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Bill Marriott: Success Is Never Final--his Life and the Decisions That Built a Hotel Empire
From a family root beer stand to the largest hotel chain in the world, this is the tell-all biography about Bill Marriott’s family life, his religious life, and the never-before-published stories that made him an international business icon.
Bill Marriott, son of J. Williard Marriott who opened a root-beer stand that grew into the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain and evolved into the Marriott hotel company, grew up in the family business. In his more than fifty years at the company’s helm, Bill Marriott was the driving force behind growing Marriott into the world’s largest global hotel chain. His vision and leadership expanded the family business to more than 6,500 properties across 127 countries and territories.
Bill Marriott: Success Is Never Final gives readers an intimate portrait of the life of a billionaire and business titan and shares his definition of success. Bill shares details about his very structured childhood including the private struggles with his domineering father’s chronic harsh criticism; his time in the United Sates Navy as an officer aboard the U.S.S. Randolph; how he innovated the hotel industry with resort-like facilities; his dogged courtship with Donna, who would eventually say yes to his marriage proposal over a pay phone; and the boundless passion and energy he demonstrated for his work, family, and faith. Bill also shares spiritual experiences that allowed him to recognize God’s guidance in his personal life, helping him bounce back from a life-threatening explosion in a freak boating accident which caused severe burns over his body.
Readers will learn the fascinating details about the successes and failures of Bill’s business ventures and relate to his challenges of balancing roles as a CEO, a husband and father, and a man of faith. From his half-billion-dollar venture and “bet-the-farm” move to build the New York Marriott Marquis hotel, to the heartbreaking loss of an adult son whose body slowly degenerated from Mitochondrial Disease, to the billions of dollars donated to medical research, the biography of Bill Marriott tells the remarkable story of a man who had the vision to create a multi-billion dollar business, who understood the power of giving, and lived the creed that hard work will pay off but success is never final.
Bill Marriott, son of J. Williard Marriott who opened a root-beer stand that grew into the Hot Shoppes Restaurant chain and evolved into the Marriott hotel company, grew up in the family business. In his more than fifty years at the company’s helm, Bill Marriott was the driving force behind growing Marriott into the world’s largest global hotel chain. His vision and leadership expanded the family business to more than 6,500 properties across 127 countries and territories.
Bill Marriott: Success Is Never Final gives readers an intimate portrait of the life of a billionaire and business titan and shares his definition of success. Bill shares details about his very structured childhood including the private struggles with his domineering father’s chronic harsh criticism; his time in the United Sates Navy as an officer aboard the U.S.S. Randolph; how he innovated the hotel industry with resort-like facilities; his dogged courtship with Donna, who would eventually say yes to his marriage proposal over a pay phone; and the boundless passion and energy he demonstrated for his work, family, and faith. Bill also shares spiritual experiences that allowed him to recognize God’s guidance in his personal life, helping him bounce back from a life-threatening explosion in a freak boating accident which caused severe burns over his body.
Readers will learn the fascinating details about the successes and failures of Bill’s business ventures and relate to his challenges of balancing roles as a CEO, a husband and father, and a man of faith. From his half-billion-dollar venture and “bet-the-farm” move to build the New York Marriott Marquis hotel, to the heartbreaking loss of an adult son whose body slowly degenerated from Mitochondrial Disease, to the billions of dollars donated to medical research, the biography of Bill Marriott tells the remarkable story of a man who had the vision to create a multi-billion dollar business, who understood the power of giving, and lived the creed that hard work will pay off but success is never final.
544 pages, Hardcover
Published September 3, 2019
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2501 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 30, 2019
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
Initially, I thought this book might be on the dull side since it’s nonfiction, but I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
First off, I’m a big fan of Marriott hotels. Whenever I stay in a hotel, it’s usually a Marriott. However, I had no idea just how big the Marriott company actually is.
This book is jammed packed with information. I could tell that the author did a tremendous amount of research. I learned so much about Bill Marriott and the company. Like I had no idea that Marriott built Great America, which is an amusement park in my hometown. I also did not know that Marriott almost bought Disney. Or that the Marriotts were friends with the Romneys (Mitt Romney is actually named after Bill’s father). My mind was blown.
