Harvey B. Mackay

Harvey B. Mackay is one of the leading voices on business and success in the United States and around the world. An American business author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Mackay has written nine books connecting the principles of success and the pursuit of excellence and has sold over 10 million copies of his books worldwide. Harvey B. Mackay is perhaps best known for his book, Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive, which has become an international best seller and has been translated into over 25 languages.

Mackay was born on January 11th, 1932 in Saint Paul, Minnesota and graduated from Harvard Business School in 1953 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. After graduation, he went on to work for the Hawley Company, a manufacturer of snowmobile accessories owned by his father, who taught him the Value of Hard work. During his time at the company, Mackay developed the company’s international markets, which led him to the position of marketing director.

In 1977, Mackay co-founded the MacKay Envelope, a business which went on to become the largest independently-held envelope company in the United States. In the early 1980s, Mackay began to invest in other businesses, as well as to write his first book, Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive. In the book, Mackay details the strategies necessary for nonprofit organizations using a set of business principles.

Since the release of his first book, Mackay has gone on to become a highly sought-after motivational speaker and business consultant, and he shares his wisdom through his syndicated column, interviews, lectures, and books. Mackay’s books focus on topics such as productivity and sales, leadership, management, and motivation. He is also a regular contributor to the advice page of New York Times Sunday Magazine.

Mackay’s other books include Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt, Pushing the Envelope, Sharkproof, The Mackay MBA of Selling in the Real World, and The Goldfish Has More FUN. Mackay is also the co-author of Executive Charisma and co-publisher of LivingItUp: The Mackay Transformation System.

Mackay’s advice has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time and The New York Times. In addition, he has been a member of Board of Trustees for the University of St. Thomas and the Guthrie Theater. Mackay has also done philanthropic work for the International Osteoarthritis Action Program, the National Safety Council, and Operation Homefront.

Harvey B. Mackay is an inspirational voice in the business world, having created a wealth of business knowledge and insight over the course of his lifetime. Whether through his books, columns, or lectures, Mackay serves as a beacon of success and is an example of what the dedication to hard work, passion, and knowledge can achieve.