir of the author who moved to Paris as a young businessman to find a new career, and fortune. Mr. Murphy was an business executive implementing designer outlet centers across Europe.
This book is a fascinating memoir and of a star-up in an international market. I’ve never heard of the MacArthurGlen outlet shopping centers in Europe, but the story of how they came to be certainly is a fascinating one. There are lots of lessons in this book as well, from a personal as well as business perspective.
The loops Mr. Murphy had to run around to do anything in France, where the majority of the book takes place, are comical. At the time though, they were disheartening and frustrating, something every immigrant knows.
From a business building aspect Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, In Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion-Dollar Industry in Europe by J Byrne Murphy certainly has many lessons in store. From not easily giving up, to having a huge personal stake in the outcome – something many of us do not have the guts to attempt.
Surprisingly, however, Mr. Murphy hasn’t mentioned if he received any help from US diplomats. I do know that one of the roles of any embassy is to assist American businesses take hold. However, from his description of the intricacies of politics and fiefdoms, that might not help very much.
The book was an easy read, without many technical jargons. One does not need a business degree, or even taken a business course, to enjoy it. The author does not mince about the difficult times he had, even figuring out how to do business in places where it seemed like a no-brainer. He talks about the hidden figures behind the scenes pulling strings, the need to understand cultural nuances, and longstanding traditions.
For those who are planning to do any real-estate development outside the United States, this book is a must read. For the rest of us, it’s just plain fun.
Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, In Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion-Dollar Industry in Europe by J. Byrne Murphy is a memoir of the author who moved to Paris as a young businessman to find a new career, and fortune. Mr. Murphy was an business executive implementing designer outlet centers across Europe.
This book is a fascinating memoir and of a star-up in an international market. I’ve never heard of the MacArthurGlen outlet shopping centers in Europe, but the story of how they came to be certainly is a fascinating one. There are lots of lessons in this book as well, from a personal as well as business perspective.
The loops Mr. Murphy had to run around to do anything in France, where the majority of the book takes place, are comical. At the time though, they were disheartening and frustrating, something every immigrant knows.
From a business building aspect Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, In Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion-Dollar Industry in Europe by J Byrne Murphy certainly has many lessons in store. From not easily giving up, to having a huge personal stake in the outcome – something many of us do not have the guts to attempt.
Surprisingly, however, Mr. Murphy hasn’t mentioned if he received any help from US diplomats. I do know that one of the roles of any embassy is to assist American businesses take hold. However, from his description of the intricacies of politics and fiefdoms, that might not help very much.
The book was an easy read, without many technical jargons. One does not need a business degree, or even taken a business course, to enjoy it. The author does not mince about the difficult times he had, even figuring out how to do business in places where it seemed like a no-brainer. He talks about the hidden figures behind the scenes pulling strings, the need to understand cultural nuances, and longstanding traditions.
For those who are planning to do any real-estate development outside the United States, this book is a must read. For the rest of us, it’s just plain fun.
June 28, 2021
This non-fiction story is the true story of the author’s relocation to Paris in an attempt to reignite his career. At times funny, honest, political, and loaded with hindsight, it’s the perfect book for anyone who has fantasized about reinventing themselves, opening a business, or moving to a different country. While only the latter applies to me (and not until retirement), I still found Le Deal to be a valuable read.
I was expecting the book to focus on Murphy’s experiences in France, so I was pleased that his time in other countries was related, though I would have liked more in Italy and Germany. At the same time, there were a lot of people (I almost said characters, and truly, some of them are) to keep track of, and I would have appreciated more time with Pamela (Murphy’s wife). Not that she wasn’t present; I just wanted more.
I think for those who are interested in going into business, Murphy’s story is extremely relatable. Certainly, he’s a gifted writer, and this was an easy read. I liked that he shared his failures and bobbles as well as his successes (spoiler alert: ultimately he was quite successful). I think younger people, or at least people who didn’t find corporate life a bad fit, as I did, would find Le Deal useful as both an object lesson and a guideline.
Overall, Le Deal is a well-written, engaging true story about the struggles and successes of a man who takes on Europe in more ways than one.
I was expecting the book to focus on Murphy’s experiences in France, so I was pleased that his time in other countries was related, though I would have liked more in Italy and Germany. At the same time, there were a lot of people (I almost said characters, and truly, some of them are) to keep track of, and I would have appreciated more time with Pamela (Murphy’s wife). Not that she wasn’t present; I just wanted more.
I think for those who are interested in going into business, Murphy’s story is extremely relatable. Certainly, he’s a gifted writer, and this was an easy read. I liked that he shared his failures and bobbles as well as his successes (spoiler alert: ultimately he was quite successful). I think younger people, or at least people who didn’t find corporate life a bad fit, as I did, would find Le Deal useful as both an object lesson and a guideline.
Overall, Le Deal is a well-written, engaging true story about the struggles and successes of a man who takes on Europe in more ways than one.
April 23, 2021
Looking for new business opportunities in the early 1990s, J. Byrne Murphy joined McArthurGlen to help them launch their designer outlet model in Europe. Since it had been so successful in America, he assumed the same would follow in Europe, but he and his team ran into more problems than they ever dreamed.
