#255 Sam Zemurray Banana King

In this episode, the hosts discuss the life of Sam "The Banana Man" Zamuri, as chronicled in Rich Cohen's book "The Fish That Ate the Whale." Zamuri, an immigrant who arrived in America penniless, rose to become a powerful figure in the banana trade and the head of United Fruit, one of the first global corporations. The hosts explore Zamuri's relentless drive, his innovative strategies, and his willingness to take risks, including organizing a coup to protect his business interests in Honduras. They also touch on Zamuri's later years, his retirement, and the complex legacy he left behind, which included both admiration for his business acumen and criticism for his brutal tactics. The episode highlights the key moments of Zamuri's career, his impact on the banana industry, and the broader implications of his actions on American business and foreign policy.

• Zamuri arrived in America as a penniless immigrant at age 14.
• He worked various low-level jobs, from fruit peddling to plantation owning.
• His life exemplifies the American Dream, including its darker, subterranean aspects such as kickbacks and overthrows.
• Zamuri's story suggests that the nation's history is shaped by a diverse array of individuals, not just politicians.

"When he arrived in America in 1891 at age 14, Zamuri was tall, gangly, and penniless."

This quote establishes Zamuri's humble beginnings and sets the stage for his transformation into a powerful figure in America.

• The book "The Fish That Ate The Whale" by Rich Cohen details Zamuri's life.
• Speaker B notes the book's excellence and its ranking as one of the best for the podcast.
• The story is revisited to contextualize it with other founder biographies discussed in the podcast.

"That I'm going to talk to you about today, which is the fish that ate the whale, the life and times of America's banana king. And it was written by Rich Cohen."

The quote introduces the book that will be the subject of the podcast, highlighting its significance and relevance to the discussion.

• At 33, Zamuri was involved in a coup to overthrow the Honduran government.
• He was known for his no-nonsense manner and colorful nicknames.
• Zamuri's early life in the South involved hustling and defying powerful people.
• He was warned by the U.S. Secretary of State to stay out of Honduras but ignored the warning.

"At this point in the story, Zamuri is 33 years old, and he is organizing a coup to overthrow the Honduran government."

This quote provides a snapshot of Zamuri's audacity and ambitious nature, as he attempts to overthrow a government for his business interests.

• Zamuri recruited General Bonilla, a former president of Honduras, to aid his coup.
• He provided Bonilla with money, ships, guns, and support.
• The mercenaries Zamuri hired admired historical figures like William Walker, indicating a culture of adventurous and risky endeavors.

"Zamuri recruits General Bonilla. General Bonilla had been previously been the president of Honduras."

The quote highlights Zamuri's strategic move to align with a powerful figure to accomplish his goal of overthrowing the Honduran government.

• Zamuri's drive and relentlessness were evident from his youth.
• After arriving in America, he immediately sought ways to get ahead.
• He worked multiple odd jobs and was determined to rise from the bottom to the top.
• Zamuri's philosophy was to understand his business thoroughly and stay close to the action.

"He worked like a dog and defied the most powerful people in the country."

This quote exemplifies Zamuri's tenacity and willingness to challenge authority to succeed in his endeavors.

• Zamuri identified a profitable niche in the banana trade by focusing on "ripes" that others considered trash.
• His immigrant perspective allowed him to see value where others saw waste.
• He devised a plan to sell these ripes quickly before they spoiled, demonstrating his resourcefulness and business acumen.

"Where others saw nothing, Sam grew fixated on the ripes."

This quote illustrates Zamuri's ability to spot an overlooked opportunity and capitalize on it, setting the foundation for his future success.

• Zamuri's first successful business venture involved transporting and selling ripe bananas before they spoiled.
• He used a telegraph operator to spread the word ahead of his arrival, ensuring a market for his bananas.
• His success with the ripes allowed him to earn significantly more than his previous jobs.
• Zamuri's approach to business was hands-on, and he believed in the importance of understanding every detail of his trade.

"He had no money, so Sam offered a deal."

This quote demonstrates Zamuri's ability to negotiate and create opportunities even when resources were limited.

