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The Joy of Building: My Life in Business, Community Affairs, and Philanthropy
“The joy is in the building, not the having,” Bill Lyles likes to say. It’s one of his maxims—his “lessons learned.” And build he has—growing the pipeline business his parents started at the end of World War II beyond anything they could have imagined. For three quarters of a century, the company has ridden the crest of California’s booms—oil, water, real estate, energy, technology, farming—and avoided the busts that swallowed so many others.
He’s been a driving force in Fresno’s civic, educational and cultural institutions, yet managed to keep a low public profile. Many know pieces of his story, but few know the extent of Lyles Diversified Inc.’s reach, the scope of his influence, or the breadth of his family’s philanthropy.
Now, at age 85, Lyles is sharing his dreams, disappointments and life lessons. His memoir is an important eyewitness account of the achievements and controversies that have shaped Fresno for more than half a century. Lyles tells how the Fresno Metropolitan Museum became a cherished local institution only to succumb to mismanagement; how a small company called Pelco burst onto the world scene as a leading manufacturer of video surveillance equipment after Lyles Diversified and partners bought it, and how that partnership ended; how Fresno repeatedly forfeited opportunities to build a major industrial park and create a culturally vibrant downtown; why Lyles has channeled his philanthropy into education; and his vision for helping the Valley’s young people escape poverty.
The Joy of Building is also a heartfelt testament to the role of private enterprise in American life, and a guide to succeeding at business with honor and integrity. Above all, it’s a tribute to family—the ultimate source of Lyles’ inspiration, drive, and joy, and the foundation of his business success.
He’s been a driving force in Fresno’s civic, educational and cultural institutions, yet managed to keep a low public profile. Many know pieces of his story, but few know the extent of Lyles Diversified Inc.’s reach, the scope of his influence, or the breadth of his family’s philanthropy.
Now, at age 85, Lyles is sharing his dreams, disappointments and life lessons. His memoir is an important eyewitness account of the achievements and controversies that have shaped Fresno for more than half a century. Lyles tells how the Fresno Metropolitan Museum became a cherished local institution only to succumb to mismanagement; how a small company called Pelco burst onto the world scene as a leading manufacturer of video surveillance equipment after Lyles Diversified and partners bought it, and how that partnership ended; how Fresno repeatedly forfeited opportunities to build a major industrial park and create a culturally vibrant downtown; why Lyles has channeled his philanthropy into education; and his vision for helping the Valley’s young people escape poverty.
The Joy of Building is also a heartfelt testament to the role of private enterprise in American life, and a guide to succeeding at business with honor and integrity. Above all, it’s a tribute to family—the ultimate source of Lyles’ inspiration, drive, and joy, and the foundation of his business success.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 7, 2020
Good biography about a driven, ethical, and successful family run business.
October 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, but I'm a bit biased since I'm from central California. It was wonderful to glean the wisdom and axioms from this stellar businessman. I also appreciate how pivotal he was in promoting diversity and trying to employ a large vision of growth for the Fresno area.
I did find the last part of the book more bitter than sweet, though, particularly surrounding the downfall of a local museum. However, I really appreciate Lyles' continued investment in education and his hope for the next generation.
I'm grateful to learn about his values and integrity in making a family business thrive and eventually shape the community around it for the better.
I did find the last part of the book more bitter than sweet, though, particularly surrounding the downfall of a local museum. However, I really appreciate Lyles' continued investment in education and his hope for the next generation.
I'm grateful to learn about his values and integrity in making a family business thrive and eventually shape the community around it for the better.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews