Title: How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO
Author: Tony Hawk & Pat Hawk
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 978-0-470-63149-2
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 164
Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)
Why I Read It: Every time I see Tony Hawk on TV he strikes me as a good guy. Plus he is, by any standard, phenomenally successful. So when I saw this short business book (another topic that interest me) on the new shelf I immediately picked it up.
Where I Obtained the Book: My local library on the new shelf.
Review: Why would you want to read a business book by Tony Hawk?
That is a great place to start. Not to stereotype, but I imaging the average Tony Hawk fan is a slightly under-educated adolescent skateboarder. Consequently I am willing to bet that Tony was pressured to write his book in a style that would capture and keep their interest. So we have a short, breezy story that covers all the highlights in an anecdotal fashion which is unfortunate.
If you look below the surface you have the story of a teenager with parents who supported him turning his passion into a multimillion dollar company over time. Plus he comes across as a really nice guy to boot. It seems easy to dismiss Tony as a fluke, but how many other skateboarders have parlayed their passion into an industry? For that matter, how many people in general have accomplished what he has in such a short time?
Some of the business highlights found include brand management as job number one. In this case we are talking about the name Tony Hawk. On a global business scale he is one of the most recognizable names on the planet and that s because after an initial mistake when he was younger, he has done everything he can to protect it. That means walking away from easy money up front to keep control. In the end this has meant profits way and beyond what was first offered. That means sticking to your principles no matter what temptations come your way. That is a solid truth no matter what business you are in.
Be good to your family and friends. Tony has long counted on his closest friends to see him through the tough times and consequently he looks after them in the good. That means never burning bridges or acting out of vindictiveness. You never know when you will need someone to help out. It is this personal generosity that makes his company very familial, and in turn thrives.
You have to believe in yourself first. Time and again, especially in the early days, Tony puts his money on the line. If you believe in yourself the risk is worth it. Too often we take the easy way out, or as mentioned above, we compromise our vision rather than take any personal risk. If are willing to have substandard goals we will end up with substandard product.
Fans are key, especially utilizing new technologies to bridge the gap between the product and the consumer. Tony spends time reviewing every email and answering most. Plus his use of Twitter for product promotion and giveaway has set new standards for integration. He innovated with Twitter for having global treasure hunts for free product and the consumer has responded big-time.
I could go on but we come up against the weakness of the book – it is too short and too shallow. Tony Hawk clearly demonstrates a very sharp business mind that would serve the public well with a lengthy distillation. But as I said, most of the stereotyping “business” public would dismiss Tony without a second thought as some skateboarder. Their loss that Tony Hawk can and does take to the bank.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 978-0-470-63149-2
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 164
Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)
Why I Read It: Every time I see Tony Hawk on TV he strikes me as a good guy. Plus he is, by any standard, phenomenally successful. So when I saw this short business book (another topic that interest me) on the new shelf I immediately picked it up.
Where I Obtained the Book: My local library on the new shelf.
Review: Why would you want to read a business book by Tony Hawk?
That is a great place to start. Not to stereotype, but I imaging the average Tony Hawk fan is a slightly under-educated adolescent skateboarder. Consequently I am willing to bet that Tony was pressured to write his book in a style that would capture and keep their interest. So we have a short, breezy story that covers all the highlights in an anecdotal fashion which is unfortunate.
If you look below the surface you have the story of a teenager with parents who supported him turning his passion into a multimillion dollar company over time. Plus he comes across as a really nice guy to boot. It seems easy to dismiss Tony as a fluke, but how many other skateboarders have parlayed their passion into an industry? For that matter, how many people in general have accomplished what he has in such a short time?
Some of the business highlights found include brand management as job number one. In this case we are talking about the name Tony Hawk. On a global business scale he is one of the most recognizable names on the planet and that s because after an initial mistake when he was younger, he has done everything he can to protect it. That means walking away from easy money up front to keep control. In the end this has meant profits way and beyond what was first offered. That means sticking to your principles no matter what temptations come your way. That is a solid truth no matter what business you are in.
Be good to your family and friends. Tony has long counted on his closest friends to see him through the tough times and consequently he looks after them in the good. That means never burning bridges or acting out of vindictiveness. You never know when you will need someone to help out. It is this personal generosity that makes his company very familial, and in turn thrives.
You have to believe in yourself first. Time and again, especially in the early days, Tony puts his money on the line. If you believe in yourself the risk is worth it. Too often we take the easy way out, or as mentioned above, we compromise our vision rather than take any personal risk. If are willing to have substandard goals we will end up with substandard product.
Fans are key, especially utilizing new technologies to bridge the gap between the product and the consumer. Tony spends time reviewing every email and answering most. Plus his use of Twitter for product promotion and giveaway has set new standards for integration. He innovated with Twitter for having global treasure hunts for free product and the consumer has responded big-time.
I could go on but we come up against the weakness of the book – it is too short and too shallow. Tony Hawk clearly demonstrates a very sharp business mind that would serve the public well with a lengthy distillation. But as I said, most of the stereotyping “business” public would dismiss Tony without a second thought as some skateboarder. Their loss that Tony Hawk can and does take to the bank.
Moving easily between the ramp and the boardroom, Tony currently runs one of the most acclaimed action sports companies, a clothing line, and video game series bearing his name that has sold over $1 billion worldwide, making it the biggest selling action sports game franchise in game history. He has secured endorsement deals with major brands such as McDonalds, Intel, T-Mobile and Kohl's; started the Boom Boom HuckJam action sports tour; and achieved worldwide acclaim from the ESPN X Games.
Filled with Tony's typical modesty and humor, How Did I Get Here? tells the amazing story behind Tony Hawk's unprecedented success from skateboarder to CEO, and the secrets behind his lasting appeal. You'll find out how authenticity has served him well in all his achievements. You'll also understand how his story has shaped many of his fundamental values, including his huge desire to win and his strong sense of realism.
Get the inside story of Tony Hawk beyond the skateboard as he answers the question: How Did I Get Here?
Author Biography: The father of four and husband of one, Tony Hawk is arguably the single most influential skateboarder of all time. Born and raised in the hazy daze of Southern California, Tony has forgotten more tricks than most people learn in a lifetime, and his contributions to the sport are endless -- most recently, unearthing skateboarding's holy grail by becoming the only person to successfully land a 900°.
Author Biography: The father of four and husband of one, Tony Hawk is arguably the single most influential skateboarder of all time. Born and raised in the hazy daze of Southern California, Tony has forgotten more tricks than most people learn in a lifetime, and his contributions to the sport are endless -- most recently, unearthing skateboarding's holy grail by becoming the only person to successfully land a 900°.
Pat Hawk is Tony’s sister and manager; and really hard to find an online biography for. FYI:
Pat Hawk used to be a background singer for John Denver.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the John Denver video with Pat Hawk performing background vocals. She looked good and sounded good. Probably a good gig until JD went and got himself killed.
ReplyDelete