• Zamuri's life story is a testament to what one person can achieve in a lifetime.
• He was recognized by a Supreme Court Justice as a "statesman among businessmen."
• Zamuri's relentless pursuit of opportunities and his resourcefulness made him a prominent figure in the banana trade.

"He stood out from the beginning."

The quote encapsulates Zamuri's distinct presence and influence from his early days in America, foreshadowing his rise to power.

• Zamuri began by purchasing all varieties of bananas, including ripe and overripe.
• Importers were willing to sell what was considered trash in other towns, indicating Zamuri's unique business approach.
• His rapid growth in banana sales caught the attention of Andrew Preston, a key founder of United Fruit.
• Zamuri's business expanded from selling 20,000 bananas in 1899 to over a million within a decade.

"In 1899, he sold 20,000 bananas. Four years later, he sold half a million. Within a decade, he'd be selling more than a million bananas a year."

This quote illustrates Zamuri's remarkable business growth, showing his effective scaling from a small operation to a significant player in the banana trade.

• Andrew Preston, as a founder of United Fruit, was intrigued by Zamuri's success in the banana trade.
• A significant, yet undocumented meeting occurred between Zamuri and Preston, indicating a pivotal moment in their business relationship.
• Preston admired Zamuri for his entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking abilities.
• Zamuri signed a contract with United Fruit, marking the beginning of a long and complex business relationship.

"Andrew Preston, the president of United Fruit and one of the founders, asked to meet Zamuri, this Russian selling all the ripes."

This quote highlights the initial interaction between Zamuri and Preston, which set the stage for future collaborations and the growth of Zamuri's business within the banana industry.

• The introduction of steamships transformed the banana trade from a local to a global business.
• United Fruit became one of the first truly global corporations, partly due to technological advancements.
• The Supreme Court antitrust suit against United Fruit had implications for future international companies.

"The steamship winds, turns it into a global business."

The quote emphasizes the impact of steamship technology on the banana trade, enabling it to become a global enterprise and underscoring the importance of technological innovation in business expansion.

• Zamuri's partnership with United Fruit and his acquisition of Thatcher Brothers steamship company expanded his operations.
• Zamuri's business model involved lower costs by not owning plantations initially, which allowed him to grow his business rapidly.
• His strategy of riding in the "windbreak" of United Fruit is likened to a bike racer drafting behind a semi truck.

"By his 21st birthday, he had $100,000 in the bank. In today's terms, he would have been a millionaire."

This quote demonstrates Zamuri's financial success at a young age, indicating his effective business strategies and his potential for further growth.

• Zamuri realized the need to take on a partner to expand into more profitable areas of the banana trade.
• He partnered with Hubbard in 1903, despite his preference for solitary decision-making.
• The partnership aimed to traffic bananas directly from Central American farmers, increasing both potential profits and risks.
• Zamuri later acquired his own steamship company with the help of United Fruit, further integrating his business.

"For this, he would need capital and help. So he takes his partner. It says Hubbard, that's the guy's name, is gone now, dead and buried and forgotten."

This quote reflects on the necessity of partnership for business expansion and the transient nature of business relationships, as Hubbard would eventually be bought out by Zamuri.

• The founders of United Fruit, Lorenzo Baker, Andrew Preston, and Minor Keith, each contributed to the company's success in different ways.
• Baker's initial profit from selling bananas in Boston inspired the partnership with Preston.
• Preston's vision was to increase supply and control quality, leading to high volume and lower prices.
• Minor Keith's involvement came from his work in Costa Rica, where he recognized the potential market for bananas in the north.

"They're the Rockefeller of bananas."

This comparison to Rockefeller underlines the founders' strategy of consolidation and control within the banana industry, mirroring the tactics used by Standard Oil in the oil industry.

• Zamuri's relentless pursuit of business growth led him to take on new challenges, such as acquiring land for banana cultivation.
• His secretive approach to business dealings helped him secure land at low costs.
• Zamuri's willingness to take risks and endure hardships was key to his success.

"The only way to do this was to plant his own bananas. It was a realization that sent Zamuri down the path he would follow for the rest of his life."

