"Simply Rich: Life and Lessons from the Cofounder of Amway"

NEW YORK and NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In his fifth book, Rich DeVos shares the story of his remarkable life, from his humble beginnings to the friendship with Jay Van Andel that led to the founding of Amway and to his many achievements as a global business icon.

"Simply Rich: Life and Lessons from the Cofounder of Amway" published by the Howard Books division of Simon & Schuster, tells the story of the people and forces that shaped DeVos' life, from a father who encouraged him to believe in himself to the grandfather who showed him how to make his first sale. Through stories and recollections, DeVos shares the values and principles that he views as responsible for his success.

A leader who has inspired millions with his message of hope and optimism, few people embody the entrepreneurial spirit like DeVos. His personal story is one of faith, hope and perseverance and will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.

In commenting about his latest book, DeVos shares, "My father had one slogan always, 'You can do it! You can do it!' His encouragement led me to build a life around encouraging others. The world is filled with people who think they can't do it. I want them to get out of this book a new faith in themselves. I have succeeded by helping others succeed."

"Looking back at 88 years of life, I believe one principle rises above the others," he states in his book. "People who achieve the highest levels of success are those who place their focus on other people rather than themselves."

DeVos' book is already earning praise from national leaders, who cite the lessons today's entrepreneurs can learn from the Amway founder. Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, "You will not want to put this book down. It's a fascinating story, full of advice, lessons, and inspiration for all who dream of a better life and who are willing to work hard to achieve it."

And Joseph Mariano, President of the Direct Selling Association, commented after reading the book, "Rich DeVos' words and actions have inspired millions of people over many years, and his newest book Simply Rich promises to inspire and inform millions more with his personal life story and insights about a remarkable life."

The book is organized into three sections titled for three of DeVos' most popular and enduring speeches: "Action, Attitude and Atmosphere," "Selling America" and "Life Enricher."

"Action, Attitude and Atmosphere" captures DeVos' reflections on his upbringing during the U.S. Great Depression and lessons learned from his grandfathers and father that shaped him as a businessman. The section also recounts DeVos' friendship and early partnerships with Jay Van Andel that endured a number of business starts and stops before the duo founded Amway.

"Selling America" details DeVos' commitment to free enterprise and how he and Van Andel took Amway from their homes to a global enterprise.

"Life Enricher" offers DeVos' insights on his life, faith and commitment to improve the communities and world around him.

"Simply Rich" launches April 1 in hardcover, trade paperback and electronic editions and is available at booksellers including Amazon.com, BN.com and Simon & Schuster.com {Simon & Schuster/Howard Books / ISBN: 9781476751771.}  DeVos' other titles include "Believe!", "Hope from My Heart" and "Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People."

Rich DeVos is an American businessman, cofounder of Amway, and owner of the NBA Orlando Magic basketball team. DeVos served in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. He and his wife Helen have four children, sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Vero Beach, Florida.

Howard Books is an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Based in Nashville, the imprint is home to numerous New York Times bestselling books. Simon & Schuster is a part of CBS Corporation, a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats.  Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  For more information visit our website www.simonandschuster.com

Simply Rich: Life and Lessons From the Cofounder of Amway
by Rich DeVos
Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster: April 1, 2014
Hardcover, $25.00

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SOURCE Amway