I first wish to express my thanks to my wonderful wife, Linda, who, while writing her own book, has encouraged me, served as my coach, offered recollections from her own work experiences at Federal Express, and supported my efforts throughout this process.
Special thanks go to those who gave so willingly of their time to share their personal recollections and insights during the interviews, including Michael Basch, Charles Brandon, Nathaniel Breed, Michael Fitzgerald, Joseph Hinson, Charles Lewis Lea, John Tucker Morse, Debra Mouton, Dennis Sweeney, Leon Tyree, Theodore Weise, and Peter Willmott. Thanks also to those who are so much a part of this story and who, except for their untimely deaths, would have contributed their personal remembrances: Arthur Bass, John Vincent Fagan, and James Riedmeyer.
I also express my appreciation to Justine and Michael Toms of New Dimensions World Broadcasting Network, who saw merit in my early work, and Steve Piersanti of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, who made instrumental suggestions throughout the early editorial process. I want to acknowledge the tremendous contributions made by my content editor, Valerie Andrews, who guided me through the process of turning rambling recollections into prose worthy of this incredible story.
Finally, I want to thank Kathy Oddenino, whose inspired teachings have reminded me of the importance of "knowing thyself," the many friends and associates who have encouraged me to write this book, and Fred Smith for making it possible.
