Before creating a path to success, one must first define what is important and what constitutes success.  Here is what is important to me: God, family, community, country.  And here is what I enjoy the most: watching my daughter in ballet class, keeping score at my son’s baseball games, encouraging and helping my friends - sometimes by dropping off a meal or sending a note of support. I also like to shepherd our children during Sunday school, ask those who have the financial resources to help support those who do not – through giving to Genesis (a homeless shelter for newborn babies and their families), the Trust of Public Land (which saves land for people) and the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation (which focuses on innovative learning programs). 

Finally, here is my vision of success – being part of a strong, healthy family; being involved in my community and being inspired to act based on what is right and proper rather than on what is easiest or cheapest.

While freedom, individualism and opportunity are key elements in our lives, personal responsibility should lead to individual choices that build neighborhoods and communities, which then provide the backbone for a strong nation.  People should be empowered to act and participate through numerous and intricately intertwined organizations and institutions: including churches, civic organizations, arts, businesses and non-profits.

I hope that that you will buy our book, and that you will read it – pausing for a moment to define what success means to you, and then—and only then—begin applying these principles to your life. When you get stuck along the way, which you will, refer back to the stories in the book that were written by me, my father, and 42 amazing contributors. I promise you will find a new perspective and a renewed inspiration to help you keep moving forward. 

My big dream – that this book, and our website, will help you and others reach your full potential, creating personal success, weaving together organizations, industries and communities that will help this nation become stronger.

P.S. A special Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom, Jackie Gingrich, for helping create principles for our family to pass along.