This book would not have been possible without the help and guidance of the following people. I cannot thank them enough for the impact they have had on my life. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to them.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Kathy, my strong and beautiful wife, for your love through the good and bad times. Thanks for giving me the freedom to be an entrepreneur and for always believing in me, not to mention the weeks you spent helping me with this book—you were a life saver. I am truly the luckiest husband in the world. I love you.
Alexis, my wise and beautiful daughter, and Gino, my son with the quick wit and common sense—you both keep me humble, make me laugh, and teach me what life is really about. You are the light of my life. You are amazing individuals and the best children a dad could have. I love you both very much.
Linda Wickman, my mom, for teaching me to be independent, for your amazing quiet strength and wisdom, and for always being so proud of me.
Floyd Wickman, my dad and my life mentor. This book would not exist without you. You have taught me everything I know about communicating with people, be it one or one thousand. You exemplify every principle in this book.
Neil Pardun, my father-in-law, for teaching me that it is possible to possess wealth and remain humble. You are a rare and special person. I am forever changed through your example.
Karen Grooms, the greatest assistant on earth. Thanks for holding all of the pieces together and protecting me from distractions so that I may remain in my Unique Ability®. I would be lost without you.
Don Tinney, the best business partner a guy could have and an EOS Implementer extraordinaire. Thank you for proving it is possible that someone other than me can deliver EOS. Your feedback on this book was invaluable.
Mike Pallin, who I truly believe is my guardian angel. You always place in front of me exactly what I need at that point in my life. This book would not have happened without you. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me next.
The “Book Club,” aka Curt Rager and Bob Shenefelt, for being an amazing sounding board and for constantly challenging me. Our annual trip to the mountains gives me tremendous clarity. You are lifers.
Pat Tierney, Rob Tamblyn, and Kevin Brady, my first clients, for letting me practice on you. You gave me the confidence to move forward.
My Entrepreneurs’ Organization forum members: John Anderson, Michael Cauley, Dan Dorman, Brian Ferilla, Dan Glisky, Mike Kanan, Scot Lund, Paul Pascoe, Marty Petz, Curt Rager, Bob Shenefelt, and John Silvani, for being an amazing sounding board, great teachers, and my proving ground.
Tyler Smith, for constantly challenging me and not getting caught up in the hype. You are wise beyond your years. Thanks for your guidance and honesty.
Ed Escobar, my previous business partner, for pushing hard and finally convincing my dad to let me into his company. I am on this path because of your belief in me.
John Anderson, one of the world’s greatest “connectors,” for introducing me to six people who have had a huge impact on my success: Verne Harnish, Pat Lencioni, Dan Sullivan, Craig Erlich, Bill Gitre, and John Gallant. You are one of the most selfless people I know.
MENTORS AND TEACHERS
Sam Cupp, my business mentor, for teaching me all that I know about business. I could not have pulled off that turnaround without your guidance. I hope I have done you proud with this book.
Verne Harnish, for being a pioneer, for inviting me into your world, and showing me that there is a place out there for my craft. Thank you for your passion and the impact you have had on the entrepreneurial world. Your teachings and tools have inspired much of what is in this book.
Pat Lencioni, for your amazing and unparalleled work. I’ve never met anyone with your combination of humility and talent. You are truly unique. Thank you for your words of wisdom on our drive to the airport. They changed my life.
Dan Sullivan, for helping me discover my Unique Ability® and showing me how to build a life around it. You have made a great impact on my life. You are truly the coach of all coaches.
Jim Collins, for your amazing work, research, and inspiration. Your research on core values, core purpose, putting the right people in the right seats, and proving that “Level 5 Leaders” have a place in the world has simplified my work. You have truly changed the course of business history.
Mr. Sarkisian, Mr. Long, and the late Larry LaFever, for looking at me and treating me as the person I would become when I was a young man. You gave me confidence, and for that I am forever grateful.
CLIENTS AND CONTRIBUTORS
The manuscript readers: Karen Andrews, Thom Barry, Ron Blank, Rob Dube, Dan Israel, Dr. Lawrence Jelsch, Andy Klein, Chris McCuiston, Patrick O’Leary, Curt Rager, Bernie Ronnisch, Todd Sachse, Jim Sheehan, Bob Shenefelt, Tyler Smith, Don Tinney, Tom Violante, David Wallen, and Floyd Wickman. Thanks for all of your valuable time and incredible feedback. You are forever a part of this book.
Gerry Sindell of Thought Leaders International; Ross Slater, Jennifer Tribe, and Susan Hart of Highspot Inc.; and John Paine of John Paine Editorial Services, for helping me find my voice and giving me the direction to write this book.
My clients, for giving me the opportunity to live my dream every day. This book is a by-product of all of our work together, and most of its content comes from you. Thank you for allowing me to use your stories. Without them, this book would not have integrity.