Simply Rich: Life and Lessons from the Cofounder of Amway

Local boy makes good—to the tune of millions—in this laborious memoir from Amway cofounder DeVos (Believe!). As a boy in Depression-era Grand Rapids, Mich., DeVos was inspired by his grandfather, a popular door-to-door salesman. Despite his family’s poverty—or, he suggests, because of it—he had a blissfully happy childhood, nurturing a strong Christian faith. In high school, he met friend and future business partner Jay Van Andel. When he and Van Andel returned from serving in WWII, they launched a series of businesses, starting with selling flying lessons and later opening a restaurant. They started selling a dietary supplement called Nutrilite using multilevel marketing, which became the precursor to the American Way Association (shortened to Amway). As the business grew, DeVos sold people on the multilevel marketing concept, extended the product line to personal care items, and grew the company internationally. He went on to buy the Orlando Magic and open a children’s hospital. There’s no larger message here, simply an opportunity for DeVos to share his life story and talk at length about his faith and patriotism, and the importance of hard work. Though the book may be inspiring to Amway employees, it’s unlikely to find a wide audience. Agent: Alan Nevins, Renaissance Literary and Talent Agency. (Apr.)