First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, my most prized asset in this wonderful, crazy world. Tara and Trent: You have been nothing but the greatest experience of my life. You've stood by me through all my ups and downs, and I'm proud of your good hearts, hard work, and individualism. I love you.
To Melissa, my wife. Your positive attitude, goal setting, and unselfish support of me sitting on the back porch every night working on this book, then coming out every time I needed you to read over some part of it, were really important to me, and contributed to my excitement in writing it.
To my brothers and sisters, who have always been there during my hard times. I don't say it enough times, but I love you. To all members of my staff who make me laugh and who support me with their incredible ability to work hard and smart, and to always be there for me, even though sometimes I am too much of a perfectionist. To Steve, Elliott, and their entire crew from SSA, who, though a big PR company, have always acted more like family toward me. To all my best friends who supported me during the good and bad times, which were many. Thank you—you know who you are, and that I will always be there for you. I promise.
To all the people at the different shopping channels and infomercial companies that gave me so many opportunities in the wonderful world of watch and shop. To Kevin Harrington, judge on ABC show Shark Tank.
To all the manufacturers and vendors that supported me with hands-on product development and concepts for this book. You are the best of the best.
To the Waxman Literary Agency, especially Holly Root and Scott Waxman, who believed in me enough to represent me. To the prestigious and magnificent John Wiley & Sons publishing company, which is at the highest level of its literary game. Shannon Vargo, Matt Holt, Beth Zipko, Linda Indig and team, who worked hand in hand with me, and who believed in me enough to give me the wonderful opportunity to bring my story to the world. As crazy a story as it is.
To David L. Carroll, who coauthored this book with me, and who has to be the best writer in the world. Without him there would be no book called There's Always a Way. Even though there's always a way.
And, of course, to all my customers who have put their trust in me and in my products. And who, by word of mouth, have truly made me who I am today. To all of you, I can never say "thank you" enough. You are positive, courageous people.
Finally, this book is dedicated to my mother, Viola Ruth Little, who was strong enough to change my environment, and this decision changed the course of my life forever.
Best in health and life always, and always believe in yourselves.
Tony Little
Adversities of my life | Victories of my life |
|---|---|
Almost drowned twice | Didn't drown twice |
Shot at twice | Missed twice |
Electrocuted twice | Still here today (more creative) |
Four car accidents | Survived all of them—barely |
My mom divorced | But she helped me grow up sane anyway |
My dad kills himself | But found happiness before his medical issues |
In trouble with police | Later inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame |
Drugged and kidnapped by predator | Survived unharmed and unmolested |
Four herniated discs in back | Won Mr. Florida and Mr. Junior America |
One herniated disc in neck | Placed fifth in Mr. America contest |
Three surgeries on right knee | Jay Leno refers to me as "America's Personal Trainer" |
One surgery on left knee | First celebrity to sell on the Home Shopping Network |
Double hernia surgery | My first infomercial sells over seven million videos |
Had walking pneumonia twice | Later sold over seven million Gazelle Gliders |
Almost died from spinal meningitis | Lived to tell the tale |
Very sick from bacterial meningitis | Later made first Gazelle Glider infomercial |
Depressed and out of a job | Later won 14 Platinum Video Awards |
Still depressed and out of a job | Later won nine Gold Video Awards |
Totally broke | Later became Florida Entrepreneur of the Year |
Started my own business on a shoestring | Became the most successful TV salesman of all time with three billion dollars in sales |
Four reconstructive face surgeries | Published three books on fitness, and still look pretty good |
Burned my buttocks in a pool of acid | Became all time record breaking infomercial king |
Lived through abusive marriage | Survived abusive marriage |
Owed IRS 1.1 million dollars | Paid back every cent in half the allotted time |
Forced to auction off my mansion to pay the IRS | Bought a new and better mansion |
My son gets hit by a car | My son survives (I love my son) |
My daughter has head surgery | My daughter survives (I love my daughter) |
I never went to college | Both my kids go to college (almost finished  |
One lonely guy for many years | Now married and in love with twins on the way |
(P.S. Did I tell you I was held back in first grade? Who gets held back in first grade??? Nothing was ever easy for me!)
But remember: There is Always a Way!
Tony Little