Fire in the Hole!: The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success

by Bob Parsons, Laura Morton (primary_contributor)

In Fire in the Hole!, Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, shares his story of extaordinary success as a self-made serial entrepreneur.Born in the tough town of East Baltimore to parents who were inveterate gamblers, billionaire philanthropist Robert Parsons’ early years were marked by hardship and financial struggle. While he vowed his own children would never lack for anything, never did he imagine the wealth he would ultimately amass as the founder of Parsons Technologies, GoDaddy, and ultimately YAM Worldwide. In his literary debut, Fire in the Hole!, this extraordinary entrepreneur recounts the exploits of his youth, his hellish days at the mercy of Catholic school nuns, his harrowing tour of duty in Vietnam as a decorated US Marine, his pioneering contributions to the software and internet industries, and his latest ventures in power sports, golf, real estate, and marketing. Along the way, we witness his remarkable resilience as he copes with his mother’s mental illness and his father’s infidelities, battles PTSD resulting from both his childhood and war traumas, and mounts a quest to find new and effective treatments for himself and others who suffer from this affliction. He strongly supports veterans organizations, and believing in the concept of paying it forward, has awarded grants to more than ninety-six charities and organizations worldwide through the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. Perhaps the only thing that has come easy to Parsons is his gift for storytelling. His reflections are at turns heartbreaking, heartwarming, humorous, and inspiring. If ever there were a story about a self-made man whose wealth can be measured as much by the contents of his heart as by the contents of his bank account, this is it.

Genres: Biography, Business, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Bob Parsons is the CEO and founder of YAM Worldwide, home to his entrepreneurial ventures in the fields of motorcycles, golf, real estate, finance, marketing, innovation, and philanthropy. However, he is perhaps best known as the founder of GoDaddy.

Among his accomplishments, Parsons failed the fifth grade. He would not have graduated high school had he not joined the US Marine Corps with one of his classmates in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War.

A US Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran, Parsons is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

After serving in the Marine Corps, he attended the University of Baltimore on the G.I. Bill and graduated magna cum laude.

His alma mater presented him with an honorary doctorate in 2008 and named him Distinguished Entrepreneur in 2010.

Three of Parsons entrepreneurial ventures—Parsons Technology (#11, 1992), GoDaddy (#8, 2004) and now PXG (#123, 2019)—have been recognized and ranked by Inc magazine as being among America’s fastest-growing privately-held companies.

Parsons and his wife, Renee, started The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2012 to reach marginalized populations and causes often underfunded by mainstream philanthropy.

Parsons credits what he learned in the US Marine Corps for everything he’s ever accomplished in life and business.

Reviews

[Connor Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it, he was extremely humorous and candid throughout

[David W. Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting, moving, and so very candid an autobiography. A great read.... Mr. Parsons and I share some similar familia and emotional issues and both of us fundamentally attribute our successes to lessons learned in our United States Marine Corps. My last active duty was in 1962, so I was post-Korean War and ante-Vietnam War. But the Marine Corps fully shaped my ethos, discipline, dedication to true teamwork, and drive.

I'm a bit older than he is (I'm 83) but didn't (or wasn't able to figure out what I wanted to be when "grew up") until I was 38. I managed to get into a fully accredited California law school at age 38 with only 11 undergraduate college units, not even an A.A degree, but one hell of a decent LSAT score, and that's its own long story.

My dear wife once confessed to me, long after we were a committed couple but some years before we were married, that she had been afraid that the first time she would see me fully unclothed I have an Eagle, Globe and Anchor tattooed on one bun or the other, which I don't but resist showing!

While I didn't become nearly as wealthy as Mr. Parsons did, I did end up after 10 years of civil trial practice, being appointed to the bench in Ventura and retired from the Superior Court on my 70th birthday in 2011, Modestly entrepreneurially, went into an ADR practice... (Alternative Dispute Resolution for myself - Creative Dispute Resolution) and fully retired a couple of years ago.

I also, like Mr. Parsons, spent some early growing up years in Baltimore, Maryland, attending Pimlico Elementary School 222 from kindergarten to 1/4 of the way thru the 4th grade.

I really related to and understood many of his demons, as I have had a number of the same ones.

Fire In The Hole was quite an emotional and therapeutic journey for me. I also have my own set of PXG golf clubs! Expensive, as he said, but the best!

Some day I'd love to meet the author.

L/Cpl & Retired Superior Court Judge,

David W. (Dave) Long

[Frida Hemborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful that I got to be part of this booktour, and here’s my honest review! (I got to listen to this book as an audiobook, which is narrated by Bob Parsons himself).

