The Bill Cook Story: Ready, Fire, Aim!

by Bob Hammel

Book Overview

Bill Cook epitomizes the American success story. His business ventures in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, genetics, real estate, retail management, and travel services have made him a billionaire. Yet, Cook continues to lead a modest life, involving himself in a variety of philanthropic activities that have included historic preservation and even a marching band. This riveting story is the first-ever biography of the entrepreneur who, working...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253352541
• ISBN13: 9780253352545
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.1" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Personality

Living in Indiana, I have heard the name of Bill Cook for years. I'd ask people in Bloomington, "who is this man?". I'd get a vague answer. Then one day, I saw that Bob Hammel, a great writer wrote a biography of him. I snatched it up and began reading an amazing story about an amazing person. I don't really like biographies, but this one is truly intriguing! A great read about a truly amazing person who has revived Southern Indiana through renovating French Lick and West Baden. along with being a leader in the medical arena.

Great read for entrepreneurs

Bob Hammel does a great job writing about a true business icon. Hammel describes the real Bill Cook in ways that exemplify what it takes to be a true success. The book is detailed, but is rightly done because it describes what a true business hero does to not only be successful in the business world, but to help others who are less fortunate. Hammel portrays Cook as a man of great integrity who cares about people more than money or success. The book also demonstrates how Cook was a great people person in surrounding himself with those who had similar ideals as he did in succeeding. Hammel does a fantastic job in expressing what really motivated Cook which as he quotes "It's not the money that you work for. I'ts...when you have an idea, and it comes to fruition and it works." All business entrepreneurs should make this a priority read. It will bring you success.

A gem of many facets

An extraordinary portrait of a remarkable and unsung - till now - American entrepreneur. Those familiar with Bob Hammel's writing will recognize the great reporting and inimitable style which have marked his journalism and several books. As he did in his bestseller about another complex genius, former Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight, Hammel displays a knack for finding and revealing his subject's psyche.The reader feels as if he is perched on Cook's shoulder listening to him think. Hammel's story of a life and fortune well-spent is wrapped around a suspenseful crime drama. Don't miss this one.

What a story!

This book is an epic tale that is equal parts ambition, pluck and smarts. Hammel details how a guy who once slept on a cot in a Chicago factory where he worked (because he had no place else to stay) was able to eventually create a medical devices company that has saved millions of lives and created jobs for tens of thousands of people in the last 40 years. Settle in for a great read and expect to take away insights galore from this remarkable story of achievement. Only in America could something like Bill Cook and the Cook Group happen. Get ready to be "Wowed."