Amazon Reviews – Atul Vir

By Ruby

An incredible read, it is an eye opener to the world of business and the many challenges one might face from family to friends to business partners it teaches how to stay ahead of the pack even when things seems daunting.

By Ajay Sarpeshkar

This book is a must for anyone starting on a business journey. Delightfully engaging, the writing is on par with any of the thriller novels out there. Atul’s journey inspires you at every success and more importantly provides that valuable insight into greed and fallibility of the human psyche. A good read and a worthy addition to any library.

By Amalthea

Atul Vir compellingly tells the story of his business, including the challenges that nearly destroyed it. Although there are some repetitive sections near the end of the book, it is well worth the read for would-be entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. Vir’s journey demonstrates the power of persistence and the importance of integrity even in the face of adversity.

By Tiffany Huang

Underdog Thinking tells an inspiring immigrant story that will have you at the edge of your seat. I love how authentic and detailed it is, which really gives you an inside look into the ups and downs of an entrepreneur’s journey. I wish it had a clearer transition at the beginning, but otherwise, I highly recommend this book to those looking for an inspiring entrepreneurship story!

By Salem

On an entrepreneurial journey, it’s best to look for many forms of advice to find out the most suitable method for oneself. Atul Vir’s Underdog Thinking highlights how best to navigate the rough minefield of the business world using wit, experience, and a deep perseverance. I recommend this book if you’re looking for inspiration, whether an old hand in the field or young and new to the game.

By Emma Mihaela

Underdog Thinking by Atul Vir is one of the best books on business I’ve ever read. This book is different in many ways from all business books out there. I loved every page of it. It contains valuable lessons and great details on how one can succeed in America as an immigrant.

First, Underdog Thinking is well written by a surprisingly very talented storyteller who shares his experience as an Indian immigrant who moved to the U.S. to support his family. Secondly, Atul Vir’s story is not only about success; it’s also about determination, integrity, innovation, and why it is best to cherish the relationship with your customers. Lastly, Atul Vir has the courage to detail every rejection, every bump in the road, and every step he took to accomplish his American dream.

His first experience in America is filled with rejections. But those rejections pushes him to build his own company. His idea for a business was inspired by his wife when she couldn’t find time to relax because she always had to do the laundry. Thus, Atul and his wife decided to go to a store to buy a combo, but they couldn’t find one because there was not such a thing as a combo on the U.S market. This is the beginning of his success, but not a linear one. He gets to know what success, failure, and comeback means.

I gladly recommend this book to young entrepreneurs at the beginning of their careers who need to know what it takes to succeed in business.

By Kay5318

Underdog Thinking is an ode to the underdogs and their path to their comeback story. His story jumps straight into action and never lets up. It’s an easy read and I found myself learning more than I could imagine about the laundry appliance industry. Atul is a relatable and likable character. At the end of his story, you find yourself wanting to be his friend and wanting to find out more about his company. It is heartfelt, smart, and gripping. It will make you believe that with hard work and dedication your entrepreneur dream can come true as well.

By Shelley H.

Underdog Thinking is the story of a man with an unusual worldview as he seeks business success. Atul experiences some pretty nasty betrayals but holds onto his dignity and high moral standards in spite of his heartbreak. This is a great comeback story that brings the reader hope! The 4 star rating is because the book is rather repetitive. Instead of referring back to the betrayals, Atul tends to repeat the whole stories of betrayal several times with all details. Still, I can definitely recommend this book to business people everywhere who are seeking to do life the right way.

By Savvy M

Underdog Thinking by Atul Vir is an honest, must-read sojourn into the sheer essence of entrepreneurship. Atul Vir’s journey begins with a sense of adventure and an attraction to a distant land. What he gains are business and life lessons that serve him well as circumstances inevitably lead him to entrepreneurship. But it is not the romanticized entrepreneurship with which we are familiar and often applaud. This is a real narrative that challenges us to redefine its very foundation and it is more than worth its weight in gold.

