Think of your favorite film, one that really moved you and changed the way you look at life. Got one? Now, I bet you can name the lead actor, maybe one or two supporting actors, right? Can you tell me who engineered the lighting? Do you know who built the sets? Probably not. Although we don’t often stay glued to our seats as the credits roll, we are aware that countless folks are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything comes out just right. They all believe wholeheartedly in the message of the movie, and they all want the audience to leave the theater changed for the better. Writing a book works much in the same way, and I’m blessed to have a team behind me that believes as much in my message as I do.
It’s with tremendous humility that I extend my appreciation to all those who have helped bring me to this point in life, a point where I’m making my dream of helping millions to change their lives a reality. Nothing is accomplished alone. With this in mind, you can imagine just how difficult it is to name all those who’ve been such a positive part of my life.
• I want to express my gratitude to God, our Creator. His direction led me to those who’ve been so instrumental in bringing my message of Hope to the world. I am simply a conduit. It’s because of Him that you’re reading this!
• I want to express my infinite love and appreciation to my mother and father, Laura and Charles, my sister Lauren and brother Vince. My parents made many sacrifices for their children and worked hard to instill the conviction that through absolute faith and hard work, any challenge could be overcome.
• To my adopted grandmother, Mrs. Valerie White, whose tremendous faith in God and in the innate goodness that exists in all humans changed my life. Coming to personally know God helped me realize that truly lasting change would come only through mental transformation. I owe much to this saint-like woman. I can’t think of anyone who’s influenced me more deeply.
• To my grandparents, Rose, Charlie and Marie, who are smiling down from heaven. Their lives and influence serve as a constant reminder to work hard and serve others.
• To Joyce, a magnificent spirit, great friend and tremendous help in my mission of spreading the message of Hope to the world through my book.
• To all the countless clients who’ve worked so hard in achieving their goals. You’ve spread my message everywhere from local parties all the way to the White House! It’s because of all of you that I’ve been able to reach – and help – so many, and for that I’m extremely grateful.
• To President Bill Clinton. Your passion for doing what’s right, your tireless efforts in improving our global society and serving others less fortunate means more to me than you’ll ever know, and this has helped me make critical life decisions fueling my fire to do what’s right and serve others with my gifts. I look up to you so much. I hope to one day have as positive an impact on our world as you have. Thank you for the wonderful influence you and your life has provided me.
• To a man I will forever treasure, and who radically changed me along with my worldview, Mr. David Steward. He is a walking, talking testament to our Lord’s message. I’m blessed to call him my mentor and dear friend. I’m indebted to him for all of his support, wisdom and guidance. His commitment to bettering the lives of others is unparalleled and serves as an inspiration to me.
• To Wendy Morley, director at Robert Kennedy Publishing. Her unwavering support and faith literally brought my book to Bob Kennedy’s attention and masterfully carried it though every step of the editorial process, resulting in the high-quality product that you are holding right now. If it wasn’t for Wendy listening to God’s call and her gift in editing and publishing, this book couldn’t have been so magnificent.
• To my mentor, Mr. Ray Bahr, who’s been supportive, loving and willing to listen to all my creative impulses. His example of the value of honesty, structure, discipline and commitment affected me deeply.
• To all of my teachers, friends and other staff members at Christian Brothers College High School, you helped mold me into the man I am today.
• To all the great educators, staff and friends I made at St. Louis University, my alma mater. Your example of God’s love in an environment that nurtured intellectual, emotional and spiritual development helped foster much of the creativity that is found in my book.
• In particular, to my SLU psychology professor, mentor and dear friend, Dr. Frank Gilner. Thank you for your wisdom and your insights into truly serving others. Your course introduced me to some new ways of thinking and helped shape my skills in helping others overcome psychological challenges encountered in transformation.
• To Dr. Edward Sabin, also a great professor, mentor and friend. Thanks for being so tremendously supportive of my business vision from the start, and for giving me one of my first speaking opportunities. It ignited a fire that continues to blaze. Thanks for your ideas on reaching out and helping others as well.
• To Roger Semsch, owner of the first gym I joined, who recognized God’s spark in me, helped me begin to understand the basics of fitness, appreciated my passion and desire to serve others, and gave me a chance early on to do just that in his wonderful fitness center.
• To Mr. Valeriy Fradkin, who not only made primary school bearable for me, but also taught me that I had something of value, a talent that could bring joy to both myself and others.
• To all the staff members at Robert Kennedy Publishing, especially Gabby and Amy, who helped package my material in such an entertaining and comprehensible way. (They made this process fun!)
• To all of the great teachers, visionaries and leaders of the past and present whose work influences and continues to inspire me. I hope one day my work joins the ranks of yours and serves to change and positively influence as many lives.
And to all of you whom I haven’t mentioned specifically, thank you for your undying faith and support in my efforts to help others. Please continue to spread my message of Hope, making this book the answer so many people have been searching for. If we work together, I know we can end the strife so many Americans now believe they’re facing.