About the Author

Mike Benner is a businessman, entrepreneur, leader, and mentor who built his success from the ground up.

His journey began in the South Side of Chicago in 1955, where he took on small, odd jobs like shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and even working at the circus. Over time, he worked as a bean picker, hired man, and door-to-door salesman—each role teaching him resilience, hard work, and the value of perseverance.

Mike’s path led him from humble beginnings to corporate leadership roles at Federal Signal and Stewart Warner Instrument Corporation. Through failures and successes, his story proves that with determination and the right mindset, anyone can rise from nothing to become a positive influence on present and future generations.