On May 1, 2018, I was in the audience at an industry conference, and it occurred to me that I should write a book. I sent a note to my partner, Kristian Kimbro Rickard, asking her thoughts. Her response, which I still have, was an enthusiastic “Yes, yes, yes, do it, do it!” Soon after, I mentioned the idea to my daughter, Autumn Laudato, who was beyond supportive. Autumn always supports me and my endeavors, no matter how crazy they are. Autumn declared, “I'll buy the first copy!”
Although I had support, encouragement, and even a sale from the most important people in my life, I didn't do anything about it. A year later, in the summer of 2019, I mentioned the idea to my close friends Dan and Bette Apitz. A few days later, three books showed up at my door: books on writing and becoming an author. Dan and Bette didn't just give me platitudes, they decided to hold me accountable for writing this book. Each time we talked, they expected an update. There was no turning back now—Dan and Bette were not going to let that happen. This is what we all want from our friends!
As this book went from a thought, to a few notes, to an outline, and finally to words on a page, I shared drafts, ideas, and chapters with my friends for their advice. This book has been shaped, improved, and corrected by many people. Thank you to Vicki Cantrell, Paul Demboski, Chris Fadrowski, Cathy Hotka, David Kastin, Cindy Lu, Cindy Osmani, Hank Reimer, Stacey Renfro, Deanna Steel, Sheri Strobel, Lou Sterzenbach, and many others.
I've had help and support and the opportunity to work with so many talented people that I could fill another book with their names. If you feel as though you should have received a mention here, let me know, and I'll give you top billing in my next book.
I want to give special thanks to my mentors: Les Duncan, Cary Turner, Greg Rake, Alex Smith, and Sharon Leite. I've learned, and am still learning, a tremendous amount from each of you. Sharon, it's a true honor to work with you at The Vitamin Shoppe, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities you have given and continue to give me.
I also need to acknowledge people who are no longer with us, who have meant a great deal to me: my parents, Joe and Toni Laudato; my grandmother, Lena Laudato, who told me that every time I got a raise, I should keep my lifestyle the same and add to my savings (oh, how I wished I had listened to her advice); and Marvin Girouard, who gave me my first CIO role, before I was ready, with the directive, “Don't do anything but learn for your first year.” That's a gift no first-time CIO would receive today.
An acknowledgement shout-out to the authors who took the time to speak with me as I was learning the process of writing and publishing a book. Every book takes its own path, and their insights were golden. Thank you Steve Dennis, Kris Kelso, Ron Thurston, Howard Tiersky, and Sherry Winn.
I wish to thank my agent, Jeffrey Herman, who believed in the book from the start. Thank you also to the people I worked with at Wiley: Devon Lewis, Christine O'Connor, Saravanan Dakshinamurthy, and Kelly Talbot. Devon and Christine patiently answered my questions; and yes, when I'm asking them, there is a such thing as a dumb question. Kelly, who edited my book, has the title Editor, but a better description for him would be magician. Like the grandmother who tells you that your zipper is down, Kelly gave honest, straightforward feedback.
I come from a close family, and they mean everything to me. The biggest thanks go to them. In addition to Kristian and Autumn, I'd like to thank my sisters, Renee Petro and Tina Laudato; my brother-in-law, Samir Petro; my niece and nephew, Nina and Joey Petro; my daughter-in-law, Lauren Laudato; and the woman I’m lucky enough to be able to refer to as Mom, Karen Kimbro.
And finally, thank you to my readers. I hope you find this book worthwhile and that we can continue to learn from one another.