The Italian Kid Did It: How I Turned $3K into $44B and Achieved the American Dream

Description

Entrepreneurs, business owners, investors: here is the rare, no-nonsense advice you haven't heard-straight from Paychex founder and billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano-to overcome the most common (and some not so common) obstacles to live a successful life. Watching his father struggle to support his family through bigotry and other challenges in being an Italian immigrant, Tom Golisano learned early on the value of thinking outside the box and not letting perception sway your view of reality. Now, for the first time, Golisano shares the political shenanigans, behind the scenes stories, significant characters from his remarkable life, and key insights to thrive in your career. Filled with humor and wisdom, The Italian Kid Did It!: Reveals the secrets behind much of Golisano's success and teaches you how to apply those same success-hacks to your own life. Emboldens you to see the world differently in terms of what's possible despite what others may have you believe. Entertains and enlightens you along the way, with Golisano's stories of running for Governor two times, purchasing a failing NHL franchise, the Buffalo Sabres, and dry sense of humor throughout. The American Dream is possible to all of us if we are willing to take risks and work for it. The stories, wisdom, and insight in The Italian Kid Did It! just might be the shortcut you need to get there faster.

Thomas Golisano - entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader - is the founder and chairman of the Board of Paychex, Inc., headquartered in Rochester, New York, with more than 15,500 employees and 100 office locations nationwide. Before starting Paychex, the prevailing wisdom was that it was a waste of time selling payroll services to companies with fewer than 50 employees. Golisano, however, saw an opportunity; he did the math and proved that smaller companies needed payroll processing services just as much as larger companies, while still offering an excellent return on investment. He grew Paychex one partner and franchisee at a time, over many years, and today the company has a market value of $28 billion. Still active in business and philanthropy, he currently mentors the entrepreneurs who run the businesses in which he has invested, and he also oversees his family's charitable foundation. To date he has donated over $250 million to a wide range of charitable causes, including educational institutions, children's hospitals, and especially organisations working with people suffering from developmental and intellectual disabilities.