In this nonfiction story surrounding Bob Parsons, the founder of (among many) GoDaddy and PXG Golf, we get to follow his life from childhood to today. We truly get to learn about it ALL. And what a lifestory that is. From the heartbreaking childhood, his relationship with his parents and the hardships he experienced when changing schools to a catholic one. It started so good, but ended so bad. As a teacher I’m extra apalled to hear how some of these teachers treated their students, horrified even. But I’m also pleasently surprised by how Parsons can still look back on these times and remember some fun times among the rough.

A bit after this Parsons joined the marines, and many years of life lessons, camaraderie, and ultimately PTSD from fighting in the Vietnam War. Of course nobody knew what this was or how to treat it at the time, and it’s truly heartbreaking to listen to how many of his brothers in arms dealt with this mental illness after coming home. I apploud Parsons for talking and educating his readers about mental illness, and the help he himself has gotten. It’s truly nothing to be ashamed of.

We also get to follow along on his marriages and relationships, the raising of this kids, and finally meeting the love of his life. The determination to give his kids all he didn’t have growing up, but missing the part of being present. Money isn’t everything.

And obviously, we get to learn about the very inspirational and motivating story on how he founded and started GoDaddy and PXG Golf. Very inspirational story, and listening to the audiobook truly gave it a genuine and raw experience! The emotional parts got all the more emotional when you could hear his voice breaking, admirable to do it yourself (which of course always has been his philosophy) 🙏🏼

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bold, heartbreaking, and outrageously inspiring, Fire in the Hole! is a no-holds-barred tale of survival, success, and the power of paying it forward. Bob Parsons doesn’t just tell you his story, he shows you how to light your own fire. Loved this!

This memoir is a front-row seat on a rollercoaster of grit, guts, and glory. If you thought the founder of GoDaddy was just about catchy commercials and web domains, think again. This story comes packed with enough twists, trauma, and triumph to make your jaw drop and your heart swell.

Parsons takes us on a wild ride, starting in the rough-and-tumble streets of East Baltimore, where the stakes were high and the odds weren’t in his favour.

Picture this: parents who gambled like their lives depended on it, Catholic school nuns who put the fear in God-fearing, and a young Bob trying to find his place in a chaotic world.

Spoiler alert: he found it, just not in the way anyone expected.

From the hellish jungles of Vietnam to the uncharted digital landscape of the early internet, Parsons’ journey is the definition of resilience. He’s equal parts tough-as-nails Marine and innovative tech mogul, with a storytelling style that’s as raw as it is riveting.

One minute I was laughing at his wry humour; the next, I was wiping a tear over the battles he fought, not just in war but within himself.

Beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Fire in the Hole! shines brightest in its quieter moments. Parsons lays bare his struggles with PTSD, the weight of childhood wounds, and the relentless pursuit of healing, or himself and for others.

And the best part? Parsons tells his story with the kind of self-deprecating wit that makes you feel like you’re swapping war stories over a beer with an old friend. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s an unflinching look at the messy, beautiful, explosive truth of building a life worth living.

[Arun Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 A Story of Hardship, Hope, and Paying It Forward.

“Fire in the Hole!” is Bob Parsons' unfiltered and deeply personal story of a life shaped by struggle, resilience, and an unwavering drive to give back. Born into a tough neighborhood in East Baltimore to parents who struggled with gambling and mental illness, Parsons takes us on a journey that’s as raw as it is inspiring.

From surviving the harsh discipline of Catholic school nuns to enduring the unimaginable trauma of combat in Vietnam as a US Marine, Parsons lays bare the moments that tested and defined him. His battles with PTSD—rooted in both his childhood and war experiences—are shared with striking honesty, making his eventual rise as a self-made entrepreneur all the more extraordinary.

Yet, what makes this book stand out isn’t just author’s success as the founder of GoDaddy, PXG Golf, and other ventures, but his heart. He doesn’t just build wealth—he builds opportunities for others, awarding grants to charities worldwide and passionately supporting veterans.

Told with humor, humility, and a gift for storytelling, Fire in the Hole! is about more than money or success—it’s about finding meaning in pain, resilience in hardship, and purpose in helping others. Bob Parsons’ story reminds us that no matter where we start, we can create a life that matters.

