The extraordinary account of the largest private company in the world reveals the story of modern corporate America. Koch Industries, with annual revenue surpassing that of Goldman Sachs, Facebook, and U.S. Steel combined, is deeply embedded in various sectors, from fertilizers and chemicals to synthetics used in everyday products. Despite its vast influence, few know much about Koch Industries due to the secrecy maintained by the billionaire Koch brothers. For over fifty years, CEO Charles Koch has operated the company with a focus on long-term profits, employing strategies that emphasize patience, learning from mistakes, and fostering a culture of free-market ruthlessness. These tactics have made him and his brother David exceedingly wealthy. However, this narrative also uncovers the darker implications of their success. It sheds light on the decline of unions, the widening income gap, stalled climate progress, and the corporate influence on politics. With seven years of research, this book reads like a thrilling narrative, featuring larger-than-life characters and chronicling how one private company amassed significant power over half a century, ultimately transforming capitalism into a system that feels alienating to many Americans today.
