This book is dedicated to the thousands of entrepre-neurs who have braved countless obstacles and hung in through good times and bad to create successful com-panies. These fLrms are the backbone of the free-enterprise system.

Foreword

A Note to Readers

Building a Firm Foundation

Growing in Knowledge

Learning the Craft

Catching the Entrepreneurial Bug

Gaining a Vital Teammate

A Door Opens

Launching the Company

Financial Growing Pains

Creating Legendary Service

Helping People Soar Like Eagles

Ego Issues

Turning Things Around

Putting It All Together

Building a Legacy

Appendix: Top 20 A ttributes of

A cknowledgm ents

Selected Readings

Services A vailable