Review by Barb & Ron Kroll

Travel Book Title:

All That's Good -
The Story of Butch Stewart, the Man Behind Sandals Resorts
(Sandow Media Corporation) ISBN 978-0976471301 0976471302

Theme:

All That's Good tells the story of Jamaican entrepreneur, Gordon "Butch" Stewart, the man behind Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and the people associated with his Caribbean luxury-included resort chain. From his beginnings as an air-conditioner appliance salesman to a mega-resort travel business operator, this book documents the businesses that Butch Stewart created and how they led to the creation of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Sample Items:

Sandals Resorts began because Butch Stewart recognized a good deal when he saw one. When he bought Bay Roc Hotel and Carlyle on the Bay in April 1981, the Minister of Tourism at that time, Anthony Abrahams commented: "I thought he was crazy... Why would he be investing his money in this half-dead hotel?"

Historically, it was not a good time to be in the hotel business. The location was next to the Montego Bay Airport runway. Butch Stewart had no hotel experience. Giving customers what they wanted and exceeding their expectations became his goal and ultimately the reason for his success.

Notable Elements:

All That's Good - The Story of Butch Stewart, the Man Behind Sandals Resorts is a classic example of a 'how to' marketing study of a successful entrepreneur, manager and business person. The biography makes the accomplishments of Butch Stewart seem very simple: lead by example, surround yourself with hard working staff, give guests high quality and service, and have a party.

Tone / Style:

This large, glossy picture book is partly travel, partly business, partly marketing and partly historical documentary. Throughout All That's Good, sponsor profiles describe their connections to Butch Stewart and his corporate success with Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Sidebars highlight the creative business style of Butch Stewart and his innovations like swim-up bars, corporate meeting programs, family-friendly facilities, spas, wedding packages and contributions to local schools, health and culture.

Visuals:

All That's Good - The Story of Butch Stewart, the Man Behind Sandals Resorts is a 336-page hard-cover coffee table book loaded with color images, historic black and white photographs, artist renditions and sketches.

Photos depict Sandals and Beaches Resorts, staff, Caribbean island scenery, as well as family and celebrity pictures.

Contents:

Foreward: Committed to Excellence, by Sir Richard Branson Chapters:

1. The Trader King
2. Brave New Venture
3. Keeping Company
4. Growing Strong
5. Building A Brand
6. Taking Initiative
7. The World's Best
8. Better in The Bahamas
9. Community Works
10. Going Green
11. Liquid Assets
12. Love is All You Need

Resources

Author:

Pamela Lerner Jaccarino

Claim to fame:

Pamela Lerner Jaccarino was a public relations employee of Sandals prior to becoming managing editor of Sandow Media Corporation.

 
Return to Travel Index

---

More information on Sandals and Beaches Resorts:

Sandals and Beaches Butlers

Sandals Jamaica River Suites

Sandals St. Lucia Overwater Bungalows and Rondoval Suites

Sandals and Beaches Resorts Showcase Food and Wine

Beaches Turks and Caicos Italian Village and Waterpark

Sandals Resorts Golf School in Ocho Rios Jamaica

Sandals Resort - Great Exuma Bahamas