This book feels like sitting down with an old friend who’s seen it all—and is still filled with hope. A truly moving and unforgettable read.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 love to read memoirs
💭 enjoy gritty stories
🖥️ want to learn more about GoDaddy
🇻🇳 like historical war stories

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Born in the tough town of East Baltimore to parents who were inveterate gamblers, billionaire philanthropist Bob Parsons' early years were marked by hardship and financial struggle. While he vowed his own children would never lack for anything, never did he imagine the wealth he would one day amass as the founder of Parsons Technology, GoDaddy, PXG Golf, and YAM Worldwide.

In his literary debut, Fire in the Hole!, this extraordinary entrepreneur recounts the exploits of his youth, his hellish days at the mercy of Catholic school nuns, his harrowing tour of combat duty in Vietnam as a US Marine, his pioneering contributions to the software and internet industries, and his latest ventures in power sports, golf, real estate, and marketing.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a truly inspiring story about a man that I, admittedly, knew very little about. GoDaddy has never really been something I used in my life, but I’ve definitely heard of it. It was fascinating getting know more about Bob Parsons and who he was as a child to now. It goes to show that no matter how hard or difficult your upbringing is, you can always turn it around! If you’re looking for something real, gritty, and honest, look no further than this memoir!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Parsons grabs your attention from the very first page and takes you on an incredible journey through his memories from childhood, to the Vietnam War, and on to his massive success with GoDaddy and PXG. His story is an amazing testament to staying positive, finding your inner strength, and just getting the job done.

As I read I felt the struggles of his youth and the determination that grew out of them, the conflicting emotions of war and the devastation and pride that he dealt with and learned along the way, and also the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur and taking risks in business. Bob isn't afraid to put it all out there and there is so much to be learned from his shared experiences.

I'm so grateful to get to know this down to earth, hardworking, fascinating man through his words, and I appreciate the opportunity he provides to learn from his life challenges and the rewards that are possible with a dream and a desire to make it come true.


I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

While you might think this is just another story filled with “go to school, work hard, and get rich” teaching moments of yet another person getting rich by starting online businesses, you’d be so, so wrong. This is actually a story of a PERSON. Of a human being and his life experiences. Of what shaped him the person he is – including the bad and the ugly. I know that the saying goes (and people love to parrot it left and right) that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, this story is yet another reminder that it’s not entirely true. I’m so sure the author would have accomplished even more had there not been PTSD caused by a myriad of events and plenty of people. All the time and resources spent on healing and finding what works best – that could have been spent on actually doing what you enjoy and enjoying what you are doing, right?
p.s. the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, that too makes the book an even more exciting read.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a keen golfer, hence me picking up this book in the first place. Prior to purchase, I wasn’t aware of Bob Parsons’ business success as, I’m guessing, GoDaddy has nowhere near the market penetration in Australia as it does in the US.
Golf aside though, I’m always a bit leery about reading autobiographies (allowing for the assistance, in this case, of accomplished author, Laura Morton).
No-one is ever completely truthful, even for the most introspective. However, this is probably about as raw as it gets … sure, it’s a bit ‘gung-ho’, but he also appears to be strikingly honest – in equal measure – about his flaws and successes.
I really enjoyed this book – his childhood could not possibly have been more different than mine and I couldn’t run a lemonade stand – but he really does come across as just one of the guys you might end up playing in a foursome with some day. Just with a more interesting story than most.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite the read. I loved how he told his transition from military life to civilian life and all the areas in between. His childhood portion was especially gripping and I really felt connected to him as a reader. He told a captivating story full of interesting tidbits. I did pick this one up to learn more about GoDaddy, and I feel the book was a little light in that area, so I did want more. However, there was so much other stuff in this book that held my interest it was quickly forgotten. This book is also very inspirational and a story that I feel is worth telling. I’m glad to have read this one and it will stick with me for a while.


Thank you to the author @drbobparsons and @forefrontbooks for sending me a copy of this book to review. All thoughts are my own.

[Lauren | Wordsbetweenlines · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

You know I love a good nonfiction. And what better time to get this one then nonfiction November.

I am fascinated by books that delve into how someone created success and what that has looked like for them. Often, immense success comes from immense sacrifice.

I appreciated his acknowledgment of his singleminded focus at times as well as how he didn’t always try and paint himself unrealistically, like all of us he is flawed.

Let’s be honest though. I got this book to hear about PXG. My household of golfers has really worn me down.

The one thing I will add, the writing and perhaps lack of focus of the book did at times get to me. I find this pretty common with ghost writing, I want that hard edit that gives me the best flow and story.

Thank you bookinfluencers for the copy.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Bob Parsons became a philanthropist, he fought in the Vietnam war, worked as an accountant, and created GoDaddy. This memoir tells his story from his tough childhood in Baltimore to his successful life today.

