Twenty-First Century Irvings

by Harvey Sawler

Three generations after the Irving family arrived in Canada from Scotland, the name K. C. Irving hit the Forbes top billionares list, making K. C. one of the richest men in the world and the most powerful businessperson in Canada. But there is much more to the Irving story than the fascinating and brilliant K. C. and his immediate legacy. Twenty-first Century Irvings takes a careful look at both the family foundations upon which this empire was built and the dozen or more individuals who, in the twenty-first century, constitute the future of this important business family. A business story, a family story, and a Maritime story, Twenty-first Century Irvings is a book for anyone interested in or affected by the legendary Irvings of New Brunswick.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published June 20, 2007

Reviews

[Sean Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone interested in modern day business empires or on the Irving impact in Atlantic Canada should read this, but it's not without its flaws.

There are clearly some great pieces in the book describing the breadth of the Irving empire and its impact on the Maritime provinces, which can't be understated and its something I don't think an outside writer could ever begin to capture. The book also gives some personality to the Irving family that isn't always evident.

The biggest problem is that the Irving narrative relies primarily on a select few business leaders in New Brunswick (if you didn't know David Ganong was CEO of Ganong chocolates or that Joel Leveques was VP of marketing at Moosehead, you're reminded at least half a dozen times throughout the book) who have had regular or semi-regular interactions with the Irvings. Each time one appears they provide some folksy take of why the Irving's are so great. Much of it, and possibly all of it's possibly true but solely relying on 5 or 6 sources (often with the same story told by the same person again to make a slightly different point) when the Irving's reach is so vast really undersells the points that the author is trying to make. Yes it's mentioned that numerous people didn't want to go on record but for a family that touches virtually every person in the Maritimes, comments from 5 or 6 business leaders isn't particularly representative....But maybe that's just a problem of being Canada's most secretive billionaires happen to have a large impact on the lives of Maritimers.

I would love to read a version of this book with a little more editing to tighten up the narrative and cut down on some of the repetition, and one that provides more background on the continued (and tremendous) growth in the northeastern US. I think that would make it a must read for all Canadians.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailled account of the family history and many many business enterprises which they own. An eye opener and told with utmost respect for Atlantic Canada's largest business owners, despite the families adversity to interviews. Well researched and prepared and a very worth while read. Just finished re reading this book, which is a bit repetitive regarding interview sources and their exposure to the Irving family. Stresses their work ethic and the fact that they are not money oriented, beyond wanting projects to be financially sustaining. A very good recap of the 7 generations of Irvings in Canada thus far. Becoming somewhat dated.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for every Canadian, especially all Maritimers. The impact that the Irvings have had on this country is huge and we should all be thankful that they are Canadians and not some other nationality.
While reading this book on my patio during the hot days in March, I felt I was in the book. It seemed that every second truck that went by was owned by an Irving company. I felt part of the story.
The book is well written and easy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

[Beth Frawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love a book about Saint John and the Irvings are Saint John