The Italian Kid Did It: How I Turned $3K into $44B and Achieved the American Dream

by Tom Golisano

Entrepreneurs, business owners, here is the rare, no-nonsense advice you haven’t heard—straight from Paychex founder and billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano—to overcome the most common (and some not so common) obstacles to live a successful life. Watching his father struggle to support his family through bigotry and other challenges in being an Italian immigrant, Tom Golisano learned early on the value of thinking outside the box and not letting perception sway your view of reality. Now, for the first time, Golisano shares the political shenanigans, behind the scenes stories, significant characters from his remarkable life, and key insights to thrive in your career. Filled with humor and wisdom, The Italian Kid Did It! : The American Dream is possible to all of us if we are willing to take risks and work for it. The stories, wisdom, and insight in The Italian Kid Did It! just might be the shortcut you need to get there faster.

Genres: Business

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title refers to how his neighbors blamed him for local crimes because he was of Italian descent.
He makes some good points about how some politicians are inept and corrupt, but ultimately he seems to give up on fixing that problem after spending millions of dollars running for Governor of New York.
He gives tips on entrepreneurship, and also supplies numerous examples of businessmen stubbornly sticking to stupid decisions.
He has given a lot to non-profits and seems happy with that experience.
Conspicuously absent--from a biography as opposed to a business book--is what happened with all these divorces, etc. What is the arc of personal growth?

The ghost writer did a good job.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t believe he’s made this much money being this big of an idiot. Politically he asked questions as to why people did what they did and yet in his own words he answers exactly what happened! What a clown. I guess he was lucky to stumble upon a product that the market needed. And that’s really what it was DUMB luck. I’m glad Someone loaned me this book I would have hated to have wasted my money.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

l listened on audiobook and enjoyed it. As a Paychex retiree, I enjoyed hearing about the early days as well as TG's references to many people that I worked with over the years. Unfortunately the narrator sounded nothing like Tom and mispronounced many names of people and places. This book will probably appeal mostly to people who worked with Tom or were connected with his investments/philanthropy.

[Deana · Rating 5 out of 5]

After moving to Rochester, NY eight years ago I quickly learned of Tom Golisano and his impact on our community and region. I found many life and business lessons in this book and felt like it was a conversation with him as he shared his life lessons and decisions. I listened on audio and it took a bit to get use to the voice, but overall a great read,.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

We learn as we go and we learn from others. This book is an easy to read story that has wisdom and ideas, learning through trial, checking the world and feeling about choices. Interesting and engaging book.

[Steven Beningo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent autobiography offering good insights into starting and running a business and problems that the two major political parties in the United States throw at independents that run for partisan political office. However, parts of the book were a bit boring.

[Subjuntivo Subjuntivo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This guy's eago could feed the whole world to the Sun and back.
This book is so, so bad, that I think you might enjoy it.
I don't suggest trying, tho.

[Frances Mance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insistful and inspiring