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- Title: Jim Moran: The Courtesy Man
- Author: Jim Moran
- Narrator: Lee Gordon
- Length: 0.316527778
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01-Jan
- Publisher: The Jim Moran Foundation
- Genre: Business & Economics, Marketing & Advertising, Biography & Memoir, Business, Management & Leadership
- ISBN13: SABJMF9780001
Some audiobooks don’t just tell a story—they invite you into a life. Listening to *Jim Moran: The Courtesy Man* by Jim Moran, narrated by Lee Gordon, felt like sitting across the table from an old friend who has lived through extraordinary times and has a lifetime of wisdom to share. Moran’s journey from a soda pop seller at sandlot baseball games to a titan of the automotive industry is as much about personal resilience as it is about business acumen. And Lee Gordon’s narration? It’s the kind of voice that makes you lean in, as if the story were meant only for your ears.
The opening chapters transported me back to a moment from my own childhood. Growing up in a bustling neighborhood in Queens, I’d watch my father meticulously polish his old Chevrolet, his pride and joy. He’d tell me stories of the sacrifices he made to buy that car, and how it symbolized his determination to build a better life for our family. Listening to Moran’s early entrepreneurial adventures—selling soda at seven, buying a Sinclair gas station at 21—echoed those lessons my father instilled in me about grit and perseverance. You can almost feel Moran’s youthful hustle and the weight of his ambitions in every word.
Thematically, Moran’s story unfolds like a rich tapestry of the American Dream, woven with threads of hard work, ethical leadership, and an unwavering commitment to giving back. His ethos of living by the Golden Rule—treating others as you’d like to be treated—resonated deeply. It reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, listening to a family matriarch narrate tales of community and kindness, her voice filled with the same warmth and wisdom that Moran exudes in his storytelling.
Lee Gordon’s narration elevates the audiobook experience to a deeply personal level. His voice is steady, clear, and imbued with just the right amount of emotion to honor Moran’s highs and lows. The cadence of his delivery brought to mind the evenings I spent driving through the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Just as that narrator breathed life into Márquez’s magical realism, Gordon breathes authenticity into Moran’s memoir. You can hear the respect in his tone, as if he’s as moved by Moran’s journey as the listener is.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Moran’s focus on philanthropy. His belief that success isn’t just about what you achieve but how you uplift others is a message that feels especially relevant today. The stories of his charitable endeavors, from ensuring his employees were cared for to his broader community impact, are poignant reminders of the power of generosity. It’s a perspective I’ve seen mirrored in the kindness of strangers during my travels—like the time a family in rural Portugal shared their dinner with me simply because I looked lost and hungry. Moran’s life is a testament to the idea that giving is as fulfilling as receiving.
That said, the audiobook isn’t without its limitations. At just over 7.5 hours, it feels a tad brief for a life as expansive and impactful as Moran’s. Certain chapters, particularly those detailing his later years, could have delved deeper into his personal reflections and challenges. There’s a sense that some stories were left untold, which left me wanting more.
In the genre of business memoirs, *Jim Moran: The Courtesy Man* stands out for its heart and humanity. While many books in this space focus solely on strategies and profit margins, Moran’s story is refreshingly grounded in values and relationships. It reminded me of *Shoe Dog* by Phil Knight, another memoir that balances business insight with deeply personal storytelling. But where Knight’s narrative often feels introspective, Moran’s feels outward-looking, driven by his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
If you’re a fan of memoirs that blend business lessons with life philosophies, this audiobook is for you. Entrepreneurs will find inspiration in Moran’s innovative spirit, while general listeners will appreciate the timeless wisdom he imparts. And for anyone who values a strong narrator, Lee Gordon’s performance alone is worth the listen.
As the audiobook came to a close, I found myself reflecting on Moran’s legacy. His life wasn’t just about building an empire—it was about building people. And isn’t that what truly defines success? Listening to his story felt like a gentle challenge to live with greater purpose, to measure success not by what we accumulate but by what we contribute.
So, to anyone looking for a story that’s equal parts motivational and heartwarming, I wholeheartedly recommend *Jim Moran: The Courtesy Man*. It’s more than an audiobook; it’s an experience—a reminder that even in a world that often feels rushed and transactional, courtesy, kindness, and integrity still matter.
Happy listening, and may this story inspire you as much as it inspired me.
With gratitude for the stories that shape us, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