This quote captures the pivotal decision that propelled Zamuri toward vertical integration and the establishment of his own banana plantations, marking a significant step in his business career.

• Recognizing unique market opportunities is likened to sensing a change in barometric pressure.
• Great businesspeople act on these rare opportunities, even with financial risks.
• Murray's strategy involved purchasing land in Honduras with borrowed money, betting on its future value.

"A great businessman is dumb enough to act on them even when he cannot afford to."

This quote emphasizes the boldness required to seize business opportunities despite financial constraints.

• Murray's plan was to buy as much land as possible with his available cash in Honduras.
• He financed this by borrowing from every possible source, indicating a high tolerance for risk.
• The land acquired was initially perceived as worthless by locals but held potential for banana cultivation.

"Head north beyond the last paved road into the delta of the river, flash a bankroll, and buy as much land as he could until his cash ran out."

This quote outlines Murray's strategic approach to land acquisition, which involved a significant gamble on undeveloped land.

• Murray's extensive knowledge from A to Z in his business allowed him to solve any problem.
• His hands-on experience gave him an edge over executives who were detached from on-the-ground operations.
• Understanding the product and market at every level was crucial for success.

"If you know your business from A to Z, there's nothing problem you can't solve."

This quote highlights the importance of comprehensive industry knowledge as a key to solving business challenges.

• Murray engaged in corruption, using financial influence to secure favorable conditions for his business.
• His company received exemptions from various taxes and duties, giving him a competitive edge.
• The political maneuvering was instrumental in allowing him to challenge larger competitors.

"And then he needs it because he's going to pay off every single politician that he ever comes across."

The quote illustrates the unethical but effective tactics Murray employed to secure business advantages through political corruption.

• Murray's choice of bananas was due to their availability, not preference.
• His adaptability meant that he could have succeeded with any product, given his sales skills.
• Understanding the essence of business, which is selling, was more important than the product itself.

"Why bananas? Because it was the nearest product at hand."

This quote reveals Murray's opportunistic and adaptable nature, focusing on the business opportunity rather than a specific product.

• Murray worked alongside his employees, gaining their respect and understanding the business intimately.
• His involvement in every step of the process gave him an information advantage and demonstrated his capacity to endure hardship.
• Physical labor was seen as a way to free the soul, reflecting Murray's work ethic.

"He liked doing physical labor, and he talks about why he likes that later time."

The quote conveys Murray's hands-on leadership style and his belief in the value of physical labor.

• Murray's aggressive expansion led to a rift with his more conservative partner, Hubbard.
• While Murray wanted to risk everything for growth, Hubbard preferred a cautious approach.
• The disagreement led to their separation, with Murray buying out Hubbard's stake.

"Go all in or get out, Sam said."

This quote reflects Murray's all-or-nothing approach to business growth and expansion.

• The U.S. government's intervention threatened Murray's business concessions in Honduras.
• Secretary of State Knox's Knox Plan would have increased costs for Murray, potentially driving him out of business.
• Murray's countermove was to support a coup that would install a government favorable to his interests.

"His goal was simple, undermine, overturn, undo and kill it dead."

This quote describes Murray's determination to protect his business interests against political threats by any means necessary.

• Murray's constant innovation and ambition drove his company's success.
• His disdain for bureaucracy and preference for hands-on management allowed for quick and decisive actions.
• Murray's personal involvement in all aspects of the business, from production to sales, was key to his competitive advantage.

"The culture of his company was his personality."

The quote encapsulates how Murray's personal traits and entrepreneurial spirit were reflected in the culture and operations of his company.

• The conflict between Zamuri and Qatar, known as the Banana War, required U.S. intervention.
• The U.S. government forced a merger to end the conflict.
• Speaker A and B discuss the motivations and actions of Zamuri, a key figure in the war.
• Zamuri's aggressive and confident nature is highlighted, along with his belief in victory at all costs.

"This is the war that is going to take place between Zamuri and Qatar." "And this is the war that the United States government has to step in and end. And they do that by forcing them to merge."

The quotes indicate the significance of the Banana War and the role of the U.S. government in resolving it by forcing a merger.

