It certainly helps. This is a story cut from the old cloth of America. It’s amazing to realize that this story begins when most Americans were without electricity and ends with Warren Buffett, the world’s richest man, buying a company that began when a high school drop-out [RC] went from a lineman to a door-to-door salesman selling refrigerators.
RC Willey never compromised their "never [open] on Sunday" principle, despite the fact that Sunday is traditionally the biggest shopping day for home furnishings. Warren Buffett respected that business decision, but he resisted opening stores in Las Vegas, fearing that they would simply not be successful. Can you tell our readers the story of how Bill was able to overcome Warren's initial resistance?
‘Never on Sunday’ was the longstanding policy of Bill Child and the RC Willey company. It’s easy to see that working in Utah in the 1950s. It’s hard to see that approach surviving in Las Vegas in 2005. But the fact that RC Willey remains closed on Sunday in Vegas and in every other market – yet is the #1 store in those markets – is a testament to the power of sticking to one’s guns when it comes to matters of principle.
You just finished two books within a few months of one another. Most people will never write even one book. How does a writer work on more than one book at the same time?
Good question. I had most of Little Pink House complete before I started the RC Willey book. But working on multiple projects simultaneously requires a lot of discipline and organization. I approach writing very much like a job or a craft. And I love to work. So I was thrilled to have two jobs to do instead of one.
So, you’d do it again?
In a minute.
Have you at least been able to kill two birds with one stone by doing a double-book tour?
Not really. The books are entirely different. So they draw different audiences. So, I did back to back book tours. The books were released about five months apart.
What's next for you?
I’m working on a couple projects right now. Both are in the development stage.
Well, I wish you good luck with this new book, Jeff. The combination of your stellar track record and the public’s undying curiosity about Warren Buffett bodes well for your book sales.
The last question I asked Benedict was: “While writing this book, did Warren Buffett give you any business tips?” I was willing to share. Sorry, folks. Benedict’s not talking.
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How to get a copy of How to Build a Business Warren Buffett Would Buy - the RC Willey Story
Link to Jeff Benedict’s website
My March 2009 OpEdNews Interview with Jeff Benedict about Little Pink House
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