The book also discusses Bill Marriott’s faith. Bill belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion o his religion never gets too overpowering or preachy, but instead gets woven throughout the book. It was interesting to see how his faith influenced his business decisions and his way of life.
Overall, this was an insightful book about an incredible man and his company. I’m so glad I read this book because now I love staying at Marriotts even more since I know all the history behind it.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
Initially, I thought this book might be on the dull side since it’s nonfiction, but I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
First off, I’m a big fan of Marriott hotels. Whenever I stay in a hotel, it’s usually a Marriott. However, I had no idea just how big the Marriott company actually is.
This book is jammed packed with information. I could tell that the author did a tremendous amount of research. I learned so much about Bill Marriott and the company. Like I had no idea that Marriott built Great America, which is an amusement park in my hometown. I also did not know that Marriott almost bought Disney. Or that the Marriotts were friends with the Romneys (Mitt Romney is actually named after Bill’s father). My mind was blown.
The book also discusses Bill Marriott’s faith. Bill belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The discussion o his religion never gets too overpowering or preachy, but instead gets woven throughout the book. It was interesting to see how his faith influenced his business decisions and his way of life.
Overall, this was an insightful book about an incredible man and his company. I’m so glad I read this book because now I love staying at Marriotts even more since I know all the history behind it.
April 27, 2019
I am a sucker for stories about hard work and determination helping others reach their dreams. The story of Bill Marriott is just this. One thing I really liked about this story however that truly set this apart was they showed what obstacles Bill had to overcome to get where he was. This showed me that life for the Marriott's was far from easy it took determination and willpower to overcome and keep pushing towards his goals.
June 28, 2020
I was blessed to be mentored by Bill Marriott in the mid 1980s as he and Sterling Colton were the church leaders (my Stake President and Bishop) who prepared & recommended me to serve a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission. President Marriott led by example, was kind, patient and tremendously effective. I'm astonished how many personal handwritten letters he wrote me despite all the other schedule pressures in his life. I remember the boat accident, hearing him talk about the impact of his father's passing, his love of the Boy Scouts of America, and him sharing inspiring stories of his faith that are described in the book. I saw him again in 2015 and was able to thank him again in person. Thousands of others could tell similar tales about how Bill Marriott thoughtfully uplifted them.
I've always been curious what made him the great disciple of Jesus Christ, great father & husband, great businessman he is. I'm so grateful to Mr. Van Atta for gathering all this in such a well written, excellent summary of the highlights of Bill Marriott's life. Pres. Marriott is truly one of the most remarkable people of our time and this book is a such a treasured look into his generous soul. Thanks to Mr. Van Atta for the effort and thanks to Pres. Marriott for being so transparent.
I've always been curious what made him the great disciple of Jesus Christ, great father & husband, great businessman he is. I'm so grateful to Mr. Van Atta for gathering all this in such a well written, excellent summary of the highlights of Bill Marriott's life. Pres. Marriott is truly one of the most remarkable people of our time and this book is a such a treasured look into his generous soul. Thanks to Mr. Van Atta for the effort and thanks to Pres. Marriott for being so transparent.
April 24, 2021
Any trivia or minutiae you want to know about Bill Marriott’s childhood, friends and family or life, you will find in this tome by Dale Van Atta. You can read about his shopping trip to the Boy Scout “super store” in Manhattan or his playground foibles or his ancestors’ quirks back into the early 1800’s.
Growing the business of the Hot Shoppes and later the Marriott hotels seems more like a side issue than the crux of the story. Central to everything is his Mormon faith and the contacts (such as the Romneys) that he had through his faith.
In spite of its 528 pages, this biography is [mostly] written in short declarative sentences so as to be easily read and understood by readers of all ages.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Growing the business of the Hot Shoppes and later the Marriott hotels seems more like a side issue than the crux of the story. Central to everything is his Mormon faith and the contacts (such as the Romneys) that he had through his faith.
In spite of its 528 pages, this biography is [mostly] written in short declarative sentences so as to be easily read and understood by readers of all ages.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2019
I don’t know that I’ve ever given a thought to how a big business, like Marriott Hotels, started and grew into what it is. But I was really amazed by the whole process that was talked about in this book.