• Zamuri is portrayed as a relentless and confident self-made man.
• His motivation was not wealth but the desire to win.
• He is described as a once essential American type, focused on business and success.

"He wanted to win and would do whatever it took." "His motivation was clear. He wanted to win and would do whatever it took."

These quotes encapsulate Zamuri's driving force: an unwavering desire to triumph, regardless of the stakes.

• The Banana War centered on a 5000-acre land coveted by both companies.
• Zamuri's approach to acquiring the land was swift and unconventional.
• He bought the land from both claimants, bypassing the bureaucratic process that United Fruit (UF) was engaged in.

"In the meantime, Zamuri meeting separately with each claimant... simply bought the land from both of them."

This quote details Zamuri's decisive action in acquiring disputed land, showcasing his business acumen and willingness to circumvent traditional methods.

• Despite his aggressive and ruthless nature, Zamuri's wealth made him vulnerable.
• His fruit company was a reflection of his personality and philosophy.
• The quote emphasizes the change in Zamuri's circumstances as he gained wealth and reputation.

"Success limited his options and made him vulnerable."

The quote reflects on how success brought about new challenges and vulnerabilities for Zamuri, a theme that's crucial to understanding his character's evolution.

• The merger resulted in Zamuri receiving a significant number of shares in United Fruit.
• Zamuri's wealth increased, making him one of the richest men in America.
• He agreed to retire from the banana trade as part of the merger agreement.

"His stake after the merger would be valued at more than $30 million, a figure worth considering, as it would make Zamuri, who had arrived in Alabama with nothing three decades before, one of the richest men in America."

The quote highlights the outcome of the merger for Zamuri, emphasizing the vast wealth he accumulated and his rise to prominence.

• Huey Long, a political figure, became a powerful enemy of Zamuri.
• Long's speeches targeted Zamuri and other wealthy individuals, advocating for wealth redistribution.
• The assassination of Long and its unclear circumstances are discussed.

"When Huey said, let's soak the rich, Sam heard, let's soak samuri."

This quote shows how Zamuri felt personally targeted by Long's political rhetoric, which contributed to their enmity.

• Faced with a significant drop in net worth, Zamuri acted decisively to save United Fruit.
• He believed in his ability to salvage situations and never lost faith in his agency.
• Zamuri's hands-on approach and swift decision-making led to a rapid turnaround for the company.

"He overlooked nothing. Whenever he found a man who could not act or was slow to decide, he replaced him."

This quote reflects Zamuri's proactive management style and his determination to rectify the company's course by directly addressing inefficiencies.

• World War II presented challenges for the banana trade.
• Zamuri innovated by growing different crops that were classified as necessities.
• His actions during the war were considered among his proudest achievements.

"He chose innovation over despair."

The quote succinctly captures Zamuri's mindset and approach to overcoming the obstacles posed by the war, illustrating his resilience and adaptability.

• The death of Zamuri's son, Sam Jr., in World War II was a profound tragedy for him.
• Sam Jr.'s military service and untimely death are detailed.
• The event deeply affected Zamuri, marking a period of personal darkness and loss.

"The death of Sam Jr. Was the great tragedy of the man's life."

The quote conveys the profound impact of personal loss on Zamuri, a man otherwise characterized by his business successes and tenacity.

• Zamuri hired Edward Bernays, a public relations pioneer, to improve the company's image.
• Bernays' methods were based on indirection and aligning private interests with public causes.
• His strategies were effective in shaping public opinion and government actions.

"Bernays would not make the world better for bananas. He would make the world better for american politicians who would make the world better for the CIA, which would make the world better for banas indirection."

This quote explains Bernays' strategy of indirect influence, which was pivotal in advancing Zamuri's and United Fruit's interests.

• Zamuri retired from United Fruit two years before it faced a public relations disaster and was broken up.
• His belief in his own agency and refusal to despair are highlighted as defining characteristics.
• The book concludes with a reflection on Zamuri's complex legacy and the lessons to be learned from his life and career.

"Sam's defining characteristic was his belief in his own agency, his refusal to despair."

The quote encapsulates the essence of Zamuri's character, emphasizing his self-reliance and resilience, which are presented as qualities worth emulating.