"I'm not doing this to embarrass you, but you really don't belong in this meeting. Go Clean your desk out, come see me tomorrow and we'll settle up," said B.J. "Red" McCombs to one of the vice president's of the Vikings shortly before pre-season play after he bought the team in 1998. Valued at over a billion dollars, the former owner of the Spurs is known for direct talk, good judgement, and making a heck of a lot of money.
In conversation with the President of St. Mary's University, Thomas Mengler, the Texas-born businessman is chock-full of anecdotes, witticisms and the folksy wisdom that has endeared him to many people over the years. His story of drive, tenacity, and some might say luck, is one that many can draw inspiration from.
*This presentation is part of St. Mary's University Community Conversations Program and was recorded by production intern Carley Espensen.