The story revolves around Matt Campbell, the youngest son of a wealthy farmer, George Campbell. George leaves his vast fortune to his two older sons, Cal and Tony, while leaving only an old, broken-down car to Matt. However, the car turns out to be a rare and valuable model, and Matt is able to restore it and sell it for $5 million at an auction.
With the money, Matt is able to buy back the family farm, which his brothers had mismanaged and were about to lose. Matt's success is a result of his dedication and hard work, which is a testament to the values instilled in him by his father.
The story highlights the themes of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of following one's passions. It also shows how the right mindset and a bit of luck can lead to success, even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the story is about the triumph of the underdog and the power of believing in oneself.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Matt Campbell was born and raised in a small town in rural Utah.
2. Matt inherited an old, broken-down car from his father, George Campbell.
3. George Campbell was a farmer who became rich through his own efforts without inheriting anything from his family.
4. George purchased a piece of unproductive land in southern Utah with his last savings.
5. Within five years, George transformed the land into a thriving farm that provided jobs for hundreds of local residents.
6. The farm became a major supplier of produce to Utah and other regions of the country.
7. George had three sons: Cal, Tony, and Matt.
8. Matt was the closest son to his father and was interested in attending college.
9. Cal and Tony were not interested in attending college and were used to taking money from the family business for themselves.
10. George became ill and decided to prepare a will to ensure a comfortable life for his children.
11. In the will, George left the farm to Cal, hundreds of hectares of cultivated fields and agricultural equipment to Tony, and an old, broken-down car to Matt.
12. Matt was left out of the inheritance, which surprised the family lawyer, Louis Rawlings.
13. Louis Rawlings realized that George had other assets, but it turned out that the old car was the only possession left to Matt.
14. Matt received $50,000 from the lawyer to repair the car.
15. Matt found a handwritten letter from his father with instructions to fix the car, attend a car show in Dallas, and sell the car.
16. Matt spent weeks repairing the car and eventually sold it at an auction in Phoenix for $5 million.
17. Matt used the money to buy a house, finish his last semester of college, and open his own business.
18. Cal and Tony mismanaged the farm and eventually had to sell it to Louis Rawlings.
19. Matt bought the farm back from Louis Rawlings and restored it to its former glory.