Never Fight with a Pig: A Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs

Jami van Haaften is a professional librarian and author of An Index to
Selected Canadian Provincial Government Publications for Librarians,
Teachers and Booksellers.

Thomas blends many autobiographical memories of more than thirty
years’ entrepreneurial experience with his own tips, rules, motivating
philosophies, principles, and other thoughts that guide his approach to
business. This is a frank look at his career and at how he successfully
overcame a $30 million debt load.

The admonition “never fight with a pig” is intended to “describe
the importance of avoiding negative side issues and losing your
objectivity.” He tells readers, “Remember you don’t need to win
every battle—just the war.”

Behind-the-scenes views of Thomas’s career with The Principal Group,
his founding of Century 21 Canada, and his relationship with business
partner Nelson Skalbania illustrate his philosophy by example. Looking
at more-recent events, Thomas explains his attempted takeover of
Heritage USA and his investment in the musical group The Nylons.

Windows of Opportunity, Thomas’s first book, was published in 1984.
He has also produced a series of videotapes on salesmanship, and is
chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization in Canada. He is
principal shareholder and chairman of the board of Samoth Financial
Corporation.

More than a dozen black-and-white photographs picture Thomas with many
of the people named in the book. A detailed index is provided. Entries
in capital letters highlight and direct the reader to the personal
rules, philosophies, and values Thomas follows.