Chapters 12 and 13 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 12

Marc Rich's only hiring standard was that his traders possessed the necessary grit and steady nerves to do anything it took to make a deal. He was not concerned with background or education. He paid them well but he expected extraordinary success and demanded loyalty and secrecy. The traders working for Rich were both stimulated and paranoid. Business was inspired by intimidation and fear. The traders were well-compensated for their deal-making but were expected to gather intelligence by wining and dining competitors. Rich paid for everything from cocaine to prostitutes in hopes that he may gain a small scrap of intelligence about his competition.

Rich's new office, atop a ritzy Fifth Avenue skyscraper, was cutting edge and reminded people of the starship Enterprise. Rich spent a million dollars on his lobby's décor alone. He did not allow...