A true story of rebuilding and remembrance in the wake of tragedy


The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center devastated investment banking and brokerage firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (KBW) in every way possible. KBW's headquarters were located on the eighty-eighth and eighty-ninth floors of 2 World Trade Center and as a result of the attacks, the company lost one-third of its staff. The enormity of KBW's plight raises the question about how much a single company can lose and still conjure the strength and resources to regenerate itself. Triumph over Tragedy is the story of a group of people with indomitable spirit who literally fought their way out of the collapsing building to revive their company, support each other, and care for the victims' families. This inspirational book captures the experiences of KBW's survivors, including that of author and KBW CEO John Duffy who lost his son, Christopher, and longtime partner, co-CEO and Chairman Joseph Berry. Triumph over Tragedy introduces readers to the individuals behind the news stories: those representing a nation of people and businesses struggling to cope. This book also provides valuable lessons on rebuilding, which are reflected in the personal stories told by the KBW staff and the choices made at KBW regarding leadership, support for the families of those missing or dead, and methods for reestablishing the business.