I like this novel for the honest way Atul Vir shares his experience, insight, and wisdom, inspiring us to embrace a higher purpose in entrepreneurship and life. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this novel will have on entrepreneurship.

By Claude Hang Jr

Underdog Thinking is one of those hidden gems that not many people know about but is a great little discovery once you find it.
I am a budding entrepreneur who is starting my own private-label brand. The narrative of this books which reads a little like an autobiography that takes the reader on a journey with the author from his humble beginnings to the pioneering of a never-before-seen product in the US market to the nightmares and dissapointments he faced, and some insight on how to avoid or navigate through some of the challenging obstacles faced.
The length is perfect. It’s not too long or drawn out; there is no fluff here. No unecessary information was added. If you want an exciting non-fiction business story, this is the book to read.
All the best in your endeavours!

By Pablo

This book reads more like a biography of both the author and of the company he started. While you accompany Mr. Vir on his journey, he points out the lessons he learned, both positive and negative, that affected the state of his business, for good and bad.

For those who might be curious about what drives entrepreneurs, the story that unfolds is fascinating. I learned that the drive is to do, run, start something, but what that something is not the most important thing. Again, at least for me, that’s a fascinating insight. Rather than starting a company to make something better, solve a real-world problem or to do something one loves, the actual “problem” being solved is the desire to be one’s own boss or to create something from scratch. In Mr. Vir’s case, that turned out to be an import/export business. Trying to spend more time with his wife and family, a problem to be solved emerges: the time required to do laundry. This leads him to put a major focus on an all-in-one combination washing machine and dryer.

I enjoyed the story-telling style of this book. Instead of reading advice on what you should or shouldn’t do, what you have here is a case study of a real company. With hindsight, the author can look back at the history of the company and point out what works and doesn’t work. Hence the 101 lessons learned along the way. Mr. Vir does not shy away from pointing out his mistakes and I appreciate that he takes responsibility for them. Rather than blame circumstances, rather than blame others, a lesson is taught. It would be refreshing if this kind of candor was found in more advice books.

By Fernando Curiel

Many stories of entrepreneurs have a central character who has a dream, ideas, is not afraid of failure and is persistent to the extreme. But Vir Atul contributes something exceptional: the concept that just making money is short sighted if a business is to prevail in the long run. Without ethics and real compromise to the clients and the society the business is short sighted and probably destined to fail. He learns this the hard way but is able to make an incredible comeback against all odds. His story is a fascinating adventure and the lessons worth analyzing by any businessman or entrepreneur in the making.

By Alyssa

It’s always a treat to find something in a book that you weren’t expecting. I found just that in Underdog Thinking by Atul Vir. I am personally not a business owner and have no aspirations of entrepreneurship. But the ideas and tenants suggested by Mr. Vir are highly useable and moldable for facets of many lives, not just those in corporate surroundings.

In this book, Vir tells the story of his circuitous route to success in, of all things, an off chute of the laundry business. This is a bit of a different tale. Atul is not a poor, orphaned kid who made good. Instead, he starts off comfortably with a notable education and training, which allows him immediate access to upper ranks of business. This head starts sees him beginning his career in Africa, with a slick path ahead for success. But, life always sends us challenges in the forms of environment, and sometimes, the most painful, personal betrayals. Vir picks himself and takes him business from Africa to England, and then to America, with a detour for a wily Italian manufacturer.

For me, the inspiration for Vir’s corporation was as heart-warming as they come. He simply wanted his wife spend less time at laundry and more time at the beach with the family. Thus, the combo washer-dryer laundry machine. I, for one. had no idea such a thing existed. Where have American’s been on this idea all this time? I’d we willing to take out my check book for sure. The courage to stake life and limb on such a plan seems outrageous. But that’s what business takes if one wants to make a go of it. And sometimes, one misses the mark. Atul also very candid about the toll business failure takes on the proprietor, and every more so, his family. The portions that touch on the real risk of not only financial distress, but the real risk of mental health lapses and depression that accompany a loss in business was very real and touching.