What I didn't love about this book:
- Very little! I may not have been the target audience for this book, as it may be more geared towards business-oriented readers, so in some areas the concepts went a little over my head.
- A lot of the narrative focused on Murphy's work in France, trying to open an outlet in a small town, somewhat to the detriment of the rest of the book, as it felt like he glossed over or sped through his experiences in countries such as Germany and Italy. I would also like to know how the company fared in other places that were only mentioned in passing.
- There are a lot of people to keep track of; obviously, they're all important to Murphy and his experiences, but for someone on the outside, it was difficult at times to keep them all straight.
What I enjoyed about this book:
- Murphy has a great writing style. It's very approachable and this memoir often reads like a novel.
- While he shares his great successes, he isn't afraid to admit when he made mistakes. He willingly points out his naivete about doing business in a foreign country and the things he wished he had known or taken the time to learn before diving in.
- This book is a great inside look at what it's like to try to start a business in another country. Murphy and his team learn that what works here in the United States doesn't necessarily work elsewhere. He talks about the nuances of local politics, knowing the right people, and staying the course. It was really amazing to see how some of the discount designer outlets took literally years to get up and running, and most ended up being wildly successful, even though there were a lot of local pressures and doubts.
If you have an interest in business, and particularly what it's like to start one in a foreign country, I'd highly recommend this book!
What I didn't love about this book:
- Very little! I may not have been the target audience for this book, as it may be more geared towards business-oriented readers, so in some areas the concepts went a little over my head.
- A lot of the narrative focused on Murphy's work in France, trying to open an outlet in a small town, somewhat to the detriment of the rest of the book, as it felt like he glossed over or sped through his experiences in countries such as Germany and Italy. I would also like to know how the company fared in other places that were only mentioned in passing.
- There are a lot of people to keep track of; obviously, they're all important to Murphy and his experiences, but for someone on the outside, it was difficult at times to keep them all straight.
What I enjoyed about this book:
- Murphy has a great writing style. It's very approachable and this memoir often reads like a novel.
- While he shares his great successes, he isn't afraid to admit when he made mistakes. He willingly points out his naivete about doing business in a foreign country and the things he wished he had known or taken the time to learn before diving in.
- This book is a great inside look at what it's like to try to start a business in another country. Murphy and his team learn that what works here in the United States doesn't necessarily work elsewhere. He talks about the nuances of local politics, knowing the right people, and staying the course. It was really amazing to see how some of the discount designer outlets took literally years to get up and running, and most ended up being wildly successful, even though there were a lot of local pressures and doubts.
If you have an interest in business, and particularly what it's like to start one in a foreign country, I'd highly recommend this book!
May 5, 2021
When I learned about Le Deal I had to check it out! The cover says How a Young American, in Business, in Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion-Dollar Industry in Europe. This is the true story of Byrne Murphy, who moves to Paris and launched the McArthurGlen company! It is the leading designer brand outlet company in Europe- now is 10 counties.
In this whirlwind story he shares all his ups and downs with starting the business. But it’s more about his life as an American and how Europe culture is so different. It’s a great reference for Americans looking to live abroad or start an international business.
The company I work for is international and often times we have to make changes to packages or products to make sure they fit with the market in European or Asian countries. This can be quite the learning curve. So if you are new to the world of international business or a soon to be college graduate this is one I would highly recommend.
In this whirlwind story he shares all his ups and downs with starting the business. But it’s more about his life as an American and how Europe culture is so different. It’s a great reference for Americans looking to live abroad or start an international business.
The company I work for is international and often times we have to make changes to packages or products to make sure they fit with the market in European or Asian countries. This can be quite the learning curve. So if you are new to the world of international business or a soon to be college graduate this is one I would highly recommend.
September 28, 2021
LE DEAL is a business book that should be a must read for anyone pursuing international business, but it's also a great book for anyone pursuing entrepreneurship in any location. Filled with all kinds of salient information, LE DEAL has the added benefit of being extremely well written. As full of suspense and jeopardy as a good spy novel or a book like RED NOTICE, I found myself sitting the edge of my chair and cheering for Byrne Murphy, never quite sure whether he would emerge victorious or go down in flames. I won't ruin the ending, but if you are looking for a great business book and a fun read, buy this book!!
December 29, 2022
Captivating read and very astute observations about UK, French (especially French), Italian and German culture. It is equally as interesting from a historical/cultural as from a business perspective, so I recommend it even for people with little interest in business. The author’s descriptions are succinct and yet accurate, without relying on clichés because they depict actual event.
May 18, 2020
Decent read on conducting business overseas. Interesting perspective on navigating European business standards. Views could be dated as book takes place in 90s.
May 12, 2021
This book really went in-depth about the world of international businesses, a lot of educational points about global culture, social ventures, and businessman mindset—definitely a motivational read
September 28, 2015
4 stars for the topic, 3.5 for writing. Highly readable, conversational writing of taking American entrepreneurship to foreign countries.
