Don't Stop the Roller Coaster: Business and Life Lessons - Hardcover

"I've found that most people with big incomes don't understand the value of a few dollars to someone who has no money. But I do. I learned that lesson very early on." Tom DePetrillo started with nothing, made a fortune, lost it, went personally bankrupt—and the next day, he started a new career. His life has been a roller-coaster ride, and now that he's at the top, he has never forgotten where he started and what a difference a little help can make when someone needs it. This is a book about the ups and downs of one man's business career and the lessons he learned along the way. Tom has seen both sides of the economic divide in this country. When he was young he was one of eleven children, and he dropped out of school to help his family make ends meet. Today, after taking more than eighty companies public on Wall Street, he runs several very successful companies, and is an active contributor to Rhode Island and national progressive politicians. Tom has been a lifelong learner, never comfortable taking the easy path. With government help and an eagerness to try something new, he rose quickly, first in a military career, then in civil engineering, then in the financial world. His book focuses on the lessons he has learned throughout his business career. He offers surprising and valuable insights into a variety of topics, such as bankruptcy, the “real” cost of prescription drugs, and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. In this fascinating memoir/idea book, Tom addresses the current financial and political scene in the United States, and offers solutions based on his common sense and exceptional business intelligence.

Tom DePetrillo has seen both sides of the economic divide in this country. When he was young he was one of eleven children, and he dropped out of school to help his family make ends meet. His career has been a roller-coaster ride, and now that he's at the top, he never forgets where he started and what a difference a little help can make when someone needs it. This is a book about the ups and downs of one man's business career and the lessons he learned along the way. Many of Tom's observations about business are surprising, such as his advice that if you are deep financial trouble it is often best to cut your losses and go bankrupt.Tom is a lifelong learner, never comfortable taking the easy path. With government help and an eagerness to try something new, he rose quickly, first in a military career, then in civil engineering, then in the financial world.Tom's book focuses on the lessons he has learned throughout his business career. He applies his ideas to the current financial and political scene in this fascinating memoir/idea book.Tom DePetrillo started with nothing, made a fortune, lost it, went personally bankrupt, and the next day started a new career. Today, after taking more than eighty companies public on Wall Street, he runs several very successful companies, and is an active contributor to Rhode Island and national Progressive politicians.