I loved that this book starts with J.W. Marriott, Bill’s father. It talks a bit about where his parents and grandparents came from. This kind of thing really helps put the whole person together. There’s no way any of us are going to be quite who we are now without the people who have gone before us.
The book talks quite a bit about J.W. and Allie, Bill’s parents. They seem as though they were amazing people. But they were people, like any of us, and they weren’t perfect. And that made me love them even more as people.
There were so many great parts in this one. One particular chapter really touched me. It’s the one where the author talks about the Marriott that was located right next to the World Trade Center in 2001. Maybe it was because we just had September 11th that I was so touched. Or maybe it was just that there were so many heroes. And they were honored by the Marriotts as well. I don’t know. But that chapter really touched me.
This is an amazing story, from beginning to end. You won’t want to miss it!
I loved that this book starts with J.W. Marriott, Bill’s father. It talks a bit about where his parents and grandparents came from. This kind of thing really helps put the whole person together. There’s no way any of us are going to be quite who we are now without the people who have gone before us.
The book talks quite a bit about J.W. and Allie, Bill’s parents. They seem as though they were amazing people. But they were people, like any of us, and they weren’t perfect. And that made me love them even more as people.
There were so many great parts in this one. One particular chapter really touched me. It’s the one where the author talks about the Marriott that was located right next to the World Trade Center in 2001. Maybe it was because we just had September 11th that I was so touched. Or maybe it was just that there were so many heroes. And they were honored by the Marriotts as well. I don’t know. But that chapter really touched me.
This is an amazing story, from beginning to end. You won’t want to miss it!
October 15, 2019
I wasn’t sure to rate this 3 or 4 stars. It is an interesting read. I enjoyed hearing about his life and what he was able to do as a business man. I liked him for the most part (not a huge fan of his dad though). I was hoping for a little more information on his standards, credo, or recipe for success. That he was a religious guy was evident though. Overall, I would recommend it and encourage you to draw your own conclusions and take aways.
September 18, 2019
What does it take to grow an empire from the ground up? How can a Christian be a hungry business mogul? Bill Marriott – Success is Never Final is a behind-the-scenes look at one such company and one such man. I have rated this book with 3.5 stars.
Author Van Atta describes what some might consider minutia details and others might consider fascinating. Covering the family history of Bill Marriott’s great grandmother’s immigration from England for religious reasons is one example that some might consider trivial, but I personally found interesting, especially because I was interested in the religious aspects of this book.
The history of the Mormon religion called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is also covered in interesting detail.
The book itself contains great detail, some of which left me confused with all the names of different people and their relationship to each other, whether within the family or the business.
Success Is Never Final is a fascinating look behind the boardroom door. To see the decisions, the turmoil, and the risks associated with continual corporate growth, and the damage control and adjustments that must be made during times of economic struggle, gives an appreciation for what it takes to be an industry leader.
Two business stories I found particularly interesting were the concept behind the Courtyard hotel brand and the partnership between Marriott and Pepsi that was established when Pepsi stepped in to help.
For “humble” Christians, the Marriotts enjoyed the benefits of wealth, influence, and connections with politicians, namely many presidents, among other celebrities and dignitaries. It’s clear that Bill Marriott and his father were hard-working, driven men who earned the fruits of their labor.
As supposed Christians, I was pleased to read the philanthropic aspects of the Marriott corporation, such as their community service programs, their family charities, and their minimum 10% tithing to the church.
There are several significant references to miraculous events and the importance of Christianity in the Marriott family. Two cases were when Bill’s life was spared (twice) and the recovery of a grandson who was certain to die.
There are many references to Christianity, but they’re small bits within a book about a family building an empire.
How this book affected me:
I chose to read this book about Mr. Marriott because the synopsis spoke of the business tycoon’s Christian faith. As a Christian who’s worked for large corporations and results-driven executives, I was curious to see how these seemingly incongruous aspects could mesh.
I wasn’t disappointed. Christian aspects of Bill Marriott’s life were sprinkled among the amazing and impressive story of building the Marriott empire. I saw that a hungry business mogul can have a Christian heart. He was characterized as “a humble servant of our Heavenly Father” and by the end of the book, I felt that could be true.
Who would enjoy this book:
Anyone who loves biography, business, or Christian genres or anyone with an interest in the hospitality industry would enjoy this book. It’s also a story of overcoming adversity and family strife.
Our Book Reviews: The book reviews at 'Finding God Among Us' focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction.
I chose to read an ARC from Shadow Mountain Publishing. This review is my honest opinion.
Author Van Atta describes what some might consider minutia details and others might consider fascinating. Covering the family history of Bill Marriott’s great grandmother’s immigration from England for religious reasons is one example that some might consider trivial, but I personally found interesting, especially because I was interested in the religious aspects of this book.
The history of the Mormon religion called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is also covered in interesting detail.
The book itself contains great detail, some of which left me confused with all the names of different people and their relationship to each other, whether within the family or the business.
Success Is Never Final is a fascinating look behind the boardroom door. To see the decisions, the turmoil, and the risks associated with continual corporate growth, and the damage control and adjustments that must be made during times of economic struggle, gives an appreciation for what it takes to be an industry leader.
Two business stories I found particularly interesting were the concept behind the Courtyard hotel brand and the partnership between Marriott and Pepsi that was established when Pepsi stepped in to help.
For “humble” Christians, the Marriotts enjoyed the benefits of wealth, influence, and connections with politicians, namely many presidents, among other celebrities and dignitaries. It’s clear that Bill Marriott and his father were hard-working, driven men who earned the fruits of their labor.
As supposed Christians, I was pleased to read the philanthropic aspects of the Marriott corporation, such as their community service programs, their family charities, and their minimum 10% tithing to the church.
There are several significant references to miraculous events and the importance of Christianity in the Marriott family. Two cases were when Bill’s life was spared (twice) and the recovery of a grandson who was certain to die.
There are many references to Christianity, but they’re small bits within a book about a family building an empire.
How this book affected me:
I chose to read this book about Mr. Marriott because the synopsis spoke of the business tycoon’s Christian faith. As a Christian who’s worked for large corporations and results-driven executives, I was curious to see how these seemingly incongruous aspects could mesh.
I wasn’t disappointed. Christian aspects of Bill Marriott’s life were sprinkled among the amazing and impressive story of building the Marriott empire. I saw that a hungry business mogul can have a Christian heart. He was characterized as “a humble servant of our Heavenly Father” and by the end of the book, I felt that could be true.
Who would enjoy this book:
Anyone who loves biography, business, or Christian genres or anyone with an interest in the hospitality industry would enjoy this book. It’s also a story of overcoming adversity and family strife.
Our Book Reviews: The book reviews at 'Finding God Among Us' focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction.
I chose to read an ARC from Shadow Mountain Publishing. This review is my honest opinion.
July 5, 2024
As a fellow member of the same church as the Marriotts and someone who has stayed at their hotels, I was particularly interested in this book from both a spiritual and customer centric standpoint. It provided an in-depth look at the origins of the Marriott organization, the values that underpin their operations, and the dynamics of the family behind the brand.
The book offers a detailed perspective on the founders, J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice, as well as insights into the next generation of the Marriott family and their vision for the future. I learn about the principles and work ethic that have driven the Marriott legacy and contributed to the company's success.
One interesting aspect of the book is its structure. It alternates between different time periods, which provides varied perspectives but sometimes felt repetitive. Certain stories and themes were revisited multiple times, which might have been streamlined with a more linear timeline. This back-and-forth approach occasionally made the book feel longer than necessary.
Despite this, I found the book to be a compelling read. It was both informative and inspiring, particularly for someone with an interest in the Marriott family and their business.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in the history and values of the Marriott family and their business came to be.
The book offers a detailed perspective on the founders, J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice, as well as insights into the next generation of the Marriott family and their vision for the future. I learn about the principles and work ethic that have driven the Marriott legacy and contributed to the company's success.
One interesting aspect of the book is its structure. It alternates between different time periods, which provides varied perspectives but sometimes felt repetitive. Certain stories and themes were revisited multiple times, which might have been streamlined with a more linear timeline. This back-and-forth approach occasionally made the book feel longer than necessary.
Despite this, I found the book to be a compelling read. It was both informative and inspiring, particularly for someone with an interest in the Marriott family and their business.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in the history and values of the Marriott family and their business came to be.