One thing that stood out and really made Bob successful was his attitude. He had a positive attitude and outlook. Instead of getting upset over any setbacks, he looked for solutions to his problems. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but I’m so glad I read this fascinating memoir!

Fire in the Hole! is an inspiring and fascinating memoir!

Thank you Bob Parsons and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: war, PTSD, drug use, mental illness, child abuse

[Amelia.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Parsons’s Fire in the Hole! is a raw, riveting, and profoundly inspiring memoir that captures the full measure of a man who refused to be defined by hardship. From the streets of East Baltimore to the battlefields of Vietnam and the boardrooms of billion dollar success, Parsons lays bare a life forged through grit, trauma, and relentless determination. His storytelling blends unfiltered honesty with surprising humor and grace, revealing not just how he built companies, but how he rebuilt himself. Beyond business, this is a deeply human story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of purpose a memoir that reminds readers that true success lies in overcoming, healing, and giving back.

[Joshua Makaio Earsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parsons is an inspiration for Marines like me and all others. He’s the epitome of how you transition from a military life in theatre to a civilian doing whatever you need to do to make it. I love that he works with the Semper Fi Fund. What an amazing organization. I’m certain the partnership between these two has helped vastly beneficial too many. They’ve been a tremendous support line for me and it wouldn’t even surprise me if Bob and Renee contributed to my case. Even if they didn’t, others definitely have felt the love and guidance they’ve personally provided. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to get off their ass and needs a kick in it to get moving.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had low expectations and was pleasantly surprised! Entertaining story teller that flows quickly.

Didn't expect detailed history of his personal life which was very interesting as well! Would have loved a little more details of the GoDaddy story however.

I definitely recommend. You want read many stories about a more street smart billionaire than the highly academic billionaires we usually hear about.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the low number of ratings and from what I think I remember from the bestselling list that retailers reported bulk orders, this is probably one of the least consumed I’ve read however I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The author seemed candid and the book was replete with interesting anecdotes from a unique life. The business stories around marketing were my favorite parts though I enjoyed it all, including the upbringing family, military, and interpersonal love stories.

[Kristin Chermok · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of autobiographies. This is my daughter-in-law's book. She works for the non-profit Semper Fi and America's Fund. Mr. Parsons has lived a varied and interesting life. Low of lows and now the high of highs, both literally and figuratively. I have read several Vietnam era books from the female perspective, and it was terrifying then as now. So happy there are people that use their money for good.

[Thor O’Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Parson’s heartfelt walk through his childhood, service in the Marines in Vietnam and his gargantuan success in the business world. The book is an easy read although at times difficult, especially when he talks about his childhood and how he dealt with his PTSD in the years before the diagnosis existed. Worth the time invested to read.

[Eric Lussier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography on an individual I didn’t know much about. I have tremendous respect for his military service and his rags to riches story of hard work and perseverance. Some of his discussions on ptsd and use of psychedelic drugs as alternative treatment were jarring. Overall it was a good book where he was able to draw some basic principles out from his experiences.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a riveting look into the life of the founder of GoDaddy. I didn't know much about him before but came away with the utmost respect for all that he has powered through in order to find success. Great book - great memoir for those who love a look into the life of others. Highly recommend!

[Alyssa Mohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was engaging, insightful. And funny. I love Bob's appreciation for the military. I love how candid he is. This book is also a refreshing take on career inspiration. Bob is a genuine person who put his all into this book.

[Grant Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started well, and I cruised through the first 200 pages. After that, it became a tougher read. I finished it and am glad the author could share his life with me.

Kind of crazy he's never had a business fail, but all the more impressive given everything he went through.

[James McGlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half was a page turner about his early life and Vietnam experience. Then his business ventures were interesting even though his Parsons Technology, Go Daddy and PXG Golf is what he is known for. He also struggled with PTSD but after psychedelics he says has recovered.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining, insightful and inspirational. Bob has lived a full life, as described in the most humble and transparent manner. Thank-you for sharing your journey.

[Kevin Rumsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read .The story telling places the reader in the right seat of the journey.

[John Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

[Andrew Spenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with some good advice. Very talented guy and interesting story.

[Dinakar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit randomly described story. Just when you think Parsons is going to explain something in detail, he’ll summarize it in one sentence and jump to something new in two seconds.

[Jason T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the sorry, the guy is amazing, his success and what he built is incredible. But I don’t recommend the audio version. He reads his own book and is very monotone and emotionless while reading

[karla melissa ramirez herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

es un libro muy interesante pero bueno