Ben Johnson, MONEY TALKS, BULLSH*T WALKS Sam Zell biographer: Mr. Media Radio Interview

Sam Zell’s story is told in Money Talks, Bullsh*t Walks!

Even for Sam Zell, one of the greatest contrarian investors, buying Tribune Company was a risky and controversial move. Many saw the purchase of the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times by a man who had made his fortune in cargo containers, real estate, fertilizer, and plumbing to be a sign of the coming media apocalypse. Maybe they were frightened by Zell’s nickname, “the Grave Dancer.”

The move didn’t seem to make sense for Zell either. Why would an epithet-slinging, motorcycle-riding scrapper—who had started with nothing and worked his way up to a $5 billion real estate fortune—be interested in a declining media company?

Ben Johnson has the answers in this fascinating biography of a uniquely colorful mogul who is fond of blunt declarations and bold business moves. Johnson also tells the real story of Zell’s adventure at the Tribune, that feverish year between his purchase of the ailing company and its declaration of bankruptcy.

Between the story of Zell’s rise to astounding riches and previously untold details of his conflicts with his employees and investors, Money Talks, Bullsh*t Walks will keep you alternately laughing and on the edge of your seat.

Ben Johnson first encountered Sam Zell while leading two of the real estate industry’s most respected trade publications, National Real Estate Investor and Shopping Center World.

For more original interviews with CEOs and biographers, visit Mr. Media Radio.