VideoWhat kinds of questions do students ask?
I get a lot of questions about Sarbanes-Oxley. Do I think it will prevent these kinds of things? I believe that Sarbanes-Oxley is what made Weston Smith blow the whistle. He had [moved up to CFO], and the counsel for the company, who didn't know about the fraud, explained to him what Sarbanes-Oxley meant.
What's life like for you now?
It's actually pretty good, even though I basically have no wealth now. I'm just back to being an ordinary guy. I went back to college and took a two-year certificate program in turf management. I have a lawn-service business — it's one man and a lawn mower. I'm cutting grass and doing public speaking and working on a book about my experiences.
Are you at peace with yourself?
I am. My marriage survived through it all. People seem to respect what I'm doing in my speaking. It's sad, though, and I tell people this: I was a founder of one of the most successful health-care companies in the history of the United States. Today HealthSouth is trading on the New York Stock Exchange and doing well. But I won't be remembered for that. I will be remembered as one of the guys who committed the fraud. That hurts, and it hurt my family a lot. But, you know, you heal over time, and I'm OK today.
Reader CommentsDisplaying 3 of 8
Jeff Lefkowitz
Jul 15, 2009 11:30 AM ET
Interesting responses
My dog is 20lbs. If she sees a bear in her yard, she barks (through the window) at that 500 lb bear with unbelievable … more
Jeffrey Scholl
Jun 25, 2009 7:02 PM ET
No Values
I believe the best example we could make of Mr. Beam is not to parade him through the country's Business Schools but … more
david segal
Jun 18, 2009 4:46 PM ET
HealthSouth had a lock on MRI market
It is disgusting that greed and Public company abuse existed here. If these Southern gents just grew the business … more
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