There are many people responsible for this project. I want to first and foremost tell Roger Gittines thanks for putting up with me, getting the best out of me, and writing a great book. Roger, you are a mentor and, more important, a good friend.

Thanks also to:

Margret McBride, my literary agent, who has always had faith in me and knows how to make things happen for me.

Laureen Rowland, our editor, who challenged us, supported us, and created a better book.

HarperCollins Publishers, who has been terrific to work with and open to the many ideas I keep coming up with.

But most important to the people who made the book, my terrific mentors: Neil Lamey, Peter Rogers, Paul McKinnon, Paula Innis, Bill Locander, Bill Matthews, Neil Sessoms, Mark Donnollo, Kristen Miller, and Ron Nelson.

And to the men and women whom I’ve worked with and for over the years—who have done extraordinary things to make us successful.

To my best friend and attorney, Brian Chorpenning, who always looked for my family’s best interest and whom I can always count on.

To the great people at the University of Dayton—Ted Kissel, Oliver Purnell, Megan MacAlister, Jaci Clark—you proved you can go home again. This book is about the impact of family—I’m fortunate to have a great one.