About

Talking about the demise of American manufacturing is downright fashionable today. But in truth, the drive to succeed in the face of insurmountable odds is the plotline of every great American business story.

Yes, our country faces enormous challenges in order to maintain its top-dog status. The free-market, capitalist model that has made US companies the envy of the world is under threat.

While some trade tariffs may be justified, unfair and unreasonable ones reward corporate laziness, stifle in- novation, and worst of all, hurt consumers.

In Tell Me Why I Can’t, Ron Simon describes his company’s extraordinary formula for success that openly welcomed Chinese competition and utterly rejected seeking Uncle Sam’s help. He pulls no punches criticizing his competitors, plagued by a culture of mediocrity and weak management, who then end up running to the government for help.

Simon describes his unlikely ascent from being the neighborhood’s Dennis the Menace to an unstoppable entrepreneur when he founded RSI Home Products in 1989.

In short order, RSI revolutionized the kitchen and bath cabinet industry and reached superstar status. From Lehman Brothers to Warren Buffett and RSI’s largest customer, The Home Depot, the company drew acclaim for its remarkable achievements.

Let the naysayers declare that the United States is out and China is in. But as you’ll read in this book, America still has the game plan for greatness.