Starting Small and Making It Big: An Entrepreneur's Journey to Billion-Dollar Philanthropist

by Bill Cummings

Bill Cummings never aspired to be a billionaire and never acknowledged he was one until long after it happened. That's because it is not money that motivates him, but rather the immense enjoyment he gets from building and growing successful businesses. This fascinating autobiography shares not only how he got there, but also his singular dedication to giving back to the communities and institutions so vital to his success. In Massachusetts alone, the cash donations from Cummings entities to local charities already total more than $200 million. Through Bill's unique voice, readers experience his achievements and adventures, as well as his setbacks and personal tragedies. For anyone studying business, building a business, or running a business, Bill's journey also offers keen insights, cautionary observations, and the pioneering thinking that produced great prosperity and a multibillion-dollar enterprise. For everyone else, it offers a new and engrossing twist on the classic American success story. All proceeds from the sale of the book go directly to charity. This book has received praise from Melinda Gates, Dr. Paul Farmer and Ralph Nader.

Genres: Business, Biography

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill shares his lessons candidly from how he created his fortune; as well as the value he has alwayas placed on contributing to civic life. This isn't a book for delusional fantasists about how to make million by faking it. Instead Bill shows how applying common sense and looking after the pennies can help anyone improve their lot in life.
Bill's work as a philanthropist and the respect he has for those who contribute to the local community is inspiring.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting Small gets my recommendation for anyone who is interested in starting a business, growing a business, and anyone who enjoys a true success story. The winners in the book are all of the people Bill Cummings has touched along his journey – whether they were an employee or a recipient of his overwhelming philanthropy. Five stars!

[Vishak Ramesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational story! Cummings is a fantastic inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and to anyone who wants to succeed in their respective careers. Times of the book were a little boring I won’t lie, but everything all came together and I learned so much from him and his journey through real estate. Solid autobiography!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and down to earth

What a remarkable story! Mr. Cummings humbly and kindly walks us through a meaningful life spent ethically making money, friends, businesses, and then continuing to give it away. Very inspiring!

[David Flynn]

If you grew up north of Boston this is an interesting read.