There is much to enjoy in Mr. Vir’s work. I have read and tossed aside many “self-help” or “business strategy” books because I don’t enjoy condescension. Reading a book with a spirit of curiosity should not be met with flagrant narcissism. Atul steers clear of this entirely. The voice of the book is cordial and friendly. It feels like the author is sharing stories with the reader over a beer which is such a bonus.

From a textual standpoint, the book is well-written. The sections are neatly divided and accessible for quick reading, int short bursts as needed. (I suspect the writer knows something about juggling business and family.) The inclusion of charts for clarification was an unexpected help. The book was carefully edited and well-paced for a quick and engaging read.

The only drawback is that the author keeps the story fairly superficial. No great revelations or telling of secrets. See problems as opportunities and act quickly when you see trouble are the take home messages. The book functions as a charming memoir and that’s more than enough.

By Brittany Morris

I really enjoyed reading this book. The first half was interesting, but the second half made me needing to know what happened next. One betrayal actually made me gasp. If you enjoy inspirational stories about real people, I recommend this book.

By DL

Underdog Thinking by Atul Vir is a profound testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the entrepreneurial spirit. Vir’s journey from immigrant to successful business owner is not just a narrative of triumph over adversity. It is a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complex landscape of both domestic and global business.

Vir’s writing is both captivating and insightful, drawing readers into his real-life experiences and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. From the importance of ethical business practices to the power of innovation and perseverance, this book offers a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone embarking on the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, Vir’s professional background and insights into the challenges of international business add a unique dimension to the book. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, his firsthand perspective on navigating cultural and logistical hurdles is invaluable for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their ventures beyond borders.

Furthermore, what sets this book apart is its emotional depth. Vir’s authenticity shines through on every page, making this not just a book about business, but a testament to the human spirit. Vir’s stories resonate on a personal level, reminding us of the human side of entrepreneurship—the struggles, the setbacks, and ultimately, the triumphs. It’s a rare business book that can evoke such a range of emotions, from inspiration to empathy, and this book accomplishes this with aplomb.

By Josh

As a seeker of motivational literature, I approached this book with anticipation, hoping for guidance in navigating life’s challenges. However, my excitement waned upon encountering reviews preceding the introduction, signaling potential bias.

Initially promising, the author’s narrative of life and business captivated me. Yet, the book soon lost coherence, blending autobiography, motivational rhetoric, and operational guidance without a clear outline. While grammatically sound, its lack of structure left it feeling scattered.

Despite this, the author’s vulnerability, especially when recounting personal trials, resonated deeply. However, the book failed to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving me somewhat disappointed.

I award it three out of five stars. While it offers valuable insights, unraveling its disjointed narrative requires patience.

By Michaela Sanders

Overall, I thought the book was quite interesting. I enjoyed how the author was able to incorporate several lessons about leadership, resilience, and creativity while retelling his story. I thought that his story was very inspirational and interesting. I also liked the author’s writing style. He was able to write his story in a way that was very engaging to me, and I was able to understand him on a very personal level.

By Akil Taher

Just finished reading this book. It was an eye opener on how important perseverance, honesty and the “ never give up “ attitude is so important if you want to succeed in business.
As a physician it was not an easy read for me but I’m sure it will help me down the line.

By Alesia

“Underdog Thinking” by Atul Vir is an inspiring and insightful read that takes you through the rollercoaster journey of an entrepreneur who defies the odds. Atul Vir’s story is one of perseverance, innovative thinking, and relentless determination, and it is both motivating and educational for anyone interested in business or personal development.

One of the standout features of this book is Vir’s ability to convey the emotional highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. His vivid descriptions of overcoming significant financial obstacles and navigating market challenges provide a realistic glimpse into the gritty reality of business success. These personal anecdotes are not only engaging but also serve as powerful lessons in resilience and resourcefulness.

