Good Profit

October 5, 2015
Koch (The Science of Success), chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, Inc., issues a rambling rah-rah for his company's operating philosophy. Koch took over from his father, Fred, at 32, and since has guided the company to great heights, in the process making himself the fourth wealthiest man in America. He attributes this success to Market-Based Management, a "unique business management framework," which has allowed Koch Industries to outpace competitors for decades. Koch discusses his relationship with his father and three brothersâparticularly David, his partner in Koch Industriesâand addresses areas in which he think the company succeeds despite what he views as an unacceptable level of government interference in business. Peppered with buzzwords and high-minded statements about the importance of hard work, intuition, and innovation, this effort comes across as a book-length advertisement for Koch Industries' products, and for himself as a businessman. A few cursory case studies round out the offering, but all but the most devout fans of the Koch brand are likely to find this too self-congratulatory and slim. Agent: Leah Spiro, Riverside Creative Management.