August 24, 2023
This book took me four weeks to read. It was really long but I really loved it! I have heard Debbie Marriott speak at a graduation before and loved it so this was a joy to read. It is honestly incredible how many people in history had their lives intertwined with the Marriott’s. I admire their family motto, their charity work, and their commitment to faith.
February 21, 2020
Loved it!
January 24, 2020
I love biographies and this one really kept my interest.
September 27, 2019
What does it take to become a CEO and a family man? Read about the ups and downs of the Bill Marriott's life, and how he made it through varis trials to bounce back and become better. From making it through financial despair to success.
September 24, 2019
I liked this book. It was very interesting to learn about Bill Marriott. I love to see how people live and figure out what to do with their lives. I was inspired.
September 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected! While a lot of the book focuses on business, it also focuses on family relationships, faith, and more. Some of my favorite stories included a lion getting loose during a ribbon cutting ceremony and its trainer chasing him down the halls of the hotel, J. W. Marriott calling the prophet directly to ask him to rescind the calling for Bill to be a bishop because he was too busy running the company (the prophet turned him down), and more.
One of the neatest stories involves a terrible accident in which Bill was caught in an explosion on his boat. But he was protected, and despite the terrible burns, was given a blessing and promised that not even scarring would remain--a promise which was fulfilled.
The chapter focusing on the events of September 11th, 2001 was deeply moving. A Marriott hotel at the base of the two towers served as a tunnel to protect thousands of people from falling debris as they fled the towers. When the first tower collapsed, it crushed half the hotel. The collapse of the second tower destroyed the other half. The stories of those in the hotel, both temporarily and those who worked there, evoked quite a few emotions.
The main messages I gleaned from this book is that we should never be satisfied that things are "good enough," but always work hard to make them better. We should never be ashamed of our faith, but integrate it into every aspect of our lives. Our good example and service can affect millions of people without us even realizing it.
One of the neatest stories involves a terrible accident in which Bill was caught in an explosion on his boat. But he was protected, and despite the terrible burns, was given a blessing and promised that not even scarring would remain--a promise which was fulfilled.
The chapter focusing on the events of September 11th, 2001 was deeply moving. A Marriott hotel at the base of the two towers served as a tunnel to protect thousands of people from falling debris as they fled the towers. When the first tower collapsed, it crushed half the hotel. The collapse of the second tower destroyed the other half. The stories of those in the hotel, both temporarily and those who worked there, evoked quite a few emotions.
The main messages I gleaned from this book is that we should never be satisfied that things are "good enough," but always work hard to make them better. We should never be ashamed of our faith, but integrate it into every aspect of our lives. Our good example and service can affect millions of people without us even realizing it.
September 20, 2019
I liked it, but I struggled with all the business facts that were thrown in all throughout the book. Yes, it's about building his empire, but I felt like the facts were thrown in, while telling the more personal parts of his life story.
August 29, 2019
Fascinating Look At a Fascinating Man
The author is obviously quite impressed with Mr. Marriott. And rarely presents his life in other than glowing terms. The book often goes back to the immigrant ancestors of Bill Marriott and the hardships they faced not only because of their immigrant status but also their LDS faith. There is a treasure of behind the scenes revelations as the business grew. Most of the book is truly fascinating. Because being a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is a huge part of the entire Marriott family, it is part of nearly every page. Most of the book is about J.W. Marriott and his relationship with his son Bill. It is this relationship that created the structure of Bill Marriott's life. The intricacies of this enormous corporation are broken down into each acquisition and segment of the business. Fascinating! The anecdotes about his interactions with major political figures like Dr. King and his wife Coretta, presidents of universities and of the United States, Shieks, Emirs and royal families but he is not a name-dropper or party-goer. The book is a little slow-going, but there is so much to look at in this man's life. His faith, entrepreneurial spirit, humility, humanitarianism … there is just a lot to talk about in this man's life story. At nearly 500 pages, I don't think the editor could have cut anymore without losing important parts of this man's life. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
The author is obviously quite impressed with Mr. Marriott. And rarely presents his life in other than glowing terms. The book often goes back to the immigrant ancestors of Bill Marriott and the hardships they faced not only because of their immigrant status but also their LDS faith. There is a treasure of behind the scenes revelations as the business grew. Most of the book is truly fascinating. Because being a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is a huge part of the entire Marriott family, it is part of nearly every page. Most of the book is about J.W. Marriott and his relationship with his son Bill. It is this relationship that created the structure of Bill Marriott's life. The intricacies of this enormous corporation are broken down into each acquisition and segment of the business. Fascinating! The anecdotes about his interactions with major political figures like Dr. King and his wife Coretta, presidents of universities and of the United States, Shieks, Emirs and royal families but he is not a name-dropper or party-goer. The book is a little slow-going, but there is so much to look at in this man's life. His faith, entrepreneurial spirit, humility, humanitarianism … there is just a lot to talk about in this man's life story. At nearly 500 pages, I don't think the editor could have cut anymore without losing important parts of this man's life. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
September 5, 2019
So good. His business acumen, family-centeredness, and religious devotion all combine to make a very inspirational life and enjoyable read.
