What makes this book so interesting is the incredible range of positions Peter Cleary held in his nearly 40 years in the motor industry. He lived and worked in Europe, the United States, Australia, and in several locations in his native South Africa. And he worked for Ford, Mercedes-Benz and the motor dealerships he started.
Experiences range from negotiating to purchase a shareholding in Mazda at their factory in Hiroshima, less than a generation after the atomic bomb hit that city; market research in Sao Paulo; introducing Japanese products into a German company; dealing with the Competitions Committee; winning Dealer of the Year awards and many, many more.
Then there is the insight he brings because of his unusual experience of working at the top level in both the retail and wholesale sides of the motor industry. And throughout the book the common themes are his love of marketing and leadership.
The book contains many personal anecdotes and these are illuminated by some of the poetry he has written in recent years, giving the reader a feel for the character and values of the author.