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With a heritage of European immigrant forebears from Poland and Italy, American author and business consultant Buchalski grew up in a modest working-class environment. He was raised with a sound work ethic and family values. After college, he worked for the Campbell Soup Company for nineteen years. In 1992, he founded his own consulting firm. That work took him around the globe, giving him a heightened understanding of how people in other places perceive the United States. He believes that most Americans are not aware of other countries' policies and social values because our mainstream news sources don't report accurately or thoroughly about them. Garnering information about eighteen countries where he has had business contacts in Western Europe, Central/Eastern Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, Buchalski presents historical, social, economic, and political data, sharing insights he gained from each. He asserts that foreign businesses generally respect and want to collaborate with U.S. companies because of the energetic, optimistic qualities that American businesspeople display.
Buchalski offers useful revelations for readers who may be drawn to his book for his obvious business acumen or the philosophy he evokes regarding what he stresses as uniquely American values and gifts: exceptionalism, leadership, and resilience. A brief biographical sketch reveals that the author's political views evolved over time. As he grew in understanding of the finer points of international business relations and began to appreciate his American citizenship and immigrant legacy, he also prospered financially. He helpfully includes photos of his childhood home and his current residence for comparison. Buchalski's knowledge of other countries and their national and individual goals based on political and personal factors provides an effective microcosmic view of the bigger picture he wishes to project. His work may inspire future American entrepreneurs, reminding them of past achievements and suggesting future possibilities.