Vir’s passion and determination are evident throughout the book, making his story incredibly relatable and inspiring. His entrepreneurial spirit shines as he shares his experiences of starting from scratch and building a successful business despite numerous setbacks. His emphasis on the importance of innovation and adaptability in the face of adversity is a valuable lesson for any aspiring entrepreneur.

By Maria B

Aspiring entrepreneurs will find inspiration in “Underdog Thinking” by Atul Vir. This engaging book chronicles Vir’s journey as an immigrant building a successful business in America, offering valuable lessons on perseverance, customer focus, and ethical practices. While the personal narrative is relatable and the core message of adaptability is strong, the business advice itself is a bit general. Readers seeking a detailed roadmap for building a business might be left wanting more concrete strategies and real-world examples. Overall, “Underdog Thinking” is a motivational read with some basic business principles, but those seeking a highly actionable guide should look elsewhere.

By Marian C.

Atul Vir’s story of the ups and downs, twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies of the life of an entrepreneur reads like a John Grisham novel. In spite of the crises, large and small, Atul followed his dream, kept his positive attitude, and never forgot his school’s motto of “Never Give In.” Small business owners, and especially immigrants, will find kinship with Atul’s struggle against larger competitors, untrustworthy partners, and other dishonest actors who sought to derail his dream. This is an inspiring story of an ethical, honest businessman and his triumph over the darker side of enterprise. A great read!

By Heleneadp

I liked the format of the book with each chapter starting with a quote from the author. A light read with some good encouragement for new or aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in import-export. This book made me want to buy a combo unit.

By Anita Meyer

If there was any doubt about the existence of the so-called “American Dream” then Underdog Thinking by Atul Vir is perfect evidence of such. This is a non-fiction story about an Indian immigrat going to America and becoming a successful entrepreneur. This book is about overcoming adversity and making the perfect come-back. I absolutely enjoyed reading it.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is a story about starting from stretch so it is very relatable. It is about persistency and discipline, this book will literally leave you inspired.

I would recommend this book to everyone who is thinking about starting a business so that they can recognize and anticipate the hardships and the success processes that entrepreneurs go through. It is a realistic view of what anyone who dares to start a business will likely encounter. An absolute good read.

By Ivan Kovic

A Story of Resilience, Innovation and Determination
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Underdog Thinking by Atul Vir is a profound testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the entrepreneurial spirit. Vir’s journey from immigrant to successful business owner is not just a narrative of triumph over adversity. It is a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complex landscape of both domestic and global business.

By Merits Anih

Interesting and engaging story of ups and downs
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. The first half was interesting, but the second half made me needing to know what happened next. One betrayal actually made me gasp. If you enjoy inspirational stories about real people, I recommend this book.

By Chidinma Dijeh

A Heartening Tale of Entrepreneurial Triumph
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024
This is an inspiring memoir that showcases the author’s journey from a newcomer in the US to a successful entrepreneur. This book is a valuable guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering practical takeaways and strategies that can help develop a growth mindset and a more adventurous approach to business and life.

By Gerrard Mark

Atul Vir’s “Underdog Thinking” embarks on an exhilarating expedition into the heart of entrepreneurship, delivering a tale brimming with resilience and innovation. From the outset, Vir’s leap into the American business milieu captivates with its blend of authenticity and unwavering determination. Each page unfurls a narrative rich in authenticity, where setbacks become stepping stones and challenges are met head-on with unyielding resolve.