The cultural tales were fascinating. Instead of following the 3 cardinal rules “Location, location, location”...he faced the 3 cardinal rules of French development, “Politics, politics, politics.” He learns the etiquette of "minuets" in business lunches - the short but specific window to talk. While German organization is laudable, many German rules were puzzling, such as banning money back guarantees or discounting over 3%. Why? Because to do so would provide unfair competition if not all retailers wanted to offer them. In England, they were "Gazumped," the frustrating practice of signing a real estate contract, but anyone can trump the deal even after it's been agreed on.
Many business books use sports metaphors, but here, they are apt. In France, the penchant for more glory for solo endeavors, meant the team members were running separate footraces & wouldn’t communicate and coordinate. Each meeting, "I’d leave…full of optimism that this time we were all (rowing together) in the same boat… (then) I’d discover we weren’t in the same boat. We weren’t in any boat.”
Later, after the firm's growth and success, "Our biggest management challenge was in harnessing all the energy...and enthusiasm. We wanted to eliminate the biases and create a company esprit which transcended nationalities...(and) to create a team based on the strength of each country...We wanted British police, French cooks, German engineers, Italian lovers, and Swiss timekeepers. What we didn’t want were German policemen, Swiss cooks, French engineers, British lovers and Italian timekeepers."
Inspirational, in that they faced many obstacles, and "never, never, ever gave up." But in the end, not sure it completely translates to other businesses since many people work hard & persevere, without such results. Some of the author's success may be due to the right idea at the right time (before real estate was snapped up and before the internet). What does come through, even before he reinforces it in the final chapter, is that cultural context cannot be underestimated. His book "reflected the fear of what America represented as an agent of change to certain audiences in Europe.".."I had to remember that not everyone wants to think or act like an American."
The cultural tales were fascinating. Instead of following the 3 cardinal rules “Location, location, location”...he faced the 3 cardinal rules of French development, “Politics, politics, politics.” He learns the etiquette of "minuets" in business lunches - the short but specific window to talk. While German organization is laudable, many German rules were puzzling, such as banning money back guarantees or discounting over 3%. Why? Because to do so would provide unfair competition if not all retailers wanted to offer them. In England, they were "Gazumped," the frustrating practice of signing a real estate contract, but anyone can trump the deal even after it's been agreed on.
Many business books use sports metaphors, but here, they are apt. In France, the penchant for more glory for solo endeavors, meant the team members were running separate footraces & wouldn’t communicate and coordinate. Each meeting, "I’d leave…full of optimism that this time we were all (rowing together) in the same boat… (then) I’d discover we weren’t in the same boat. We weren’t in any boat.”
Later, after the firm's growth and success, "Our biggest management challenge was in harnessing all the energy...and enthusiasm. We wanted to eliminate the biases and create a company esprit which transcended nationalities...(and) to create a team based on the strength of each country...We wanted British police, French cooks, German engineers, Italian lovers, and Swiss timekeepers. What we didn’t want were German policemen, Swiss cooks, French engineers, British lovers and Italian timekeepers."
Inspirational, in that they faced many obstacles, and "never, never, ever gave up." But in the end, not sure it completely translates to other businesses since many people work hard & persevere, without such results. Some of the author's success may be due to the right idea at the right time (before real estate was snapped up and before the internet). What does come through, even before he reinforces it in the final chapter, is that cultural context cannot be underestimated. His book "reflected the fear of what America represented as an agent of change to certain audiences in Europe.".."I had to remember that not everyone wants to think or act like an American."
August 18, 2008
"Le Deal" is the story of Byrne Murphy, a businessman who moves to Paris with his wife and baby daughter to launch a new retailing concept: discount fashion malls.
After landing in France, Byrne finds out that the prime minister has declared a moratorium on all new retail development. The book tells the story of how he surmounted all the obstacles not only in France but in Italy and Germany to build a business that in eight years grew from nothing to generating over a billion dollars in sales.
Interspersed are amusing anecdotes and observations. The author concludes with what he has learned from living and working abroad: the importance of context.
This is the real estate "A Year in Provence" but it will charm you even if you are not interested in the business aspect.
After landing in France, Byrne finds out that the prime minister has declared a moratorium on all new retail development. The book tells the story of how he surmounted all the obstacles not only in France but in Italy and Germany to build a business that in eight years grew from nothing to generating over a billion dollars in sales.
Interspersed are amusing anecdotes and observations. The author concludes with what he has learned from living and working abroad: the importance of context.
This is the real estate "A Year in Provence" but it will charm you even if you are not interested in the business aspect.
September 9, 2008
Murphy's memoir is light-hearted, witty, and very personal, but it simulteneously offers very serious lessons to any aspiring ex-pat entrepreneur. He also does a great job describing social, cultural, and geopolitical context (very important, of course) in addition to the business story. A must-read for those interested in real estate development or international business!
November 24, 2009
Really cool story of an American real estate developer navigating the frustrating French business atmosphere and zoning/permitting process, then moving on into England, Germany, Italy and beyond. Fascinating case study and wildly successful business venture in the end.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews