Chainsaw: The Notorious Career of Al Dunlap in the Era of Profit-At-Any-Price

by John A. Byrne

Book Overview

At once praised as the darling of Wall Street and condemned as the foe of the working people, business executive Albert J. Dunlap--"Chainsaw Al"--is clearly one of the most controversial figures in American business.

This is the story of Dunlap's rise and fall. It reveals a notorious career that left a wake of fired employees, shuttered plants, devastated communities, gutted companies--and, often, enriched shareholders.

First breaking...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0066619807
• ISBN13: 9780066619804
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A difference between tough and cruel

If John Byrne's "Chainsaw" were a work of fiction, it would likely be considered unpublishable because its main character is so absurdely evil. Unfortunately -- especially for those who had to endure his wrath -- the story of Al Dunlap is all too true. Byrne's portrayal of Dunlap, who was hailed by Wall Street as a turaround genius before his leadership of Sunbeam ended in debacle, is that not of an admirable business leader, but of an hysterical, violent sociopath who, if his life had turned slightly differently, might well have ended up in prison, a mental hospital, or an early grave. "Chainsaw" paints a portrait of a man who was abusive -- mentally, emotionally and even physically -- to nearly everybody in his life, from his business associates to his family to the few whom he considered friends."Chainsaw" chronicles the rise and fall of "Chainsaw Al" Dunlap so compellingly that even those who wouldn't think to read a business book will be hooked. However, the book is in many ways fascinating the way that a car wreck is fascinating. The reader will marvel at the amount and intensity of abuse Dunlap hurls at even his closest friends and allies, the coldness with which he treats his family (he abandoned his son at age 2 and couldn't be bothered to attend the funerals of either of his parents), and the near-perverted bounds of his ego. In fact, as Sunbeam lurches toward collapse, his only apparent interest was in signing copies of his autobiography.Defenders of Dunlap will say that he did the dirty work of downsizing and layoffs to save dying companies, sacrificing the needs of the few for the good of the many. And true, the modern business world is filled with harsh realities and tough decision-making. But Dunlap's approach to downsizing in "Chainsaw" teeters between indifference to those downsized and pure sadism. At points in the book, he actually seems to enjoy cutting jobs and closing factories (though he usually had others do the dirty deeds). As the author says, there is a business world between being tough and being cruel -- and Byrne leaves little doubt about where he places Dunlap. Worse, Dunlap's moves at Sunbeam didn't seem to have been done with any level of intelligence, other than to get Dunlap a quick win so he could cash out fast. The result was the near-total destruction of Sunbeam rather than long-term gains from short-term pain.In "Chainsaw," Byrne stresses that either through fear, greed or naivetee, others enabled Dunlap. The way that each of these characters is drawn creates a fascinating if morbid portrait of a dysfunctional, cannibalistic organization revolving totally around Chainsaw Al.Byrne is a terrific writer, and "Chainsaw" is a great read. My only quibble is that, since Byrne and Dunlap apparently have had great animosity toward each other, Byrne often sacrifices any attempt at objectivity. But perhaps objectivity isn't possible when chronicling such an extreme personality.It's good to see "Chainsaw"

You reap what you sow. Does this apply to business?

"Chainsaw Al" is a wonderfully written book. John Byrne manages to pull off an amazing double with this effort. First, the story of how Al Dunlap was permitted to bully, excuse me, I mean manage, a company for two years should be required reading for all CEO's and those who aspire to such positions. Secondly, it is a genuinely gripping drama that pulls you in and makes you root against Mr.Dunlap and his valets, aka top executives. I have an enormous amount of respect for the level of effort and research that Mr. Byrne obviuosly has placed into this book. It shows up on every page. From the mayor of one of the small towns that Mr. Dunlap callously affected, to a low-level accounting department auditor who seemed to be one of the few people with any self-respect in the corporate offices, to the Board of Directors at Sunbeam, you are permitted inside their heads and find out what they thought and did as the company first rose, then spiraled into near oblivion under the care of Mr Dunlap. Incredible. I found myself amazed at the courage and morality that some showed; and disgusted at the amorality and cowardice of others. How could any "professional" put up with the continual abuse that Mr. Dunlap heaped on them? How could any "professional" have taken his impossible fiscal goals and objectives seriously? For the promise of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that "Chainsaw" had delivered before at Scott Paper,and several other companies. I think ultimately the importance of this book will be that it will serve as a warning to all those in business who feel that everything,including one's decency, should be sacrificed to maximize profit, stockprice, and one's coffers when it comes time to cash in the options.Mr.Dunlap got what many felt he had coming. What you will get if you read John Byrne's book is one hell of a story.

the truth finally comes out

I lived the al dunlap saga first hand. Breakfasts, luncheons, and diners with the man as well as frequent barbs and threats. I was as close to the story as any outsider could be. But I must confess; John Byrne's account of the Sunbean story was told better and more accurately than either I or any insider could tell it. Byrne is a pro's pro. I would probably read anything he wrote since I would know that it was written with honesty, integrity and passion. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the mind of deception and the evil of greed.

Chainsaw Al - A predator or scavenger?

I thought I would leisurely read this new book from John Byrne. I resumed eating, sleeping and working after one day finishing "Chainsaw". I know from experience, this stuff is real. Dunlap and others like him have no relationship to real turnaround managers. He is simply a break-up artist. Rather than his favorite metaphor of a predatory animal ( lion, wolf, etc...) Al Dunlap is really a scavenger - a hyena or vulture, he had no clue as to how to revive an organization, so he might as well just pick on the bones.Once again, it is not so much how you organize people, but how you treat them, that matters. Providing a cause and a vision to achieve something worthwhile is a more powerful incentive for managers than any scavenged loot from artificially and temporarily raising the stock price.

Compelling story-I lived it!

This book reads like fiction but isn't---I was there! I can attest to the choas inside Sunbeam from the day Al Dunlap's name became synonomous with Sunbeam. What started with a "dream team" with an idealistic mission to save Sunbeam and restore it to it's former glory ended up like a nightmare beyond any professional's code of ethics. My thoughts before I left.... I wish I could take a shower and wash this dirt away. John Byrne captures the essence of Al Dunlap, the madman he became and the lives he sacrificed in the process....all for profit at any price.A must read on corporate greed in the 90's.