Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

Everyone from bellhops to brokers had similar thoughts about Marc Rich—he was effective but secretive and paranoid. He never developed relationships with his colleagues many of whom had the need to share their angst over the roller-coaster aspect of their jobs with one another. While secrecy in the company's operation was crucial so that deals could not be stolen from them, Rich took it to an unnecessary level. He almost hated to go home and sleep, fearing that he would miss a deal. He was demanding and unfair with underlings and displayed little personality and had no sense of humor.

Solid relationships with banks were essential in the trading world. Jesselson had skillfully nurtured these relationships for many years prior to the Engelhard merger. After the merger, banks were lined up waiting to make loans. Jesselson allowed Rich to...