News Coverage Clifton Lambreth, author of "Ford and the American Dream", had lunch with CEO Alan Mulally, above, who thanked him for "having the 'courage to write the book." Relishing 'My Dinner With Alan'Saturday, July 21, 2007 Bryce Hoffman / The Detroit News "I realize by writing this book I might be ending my career with Ford," wrote author Clifton Lambreth in the introduction to his just-released book "Ford and the American Dream," a sympathetic critique of the struggling automaker. But instead of a pink slip, the veteran Ford manager received an invitation to lunch from CEO Alan Mulally. The pair met for lunch at Fair Lane, the former residence of Henry Ford -- a fitting venue considering that Lambreth's fictional main character is transported back to the early 20th century and dines with the company founder in the same building and discusses where the once-great automaker went wrong and how to get it back on track. "Mulally thanked me for having the 'courage to write the book.' He was keenly receptive to openly discussing issues facing the company," Lambreth said. No word on who picked up the check. 
Author of New Ford Book speaks to The Rotary Club of Brentwood Clifton Lambreth, Brentwood resident and author of Ford and the American Dream: Founded On Right Decisions, spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Brentwood on Friday, Feb. 16. Co-authors of the book, Mary Calia and Melissa Webb, were also present. “The auto industry is very important in America. It made us into a world power and provided us with the industrial base to win World War II,” said Tom Carr, vice president of The Rotary Club of Brentwood as he introduced Lambreth. Lambreth agreed with Carr’s perspective of the importance of the American auto industry saying, “One out of every four Americans works directly or indirectly for the auto industry. That is why I wrote this book. The American auto industry needs a new direction. The future of the auto industry is critical in preserving the economic future of America.” Lambreth said his book provides a universal platform for implementing change in any industry. The book addresses globalization, engineering, management and diversity as key components of the success of a company. “The theme of this book is ‘doing the right thing,” Lambreth said. “The American dream is simple; we hope our kids have better opportunities than we did.” After the book was published in the summer of 2007, Lambreth was invited to have lunch with Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford. Lambreth said that the two discussed the points in the book and that Mulally said the book was “the best turn-around strategy he had ever read.” Lambreth said he still talks with Mulally often and that he is putting into action many of the strategies outlined in his book. “I do believe the American auto industry is on the rebound,” said Lambreth. Although Lambreth, who still works in senior management at Ford, was asked by Mulally if he would pursue further opportunities with the company, Lambreth said, “I don’t know what I want to do, but I know that I want to live in Brentwood, Tennessee.” Lambreth’s comments about Brentwood were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. “This was a great, great program,” said Michael Barrett, president of The Rotary Club of Brentwood. “To have three authors here to present this program was tremendous. You could tell the interest level everyone had. Clifton was talking about a subject we could all relate to. Everyone was attentive to what he was saying.” Following the presentation, Lambreth signed books for members of the club. Lambreth is currently conducting speaking engagements locally. To schedule a presentation, contact Melissa Webb at (931) 486-2565 or send an e-mail to Melw@charterinternet.com. For more information about the book Ford and the American Dream: Founded On Right Decisions, visit the Web site: www.FordBook.com. |