THE PROFITEERS by Sally Denton

THE PROFITEERS: BECHTEL AND THE MEN WHO BUILT THE WORLD by Sally Denton is an incredibly well researched account of the birth and growth of the global nation building company, Bechtel Corporation.

Bechtel Company is still privately owned and over 115 years old. Ms. Denton chronicles the history and development of the company from a small road grading company in Nevada that was founded by "Pa" Bechtel in 1898 to one of the world's largest construction companies. The company's mantra is that it can "build anything, any place, any time." Almost as impressive is the fact that they have been run by family members the entire time, except for one brief stint recently after the reign of Riley Bechtel while waiting for his son to get up to speed. 

Bechtel is also able to tackle seemingly insurmountable projects in indomitable locations due to their abillity to innovate, plan, persevere and have an overall lack of concern for human capital on the jobsites as was seen in their construction of the Hoover Dam in the Mojave Desert.

Over five generations Bechtel has been involved in some of the world's most notable projects including the Hoover Dam, the Big Dig, the rebuilt the oil fields after Desert Storm, rebuilt New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, removed destruction and debris of the World Trade Center bombings, rebuilt Iraq, and the list goes on. They have also constructed airports, ports, power plants, nuclear power plants, and cities. 

The argument that Denton lays out is repeated throughout the book, Bechtel got where it is today through its revolving door with Washington DC. The company has had its hands in every political party over the generations and due to these relationships was able to win a number of no bid contracts. It appears there were connections, but direct ties are harder to substantiate. It is shocking to learn of the number of individuals who worked for Bechtel and then held positions in the White House and vice verse. The reader will have to reach his/her own conclusions. 

This book is a pleasure to read as it chronicles the birth of one of the most powerful companies in the world and how it has influenced how so much is built over the world. A must read!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased review. This book was published February 16, 2016.