This book would not have happened without help. First, I’d like to thank God. I have no idea what role He played, but He must have done something because this book is finally finished! There were many times where the words just wouldn’t come to me, so I’m gonna go ahead and give that credit to Him. I know some don’t buy in, but I do and it’s my damn book! Ha-ha.
Second, I’d like to thank Tim Kloppenborg. Tim and I talked about this book a while, back while I was writing Strategic Cost Transformation. I thought I’d just be able to knock it out quickly, and I didn’t. Tim was very patient and encouraging through the whole process. He was awesome to work with.
Next, I’d like to thank my reviewers, Ed Kless, who also wrote the foreword, and Marianne Novac Davis. It was especially a pleasure having Marianne review my work 15 years after I reviewed her work as her MBA professor. Life is awesome like that. Ed has become a friend, mentor, and intellectual guide. The dude is really cool and wicked smart.
I also want to thank a few folks who have been very strong supporters and encouragers. Glen Johnson was my PhD chair, and it was in that program several decades ago where we came up with the cost/cash management techniques that I still use today. If it weren’t for his creativity and willingness to push boundaries, none of this would be possible. Second, I’d like to thank Joe Castellano. Joe, an accounting professor emeritus at the University of Dayton has been a supporter, a reviewer, challenger, and most importantly, a friend. Next, Ron Baker. Ron has been a good friend, an intellectual challenger, and an awesome supporter. Having Ron in my life has been an incredible blessing in so many ways. Finally, I’d like to thank Jeff Enyart. Jeff has been such a strong supporter and reviewer of my work. He always has encouraging things to say and is generous in sharing where and how these ideas can work not only with me but also with the companies with whom he interacts in his career as an extraordinary finance and FP&A leader.
This book would not have been possible without the support of my family. I’ll leave the dogs out because I’m convinced they were trying to sabotage the effort with their endless barking at anything and everything. My family supported me and jumped through lots of hoops to allow me to write with relative quiet. My son Reginald Jr, also known as Rey (to whom this book is dedicated) and Tough Man pushed me to finish “his” book. “Is my book finished?” “When are you gonna finish my book?” I had to get it done so I wouldn’t disappoint the little guy!
I want to thank a few friends. Rob and Tony of Four80East and Dan and June Kuramoto from Hiroshima for giving me inspiring music as always. This is our 4th or 5th book together with both groups and their inspiring music and creativity. I’d like to thank the staff at Coopers Hawk, my favorite writing place for this book. They kept out of my way and allowed me to work, but made sure I was happy and comfortable. Thanks Amber, Bianca, Jenifer, Nichole, Ray, Shawn, and Shelby. A special thanks to Mark Saadallah, the GM, who would always find a quiet place for me to write when capacity was limited due to Covid and there were no seats to be had. He’s also a genuinely good dude.
Finally, as always, I want to thank Pepe, Pedro, Vinny, and Ross for their support through the process.