"This book provides insight into one of the great trailblazers of American business. Bob Johnson has been and continues to be an inspiration to me personally. He is a man who has persevered, overcome obstacles–personally and professionally–and has succeeded in spite of the challenges and adversity along his journey. Bob has created a successful game plan for other entrepreneurs to follow, and has accomplished the unthinkable. Read and learn about one of the most inspiring men of our time."
–Isiah Thomas
NBA Hall of Famer and President, New York Knicks

"In a gripping narrative that is both inspirational and cautionary, Brett Pulley tells us how Robert Johnson built Black Entertainment Television into a billion dollar media empire. In a remarkable feat of reporting, without Johnson’s cooperation, Pulley shows what it really takes to get ahead in America today, and in doing so provides as valuable a cultural as business history."
–James B. Stewart
Pulitzer Prize—winning journalist and author of the bestsellers, Den of Thieves and Heart of a Soldier

"Like or dislike? Agree or disagree? Bob Johnson’s richly varied and fascinating life presses you against the window that Brett Pulley opens widely."

–Bernard Shaw
retired CNN anchor

"Through his BET network, Bob Johnson reached the pinnacle of capitalism, the billionaire boys club, in the spirit of legions of driven, American moguls...Veteran business journalist Brett Pulley peels back the layers of this fascinating and complex entrepreneur."
–Teri Agins
senior special writer, The Wall Street Journal and author of The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever

About the Author
BRETT PULLEY is a senior editor at Forbes magazine, where he writes primarily about the media and entertainment industries. He has authored several cover stories including the 2001 Forbes 400 on Robert Johnson. Prior to joining Forbes in September 1999, he spent five years at the New York Times, where he covered economic development, politics, and was a national correspondent. He also spent several years as a correspondent at the Wall Street Journal, writing extensively on business and race. His front-page feature for the Wall Street Journal on the black-owned company, Johnson Products, won a first-place award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). He received a second NABJ award for a feature written for Savoy magazine, where he served as a contributor. He has also written for several other publications, including USA Today and Emerge magazine. He is a frequent guest on many television programs, providing commentary and insight on media and entertainment news and issues. Pulley currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two young daughters.