AmeriCAN Spirit Award

Lido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca is an American industrialist and philanthropist most commonly known for his revival of the Chrysler brand in the 1980's. Among the most widely recognized businessmen in the world, he is the author or co-author of several books, including Iacocca: Autobiography (with William Novak), and Where have all the Leaders Gone? In his early years, Lido Iacocca changed his name to Lee after going to work for Ford. Both his parents were Italian immigrants from San Marco Italy. In grade school Lee came face to face with ethnic intolerance because of his Italian heritage. He also had two Jewish friends that were treated even worse. This made an impression on Lee that he would never forget. Later in his career when he was with Chrysler, he would name Gerald Greenwald as the Vice President of Chrysler. He would be the first Jew to enter the top ranks of any of the top three automakers. He realized the importance of recognizing people for their contributions and abilities, not their race or nationality. Before Chrysler it was Ford where he began in sales turned a division from last to first place, and developed his management style. Lee says there is one word that describes a good manager, and it is DECISIVENESS. You have to think on your feet. He is known as the father of the Mustang which is just one of his creations. His team or committee were precise thinkers who used research data to decide what type of new car to produce for Americans. "One of the most important things to remember in business is that every problem can not be structured and reduced to a case study if you want to stay ahead of the competition in today's global market place". I ask everyone to read Lee Iacocca's bio and other links below. How he was chosen to turn Chrysler on the brink of bankruptcy around after being a 32 year company man at Ford on his one dollar a year salary and much more. Mr. Lee Iacocca is the embodiment of the AmeriCAN^® Spirit