What sets “Underdog Thinking” apart is Vir’s masterful storytelling. Every chapter is meticulously crafted to engage and inspire, interweaving personal anecdotes with profound insights harvested from years of entrepreneurial odyssey. Vir lays bare his journey with raw honesty, inviting readers to glean wisdom from both his triumphs and tribulations and offering a refreshingly authentic perspective on the entrepreneurial landscape.A standout aspect of the book is its unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and values-driven entrepreneurship. Vir’s narrative transcends mere profit margins, emphasizing the importance of integrity and societal impact in the pursuit of success. This moral compass guides Vir through the labyrinthine corridors of business, offering readers a compelling blueprint for ethical entrepreneurship.
“Underdog Thinking” isn’t just a narrative; it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the tumultuous seas of business. Vir’s prose brims with practical advice and actionable insights, empowering readers to embrace their entrepreneurial endeavors with courage and conviction. Whether grappling with supply chain intricacies or fostering innovation, Vir’s wisdom serves as a guiding light for entrepreneurs of all stripes.
From a technical standpoint, “Underdog Thinking” is a flawless masterpiece. The writing is crisp and evocative, with each word meticulously chosen to resonate with readers. The book’s pacing is impeccable, ensuring an enthralling journey from cover to cover. Moreover, the editing is pristine, with not a single grammatical blemish to mar the reading experience.
With its compelling narrative, insightful wisdom, and impeccable execution, “Underdog Thinking” unequivocally earns a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Its seamless blend of storytelling prowess and practical guidance makes it essential reading for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and a fresh perspective on the transformative power of underdog thinking.

By RAHUL VIR

Gripping Story, Emotional Roller Coaster!
Just finished reading the book. Went through it in 6 hours non stop. Unable to put it down from start to finish. Gripping story, emotional roller coaster that keeps you wanting to know “and then what happened next”! The management/business/leadership tips are tied in nicely along the way. And I loved the quotes at the beginning of every chapter. Great read on the ups and downs of a business that wants to live (and almost die) to do the right thing for its customers.

By Rashid N Kapadia

A Breathtaking Business-Drama-Novel. And a “Lessons Learned” & “How To” Guidebook for Entrepreneurs
Atul Vir’s journey as an unintentional entrepreneur, is living testament to the enduring power of his school’s motto “Never Give In”.

This book however is much more than an inspiring perseverance story. It is a combined “Lessons Learned”, and “How To” guidebook for entrepreneurs and for those who aspire to entrepreneurship. And it is simultaneously a—I can’t put this book down—business drama novel.

Over 20 diverse chapters, crisscrossing continents and cultures, the author takes the reader on a visceral rollercoaster ride through the many agonies and ecstasies of an entrepreneurial voyage. He tells it as it is. He comes across as a deeply thoughtful, kind, calm mentor and storyteller; candidly sharing his harrowing experiences and his acquired wisdom.

One reaches the end of the book knowing much more of the reality of entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, balance, ethics, and human fallibility.

By Tricia Bregman

A persistent entrepreneur who “Never Gives Up!” Enjoyable read.
India native Atul Vir founded and leads global company Equator Advanced Appliances out of Houston, Texas – a provider of home appliances. Sound staid and lacking excitement? Think again. Buckle up your seat belt and take the entrepreneurial roller coaster as Vir lets you ride shotgun to the ups and downs of creating a new appliance market with international vendors and universal human shortcomings. The machine – a combination washer/dryer for the US consumer – might be perfect but, you don’t know what the people involved are going to do. Vir, a transparent and ethical leader, finds his style opens doors and other times leaves him vulnerable to deceit. In moments of crisis, Vir recites his military prep school’s motto: “Never Give Up” and just doesn’t quit.

Find out why Vir believes the lone entrepreneur is the underdog whose win is a victory for customers.

By Amir N.

Excellent Read
When I was serving as Dean at the UHV Business School, I invited Atul Vir to speak to the graduating MBA class and an audience of over 300 people for our Distinguished Speaker series, for which he was given a standing ovation. His book is a must read for business students in general and International Business and Entrepreneurship students in particular. Through the story of his life and sharing his journey and business philosophy, Vir educates his readers about the importance of business ethics, cultural understanding, integrity, customer trust, defiance in the face of injustice, perseverance, and commitment to customer service as the guiding principles to overcome the challenges that an entrepreneur will face. This is an immigrant story, and entrepreneur story, a comeback story and an innovation story where the author reminds us that “The ultimate success is creating products and services that improve your customer’s world”.