January 15, 2020
I was over 100 pages in and had a hard time knowing there was still more to go. It's not horribly written. It's just that I was looking more into the entrepreneurial aspect than the trivia-like story line. I feel like this book could have been way shorter. The title makes it sound like it is more about business than the entire family and all of their backstories and then some. I ended up not finishing, but may revisit it in the future.
November 6, 2020
I think I would give this a 3.5 stars, if I had that choice. The title really correctly explains that this is a book about "his life and the decisions that built a hotel empire". It is very, VERY detailed. You will learn more than you ever expected (and perhaps wanted?) to know about the ups and downs and ins and outs of how his dad started his business, how Bill got involved, how Bill took over, and how Bill has passed off the reigns. That being said, it is fascinating for someone who likes the details of how companies expand, operate, and create a vision of expansion that is far-reaching and world-changing. I never appropriately valued Marriott as a game-changer in the hospitality industry before reading this book, and now I can see how Bill Marriott, in particular, was the forerunner in so many of the industry standards that we take for granted, today. The book does not shy away from sharing how Bill's faith has affected areas of his life personally, and professionally. But it is not even slightly in-your-face or unwelcome. Personal details are kept more to a minimum than the business details. I listened to it as an audiobook, and it seemed LOOOONG. The last few chapters had me nearly in tears as it detailed how Marriott and its guests were involved with the World Trade Towers coming down, as well as the tsunami in Thailand. The last chapter ended abruptly, and I was left wanting more. The writing is excellent, and the audio narration was superb. There were parts of me that wished they dumbed it down and gave me the abbreviated version in half the amount of time--but then I don't think it would have given me quite a balanced view of how amazing of a thinker and doer Bill Marriott is.
February 8, 2020
I won a copy of the Bill Marriott biography from Goodreads and was surprised by how well written and interesting it was. It takes a special author to be able to write a biography in a way that is engaging and reads like something other than a dry dissertation. This author nailed it!
There was a lot to learn from the actions of the Marriott family. Initially, I was surprised to learn of the family’s grass roots. Bill’s father cemented the family name when he began a root beer franchise that developed into a chain of stores. That elevated the family and left them with enough money to enter the hotel business. It was interesting to read about the different ways Bill and his father approached business. Bills father grew up in the depression and was very hesitant to buy on credit or have a debt. Bill was enough of a risk taker to get the family into lucrative contracts his father would turn down.
The book was a good balance of the factual progression of what the Marriotts did in business, and the personal lives of the main family members. I liked the personal stories of Bill and his family and his relationship with his dad. I also found it interesting to learn about the business opportunities that didn’t work out: like buying the Disney company and two Southern California theme parks. There were good business tips throughout the book and overall, this was a well written book.
There was a lot to learn from the actions of the Marriott family. Initially, I was surprised to learn of the family’s grass roots. Bill’s father cemented the family name when he began a root beer franchise that developed into a chain of stores. That elevated the family and left them with enough money to enter the hotel business. It was interesting to read about the different ways Bill and his father approached business. Bills father grew up in the depression and was very hesitant to buy on credit or have a debt. Bill was enough of a risk taker to get the family into lucrative contracts his father would turn down.
The book was a good balance of the factual progression of what the Marriotts did in business, and the personal lives of the main family members. I liked the personal stories of Bill and his family and his relationship with his dad. I also found it interesting to learn about the business opportunities that didn’t work out: like buying the Disney company and two Southern California theme parks. There were good business tips throughout the book and overall, this was a well written book.
March 16, 2020
I've spent my whole life listening to the advice of successful people since I am loath to re-create the wheel. I've also read many books, articles, and movies about becoming successful, seeking inspiration and education from any source. In Van Atta's book we have a print/audio documentary about the achievements of a humble man. I was impressed by the family's origins in the United States, and how they survived hardships with faith and integrity. When there was an error or failing, it seemed that conscience led the Marriott and other family leaders to develop a moral/ethical code that has been followed into this era. If one learns by example, what I learned was that family, education, and devotion to the Lord is necessary as one carries out a life plan devoted to doing good things. The evidence of the families' faith in God, belonging to the Church of Latter Day Saints, is clear, simple, and not shoved down the throat of the reader. The whole book has a certain charm about it, and unlike much written today, no blood and guts and thunder. The drama occurs in the gentle handling of everyday human situations, especially those encountered by those who venture to high places. I can only hope that Marriott's influence to do good, and profit by this in the meanwhile, has affected all those he came in contact with as much as it did me. I'm glad I read the book.
December 7, 2019
I was eager to read this book about Bill Marriott’s life because I’m a Marriott Vacation Club owner and have always been treated like royalty when staying at their hotels or resorts. Their customer service and amenities can’t be beat. This attention to hospitality is evident in detailing the Marriott family’s rise, through hardships and prosperity, heartbreak and fame, bolstered by their strong religious faith.
I gave this book three stars for two reasons. First, I occasionally got names and relationships confused. A list at the front of the book would have been helpful to refer back to. Or photographs (which this ARC did not provide) would provide faces for the names. Second, the family’s history coincided with so many prominent people and world events that I was overwhelmed. Maybe another chart up front showing a timeline of the Marriott’s intersection and interaction with historical events?
Otherwise, an enjoyable peek into the life of someone I’ve always been curious about.
I received this Advance Reader’s Edition in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
I gave this book three stars for two reasons. First, I occasionally got names and relationships confused. A list at the front of the book would have been helpful to refer back to. Or photographs (which this ARC did not provide) would provide faces for the names. Second, the family’s history coincided with so many prominent people and world events that I was overwhelmed. Maybe another chart up front showing a timeline of the Marriott’s intersection and interaction with historical events?
Otherwise, an enjoyable peek into the life of someone I’ve always been curious about.
I received this Advance Reader’s Edition in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2020
As a proud Marriott International associate, learning about the life of Bill Marriott was a given. Reading about how the business was built and the foundational values of both Marriott men, it is so clear where the company’s deep culture of putting people first, leading with integrity, thinking out of the box and innovation all come from. And their Mormon faith was the foundation that they tightly held on to. These aren’t just words on the wall, but lived in the hotels and corporate offices. Always pushing to be the best, but with the integrity.
Especially interesting to learn about how Marriott has weathered the ups and downs in the economy and other past crisis and watching the parallels in today’s Covid-19 times. The steps the company took in the recession of the 90s are some of the same contingency measures being taken today. It’s tough for the hospitality industry right now, but reading the book assured me that Marriott will get through these unprecedented times and come out stronger than ever.
Especially interesting to learn about how Marriott has weathered the ups and downs in the economy and other past crisis and watching the parallels in today’s Covid-19 times. The steps the company took in the recession of the 90s are some of the same contingency measures being taken today. It’s tough for the hospitality industry right now, but reading the book assured me that Marriott will get through these unprecedented times and come out stronger than ever.
April 14, 2020
I loved this book! It was entertaining and he didn't hold back on how his religious beliefs had molded him and made him into the man he is today. Some of the experiences he shared, like when he heard a voice to jump out of his boat just before his boat exploded. He should have been killed. There were other tender experiences that I love he shared, including a couple with his children as they struggled through some hard challenges.
I had no idea all that the Marriott's had done to get where they are. After reading this book I have tremendous respect for Bill Marriott, and his wife and mother, as well as his father. His motto he lived by, "Success is Never final, as soon as a person thinks it is, that person fails," may seem extreme at first but then you think about our progression here in mortality. It's not done until it's done and progress is something we should never stop attaining.
