How to Make a Few Billion Dollars book cover

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

Brad Jacobs
3.96(1561 Reviews)

Overview of How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

Billionaire Brad Jacobs reveals how he built eight billion-dollar companies through 500+ acquisitions. Called "one of the most talented living entrepreneurs" by the Founders podcast, his strategic playbook has become required reading for ambitious executives seeking wealth-building blueprints. Ready to think bigger?

Key Themes in How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

  • wealth creation
  • trend analysis
  • business transformation
  • cognitive reframing
  • mergers and acquisitions

Quotes from How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

  • Love creates an expansive emotional state that neutralizes conflict.

  • AI will determine which businesses collapse or prosper.

  • We're psychologically programmed to believe things will stay the same.

Characters in How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

  • Brad JacobsAuthor and serial entrepreneur who built five billion-dollar companies
  • Ludwig JesselsonBusiness mentor who taught Jacobs about trend analysis and problem-solving

About the Author

About the Author of How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

Brad Jacobs, author of How to Make a Few Billion Dollars, is a serial entrepreneur and business strategist renowned for building eight billion-dollar companies, including XPO, GXO, and United Rentals. A Brown University alumnus, Jacobs combines four decades of corporate leadership with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and operational scaling.

His book distills lessons from founding firms like United Waste Systems and raising over $30 billion in capital, offering actionable insights into entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and systemic innovation.

Jacobs’ expertise in transforming fragmented industries—from logistics to building products—is showcased in his role as CEO of QXO, where he recently spearheaded a $5 billion equity initiative to consolidate the $800 billion construction distribution sector. A frequent speaker on platforms like the Founders Podcast, he merges tactical advice with philosophical principles like radical acceptance and stakeholder alignment.

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars emerged as a top-ranked business title in 2024, praised for bridging academic theory with real-world execution. Jacobs’ methodologies are studied in MBA programs and applied by Fortune 500 leaders, cementing his legacy as a blueprint-driven visionary.

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
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12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
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star
star
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star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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96
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4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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201
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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