Dr. Farhang Niroomand

By Shinny

Wow this was an amazing read
I met the author, Mr. Atul Vir at a recent meeting of Share our Secrets (“SOS”) organization. I was intrigued and ordered my copy via Amazon. I could not stop reading the book until I finished reading it. It touches to the core of the entrepreneurial spirit. It is a story of carving out ones own path from idea formation to execution. Hard work and luck. Trust and betrayal and shattered dreams. Ultimately the comeback story that we all love. Except this is not a story, Mr Vir exists and has been in business in H-town for the past 30 years. He has a niche product mix nestled between giants in the appliance industry.

By Pradeep Anand

How to succeed in international business!
Today’s global entrepreneurs are players in a complex environment of international business. To be successful, they need to overcome multidimensional challenges. Atul Vir provides these entrepreneurs first hand, insightful perspectives that lucidly reveal the challenges of getting started and the texture of doing business across borders. It is a must read for worldwide entrepreneurs, students and beginners in international business, and seasoned entrepreneurs.

By BALA

Gripping real life tale of business, life and character
Atul has written a book that is at once exciting and filled with business lessons. Despite potential business-ending hurdles thrown in his path, time and again he has overcome and truly lived his school’s motto “Never Give In”! If this were a work of fiction, one would have thrilled at the resilience and strength of character of the main player. Having myself spent all my life working in the international business arena, I could deeply relate to the challenges he faced and appreciated all the nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. A Great Read!!!

By Kay5318

Couldn’t Put This Book Down!
Underdog Thinking is an ode to the underdogs and their path to their comeback story. His story jumps straight into action and never lets up. It’s an easy read and I found myself learning more than I could imagine about the laundry appliance industry. Atul is a relatable and likable character. At the end of his story, you find yourself wanting to be his friend and wanting to find out more about his company. It is heartfelt, smart, and gripping. It will make you believe that with hard work and dedication your entrepreneur dream can come true as well.

By Jehangir Noor

Inspiration for youngsters
A very good book written in an easy to read style . The reader is quickly a part of his life’s journey
Atul’s book talks about his journey , in becoming the business magnate that he is today .
His story will inspire young entrepreneurs, and inventors .
The takeaway from the book I feel is ‘never give up ‘ and if you are passionate about something you will always succeed .

By Minister

A must-read book for international business executives or those who want to be one!
I first had the pleasure of meeting Atul Vir when he was investigating the possibility of shifting some equipment manufacturing for his business to the Republic of Macedonia in 2007. I was immediately taken by our shared commitment to high ethical international business behavior. This highly recommended book is a compilation of the challenges Mr. Vir faced around the world in building a global company while successfully maintaining his high integrity and values.

By Jocelyn Eastman

Wonderful book!
One of the most interesting personal stories I’ve ever read. Couldn’t put it down! I definitely think this is worth a read. Plus, I learned that there was such a thing called washer dryer combos! Kudos to the author!

By Jagdish sheth

Underdog Thinking is simply outstanding!
Atul Vir has a God-given gift of storytelling. It is a real Horatio Alger story of struggle, survival, and triumph. The book has the potential for a great movie! — Jagdish N. Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business, Goizueta Business School, Emory University

By Robert W

More than a textbook
It’s compelling, instructive and so very personal that I read it and felt as if I knew the author. In other words, he made it so much more than a textbook, it’s a story of a journey. I wanted to read more. That’s the best compliment I can give.

By Yere nwagu

Lovely descriptive writing
The book has adopted a descriptive style to teach the audience business secrets which makes the book all the better!

By Fabiano F. Rocha Loures

The underdog’s book! Amazing
Every underdog need this read! Thanks Atul for sharing your history!

By Arsh

So much Value
Great journey. Lots of valuable lessons.