Magic Carpet Ride: A Life of Tin Pots, Silver Spoons, Mad Men, Magic Carpets, World Travel, Family and Providence - Hardcover

From the streets of Providence to the far corners of the globe, this remarkable memoir takes readers on an unforgettable journey aboard a metaphorical magic carpet-one woven from adventure, ambition, and a deep commitment to community.

Travel the legendary "hippie trail" through Kathmandu, experience the spiritual calm of Bali, and venture into the jungles of Borneo in search of the world's last headhunters. Along the way, step into the fast-paced world of advertising during the "Mad Men" era in New York City-a time of big ideas, bold risks, and unforgettable stories.

But the journey always circles back home. Returning to his roots in Providence, Barry Fain built an unlikely business empire, transforming a simple idea into Carpet Giant, a category-defining carpeting and flooring company. Long before the internet reshaped local media, he also launched a chain of neighborhood newspapers dedicated to helping small businesses thrive and keeping communities connected-an effort now approaching its fifth decade.

Throughout it all, Fain balanced entrepreneurship with service, sitting on numerous charitable and community boards while raising a remarkable family.

Born in Providence to the third generation of early Jewish-Lithuanian immigrants, Barry Fain carried forward a powerful work ethic while never losing his love for exploration. Whether traveling the world, skiing distant slopes, or watching his two children grow into families of their own, he embraced life with curiosity and gratitude. Today, he and his wife Elaine, an accomplished physician, still call Providence home.

Part adventure story, part business journey, and part celebration of community, this is the inspiring life story of a man who discovered that the greatest journeys often lead right back where they began.