Triumph Over Tragedy: September 11 and the Rebirth of a Business
by By Duffy, John and Schaeffer, Mary S.
Category: Business & Economics , Finance , General

"Rebuilding KBW is eloquent testimony to the strength, spirit, and will of the people of our city." ?Richard D. Parsons, Chief Executive Officer, AOL Time Warner, Inc "There are no management manuals for rebuilding a firm after the tragedy that KBW suffered on 9/11. KBW?s success in their restoration is a testament to the skill and determination of the people at the firm and the deeply felt need of their friends and supporters throughout the country to help them succeed. That business success was matched by their concern for the families of those who did not survive the 9/11tragedy. As a member of one of those families and a longtime friend and client of the firm, I am deeply moved by its story. KBW is, at the same time, but one example of the strength and spirit of Americans and New Yorkers who cannot be defeated by the forces of evil."  ?Thomas S. Johnson, Chairman and CEO, GreenPoint Financia No one would have blamed the management and employees of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods for giving up. The September 11 terrorist attack killed one-third of the company?s staff and obliterated its headquarters. Yet the men and women of KBW refused to quit. Triumph Over Tragedy tells the powerful and compelling story of KBW?s destruction and rebirth. Firsthand accounts from dozens of staff members at all levels describe the horrifying events of September 11, recall the devastation and suffering in the aftermath of the tragedy, and explain how, in the face of overwhelming destruction, they found the will and resources to survive and thrive The people of KBW set a new standard for disaster recovery and redefined our understanding of how much loss one company can endure and still rebuild. Their story offers lessons of hope and renewal that will inspire anyone struggling with personal or professional loss due to unforeseen tragedy