The Distribution of Wealth in America

Data suggest that wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small number of families. The wealthiest 1 percent of families owns roughly 34.3% of the nation's net worth, the top 10% of families owns over 71%, and the bottom 40% of the population owns way less than 1%.

In 1987 I enjoyed one of Oliver Stone's classic presentations - "Wall Street"; it opened my eyes to a world I had never seen. I grow up in Smithville, Texas ... population 2000 including the livestock. Wall Street provided me an insight that no living soul had ever shared with me ... it was exciting, bright, alluring - BEAUTIFUL!

I fully recognized that I was part of the bottom 40% that owned 1% of the US net worth ... I also fully realized that I wanted out, with all my heart!

While I never got to Wall St., that defining moment took me to great heights, and allowed me to indulge in mind share with people like Michael Dell, Tom Meredith, Mort Topfer - great leaders of Dell Computers. Those relationships created opportunities, and the opportunities created wealth, knowledge and personal knowledge of "SELF"!

Greed is not good ... but a thirst for excellence is ...sometimes we twist the two - greed and excellence! Greed is and will continue to be justified, as we pursue excellence, and it is up to US - you and me to discern, and share the difference; and while I despise greed, I know excellence will allow those who grow up in the bottom 40%, owning only 1%, to push beyond Smithville, Texas and create the stuff that dreams are made of - A Wall Street Of Excellence!

Kevin K. Hemphill

Kevin K. Hemphill LIVE !

www.kevinkhemphill.com

Contact - 615.653.0679