Acknowledgments

I’ve been writing books for 23 years now, and I still find that the thing that’s the hardest for me to write in any book is the acknowledgments. It also, hands down, takes me longer than any other pages in the book. For me, I think the reason I take these acknowledgments so seriously is because it’s when I get to put down on paper how truly grateful I am to be surrounded by such great friends, an incredible book team, and a family that truly makes my life a joy. That’s why it’s so hard. I also know why it takes so long—you type a lot slower with tears in your eyes.

To my remarkable wife, Kalebra: We’ve been married 30 years now, and you still continue to amaze me, and everyone around you. I’ve never met anyone more compassionate, more loving, more hilarious, and more genuinely beautiful, and I’m so blessed to be going through life with you, to have you as the mother of my children, my business partner, my private pilot, Chinese translator, and best friend. You truly are the type of woman love songs are written for, and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am, without a doubt, the luckiest man alive to have you for my wife.

To my son, Jordan: It’s every dad’s dream to have a relationship with his son like I have with you, and I’m so proud of the bright, caring, creative man you’ve become. I can’t wait to see the amazing things life has in store for you, and I just want you to know that watching you grow into the person you are is one of my life’s greatest joys.

To my precious little girl, Kira: You have been blessed in a very special way, because you are a little clone of your mom, which is the most wonderful thing I could have possibly wished for you. I see all her gifts reflected in your eyes, and you’re now getting to the age where you’re starting to realize how blessed you are to have Kalebra as your mom. One day—just like Jordan—you will realize it on an entirely different level, and then you’ll know what an incredible gift God has blessed you with in her.

To my big brother Jeff, who has always been, and will always be, a hero to me. So much of who I am, and where I am, is because of your influence, guidance, caring, and love as I was growing up. Thank you for teaching me to always take the high road, for always knowing the right thing to say at the right time, and for having so much of our dad in you.

I’m incredibly fortunate to have the production of my books handled in-house by two extraordinary people, whose talent, passion, and work ethic are an inspiration to everyone around them—my editor Kim Doty and book designer Jessica Maldonado. I don’t know how I’d ever get a book done without this dream team of creatives. They keep me on track, calm, and smiling with their 100% can-do attitudes and the talent and drive to pull it off. I’m also very grateful to still have the wonderful Cindy Snyder working on my books, even though we don’t get to see her every day (but, we all miss seeing her—especially around birthdays [inside joke]). I feel so blessed to have this incredible team behind me, and I couldn’t be more proud of what you have accomplished, and what you continue to do every single day. Thank you.

Thanks so much to my friend and colleague Erik Kuna, for all his support, ideas, brainstorming sessions, dedication, and spirit. Also, thanks for going shooting with me in sometimes less-than-ideal conditions, and for co-hosting
The Grid with me. You are an awesome person and a very smart and talented one at that.

Thanks and a hug to my dear friend and business partner Jean A. Kendra. Thanks for putting up with me all these years, and for your support for all my crazy ideas. It really means a lot.

A big thanks to my assistant Jeanne Jilleba, who generally herds me like sheep to keep me focused and on track so I have time to write books, spend time with my family, and have a life outside of work.

Thanks to my publishing editor Laura Norman, and the team at Peachpit and New Riders, whose commitment to producing great books has done the brand proud. Thanks for all your support and patience (ahem) over these many years. We appreciate it more than you know.

Thanks to my friends at Adobe: Bryan O’Neil Hughes, Mala Sharma, Terry White, Julieanne Kost, Tom Hogarty, Scott Morris, Sharad Mangalick, Russell Preston Brown, Jeff Tranberry, Bryan Lamkin, and the amazing engineering team at Adobe (I don’t know how you all do it).

I owe a debt of gratitude to, and will never forget: Barbara Rice, Jill Nakashima, Nancy Aldrich-Ruenzel, Sara Jane Todd, Rye Livingston, Addy Roff, Jennifer Stern, Winston Hendrickson, Deb Whitman, Kevin Connor, John Nack, John Loiacono, Cari Gushiken, Jim Heiser, and Karen Gauthier.

I want to thank all the gifted photographers who’ve taught me so much over the years, including: Moose Peterson, Joe McNally, Anne Cahill, Dave Black, Lindsay Adler, Jay Maisel, Tim Wallace, Rick Sammon, Frank Doorhof, David Ziser, Helene Glassman, Mimo Meidany, Peter Hurley, and Jim DiVitale.

Thanks to my mentors, whose wisdom and whip-cracking have helped me immeasurably, including John Graden, Jack Lee, Dave Gales, Judy Farmer, and Douglas Poole.

Most importantly, I want to thank God, and His Son Jesus Christ, for leading me to the woman of my dreams, for blessing us with two amazing children, for allowing me to make a living doing something I truly love, for always being there when I need Him, for blessing me with a wonderful, fulfilling, and happy life, and such a warm, loving family to share it with.