From Morris:
I’d first like to thank God for giving me the courage and ability to endure life and its tremendous challenges.
I’d like to acknowledge my parents, Morris and Shirley Chestnut, for raising me with confidence, humility, grace, and class.
I’d like to acknowledge my sister, Carmen, and brother, Mark, for their encouragement and contributions to my childhood.
I’d like to acknowledge my wife, Pamela, and children, Grant and Paige, for their unwavering support and belief in me. They are truly my daily inspiration.
I’d also like to thank my coauthor and great friend Obi Obadike. This book wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for him—his vision made this happen. I appreciate our partnership and most importantly, your friendship.
Thanks to Katherine Latshaw, of Folio Literary Management, for creating and consummating great opportunities.
Thanks to Kelly James-Enger for her hard work and dedication.
Thanks to Sarah Pelz and our publisher for giving us this tremendous opportunity.
Special thanks for my manager, Brian Wilkins, of LINK Entertainment. Brian, this is another step along our entertainment journey. Many more to come.
From Obi:
Two authors, by themselves, don’t make a book happen! I have so many people to thank and acknowledge. I first want to thank and recognize my coauthor, Morris Chestnut, for agreeing to do this book with me. His belief in the Cut program and in our book concept was instrumental in making this book happen, and his influence and star power play key roles in making this book a success! So thanks, Mo, for being the great guy and, most important, great friend that you are!
I want to acknowledge Katherine Latshaw, our literary agent, who worked very hard from editing the book proposal to seeing the book published. You were amazing, Katherine, and I really appreciate you.
I want to give major props to Kelly James-Enger for her advice, support, and all of the countless hours of editing, restructuring, and reformatting for this book. You were an invaluable asset to making this book powerful and strong. Thank you to Leslie Bilderback for the delicious recipes she created for The Cut. I also want to acknowledge Sarah Pelz, our editor, for her belief in our concept and her invaluable input to make sure that this book is successful.
Special thanks to our publisher, especially the marketing team, for making sure everyone knows about the book. I want to also acknowledge Brian Wilkins and Ryan Bundra from LINK Entertainment for believing in this concept and for connecting me with Morris!
I also want to acknowledge the real people who tried The Cut and shared their “Making the Cut” transformation stories for the book. Your success on this program will make every person who reads the book believe that they can attain the same results. Thanks to all of you for your hard work: Oluwole Awosika, Olivia Rose Bolton, Will Capello, Sharad Cara, Renee Carter, William Scott Carter, Osborn H. “Tiger” Christon Jr., Dionne Davis, Rome Douglas, Donna Eggleston, Stacy Ezel, Tyrone Foster, Mike Hopper, Tiaja Pierre, Joey Ray, Jeffrey Smith, and Stevland Turner.
I want to acknowledge my social media team, who does so many amazing things for my brand; thank you Jen Faustner and Herbert Smelik!
I want to thank my entire family and my friends, specifically my mom, dad, and brother, who have consistently supported me.
I also want to thank Bill Phillips, author of Body for Life. Without his book’s success, The Cut might not exist. The transformation concept associated with Body for Life planted the seed for the concept behind The Cut. So, thank you, Bill, for the inspiration—and for being a great mentor and good friend.
I want to thank Faith For Today, the producers of the Lifestyle Magazine show, and the people associated with it, including: Mike Tucker, Gayle Tucker (RIP), Monique Roy, Chauncey Smith, Dr. Sharmini Long, Lynell LaMountain, Jennifer LaMountain, Jeff Wood, and everybody who is associated with making Lifestyle Magazine a successful health television show.
I also want to acknowledge Kelechi Opara and Dr. Jill Kristine Huseman for the support over the last couple of years. You are both beautiful people inside and out. Thanks for always having my back.
Finally, I want to thank all of my fans who have supported me from day one in my fitness career. My goal, ultimately, is to make the world a healthier place, and I hope this book will do so for everyone!