"A man should keep on being constructive, and do constructive things. He should take part in the things that go on in this wonderful world. He should be someone to be reckoned with. He should live life and make every day count, to the very end. Sometimes it’s tough. But that’s what I’m going to do." --Bill Marriott
I had no idea all that the Marriott's had done to get where they are. After reading this book I have tremendous respect for Bill Marriott, and his wife and mother, as well as his father. His motto he lived by, "Success is Never final, as soon as a person thinks it is, that person fails," may seem extreme at first but then you think about our progression here in mortality. It's not done until it's done and progress is something we should never stop attaining.
"A man should keep on being constructive, and do constructive things. He should take part in the things that go on in this wonderful world. He should be someone to be reckoned with. He should live life and make every day count, to the very end. Sometimes it’s tough. But that’s what I’m going to do." --Bill Marriott
August 18, 2020
Bill Marriott: Success is Never Final-His Life and the Decisions That Build a Hotel Empire by Dale Van Atta may on the surface sound dull, but quite the opposite is true. I found this book to be well-researched, very informative, and entertaining. The only thing I knew about the name Marriott was that it is a large hotel chain, but in reading this book I learned the story behind the business. I loved learning about the beginnings and that there is a lot more to Marriott than just the hotels. Two fun facts I learned were that Marriott built Great America, an amusement park I visited numerous times as a teen, and considered buying Disney. This was an interesting read that I would highly recommend. Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
February 27, 2023
Decent biography that covers the rise of Marriott from its initial start as a food and beverage business under JW Marriott through his son, Bill Marriott, who is largely responsible for the Marriott that we know today. Where the book misses its mark is on its intense focus on the Marriott family’s religious beliefs, including their belief that JW Marriott’s cancer was literally prayed away among other claims that are medically suspect to say the least. The book also lacks general focus. The author should have decided whether the book should serve as a history of Marriott or a Bill Marriott biography. If the former, the book really should have gone into more detail about Gary Wilson and the others without whom, Marriott would never have expanded the way it did.
October 19, 2019
Thoroughly researched and accessibly written, this detailed biography of Bill Marriott was both entertaining and informative. The son of J Willard Marriott who started what became the Marriott hotel chain, he spent his working life in the family firm and oversaw its growth into the international business we know today. I did feel that the book verged into a hagiography at times, but nevertheless it was perceptive and insightful, especially about Bill Marriott’s Mormon faith and how it informed his business decisions, and next time I stay in a Marriott Hotel it will certainly be with an added layer of interest.
June 2, 2020
This was an interesting book, although lengthy. It covers Bill Marriott SR and his life and creation of the Marriott company, and Bill Marriott JR and his journey to stand for something while making the Marriott company an international force.
From lessons on business to honor and integrity, this was an enlightening look at a world-renowned businessman. It goes over his service in his church, his work in politics, his efforts to cross borders and learn about different cultures and countries.
If you are interested in business or learning how successful people became that way, this would be right up your alley.
From lessons on business to honor and integrity, this was an enlightening look at a world-renowned businessman. It goes over his service in his church, his work in politics, his efforts to cross borders and learn about different cultures and countries.
If you are interested in business or learning how successful people became that way, this would be right up your alley.
June 22, 2020
I was fascinated as I listened to this book. I mean who doesn’t know the Marriott name and hotels but do you know how they became? Jeremy stays mostly at Marriott’s when he travels. I had no idea how deep their roots were within Church history. And to learn that the hotel chain business actually started with an A&W. Bill has had to overcome a lot of adversity in his personal life and business life. Another chapter that really stood out to me was when he talks about the Marriott at the base of the twin towers and the role it played in saving thousands of people. It could have gotten 5 stars but there is some dry business stuff that you have to wade through so maybe 4.5.
March 24, 2020
I liked a lot this book mainly because it is the history of a family, and I like Family History a lot, it’s also a success story, and I like success stories a lot. But is also the story of a very religious and moral man in a world in which wealth and religious spirit are apparently not compatible.
It gets a little heavy in the middle because page after page is just buying one hotel after another and closing a successful deal after another. That’s the reason for taking away one star. That apart, is a very well documented and readable book.
It gets a little heavy in the middle because page after page is just buying one hotel after another and closing a successful deal after another. That’s the reason for taking away one star. That apart, is a very well documented and readable book.
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