Book Review: ‘Why Not Win,’ Larry Thornton

Larry Thornton’s life story offers much more than a rags to riches tale. In his gripping new memoir, Why Not Win? A Reflection on a 50-year Journey from the Segregated South to America’s Boardrooms — And What it Teaches Us All, he recounts how, as a young black man growing up in the segregated South, he navigated the landmines of racial struggle to eventually achieve considerable success in both business and in life.   

Thornton’s inspirational story is an embodiment of much of the intense racial strife that the country grappled with in the 1960s — and continues to encounter today. He grew up in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, and regularly experienced Jim Crow’s malicious presence. In junior high school, after the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling that forced out segregated schools, he was one of only a handful of black students at an all-white school. Each day he was belittled, humiliated, and physically badgered. He wrote, “I was getting schooled in my worthlessness and inferiority.”   

In 1979, he was hired as a sign painter for the local bottling company, Coca-Cola United. He quickly proved his abilities through his work ethic and dependability, and just four months later was promoted to advertising manager. While he eventually left Coca-Cola to become a McDonald’s franchise owner, twenty years later Thornton became the first African American to serve on Coca-Cola United’s board of directors.  

But Thornton’s rise in business wasn’t smooth sailing. At every turn, he had to overcome prejudice and bigotry. Often, he was the only African American in the room in both business and educational settings. Yet he learned key lessons that kept him moving forward. He recounts these life lessons at the end of each chapter, and in one such lesson, he writes, “Where we start out, even if in a disadvantaged place or location, is not nearly as important as where we decide we are going.”    

Thornton’s arduous — and many would say miraculous — life journey is an inspiration to readers. From receiving a menacing drawing of a man hanging by a noose from a staff member, to a threatening run-in with a white McDonald’s franchise owner when he opened his own franchise in Birmingham, Thornton unwaveringly treated people with respect, kindness, and professionalism. He often was able to turn adversaries into allies.    

In what serves as a constant theme throughout Why Not Win, Thornton’s humility and perseverance pay off over the years. He reached the pinnacle of his career as an entrepreneur, business leader, and respected member of his community. But even more important to him was is ability to set in motion what he hopes will lead to second, third, and still more generations of young people of color also able to have a seat at the table. 

Recently, in his true pay-it-forward form, Larry founded the Why Not Win Institute to make leadership development more accessible. Profits from his book sales will go to support the institute’s mission.  

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