Self-Made in America: Plain Talk for Plain People about the Meaning of Success [Paperback]

John Mccormack (Author), David R. Legge (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 1992

Once a New York City cop, John McCormack made his first million on Wall Street in his twenties, and lost it before he was thirty. He went to work for—and learned from—savvy businessmen who had made it from the ground up. Blending their wisdom with his own entrepreneurial gifts, McCormack made a stunningly successful comeback. Here he shares his inspiring story as well as the lessons he’s learned about motivation, setting goals, and how creative companies can bring the American dream to those born without a silver spoon.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

McCormack, called "the hottest entrepreneur in America" by Inc. magazine, examines the components of success and how individuals can go about achieving it. He tells of his own experiences from working as a New York City policeman to becoming a Wall Street trader and entrepreneur. After a major financial loss on Wall Street when he was 25, McCormack received invaluable counsel from a mentor. This teacher and other entrepreneurs who advised McCormack were immigrants who through their intelligence, ingenuity, and diligence had achieved success. Subsequently, McCormack and his wife established Visible Changes, a chain of hair salons. Among his suggestions for success are to pursue an ambition that you really want to pursue; look inward and not outward for support and encouragement; and focus on the present and future. This practical and inspirational book is highly recommended.
- Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Once a New York City cop, John McCormack made his first million on Wall Street in his twenties, and lost it before he was thirty. He went to work for—and learned from—savvy businessmen who had made it from the ground up. Once a New York City cop, John McCormack made his first million on Wall Street in his twenties, and lost it before he was thirty. He went to work for—and learned from—savvy businessmen who had made it from the ground up.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (October 21, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201608235
• ISBN-13: 978-0201608236
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #985,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John is the real deal... he has always helped me, May 14, 2003

By 

Mary Ann "texasblaze2" (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Self-Made in America: Plain Talk for Plain People about the Meaning of Success (Paperback)

I was fortunate enough to have taken an entrepreneurship and business planning graduate school class with John as the adjunct professor. He made the course worthwhile and put meaning into the work and learning we did. The story he tells is very real, and it could be you or me, but, the secret is in what you do with what you have. And knowing yourself.

John is very down to earth in his book as in life. He knows who he is, and does not profess to be anything else. And in his book, he speaks to you. Not at you. He shares some of his personal struggles on his road to and of success. And don't think he had it paved... that is the best part of the whole story. Here is someone who shares both the ups and downs, and takes you along with him on the journey. Get the book. It's easy and pleasurable to read. If you have ever dreamed of owning yor own business, get this book, read it, and remember the struggles John went through to inspire you through the rough spots in owning your own business. You will be glad you did.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic guidelines for successful entrepreneurship!!, August 15, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Self-Made in America: Plain Talk for Plain People about the Meaning of Success (Paperback)

John McCormack makes successful entrepreneurship seem attainable to anyone. John McCormack emphasizes the value of people and how people have helped make him successful. He further emphasizes the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to be mentored by successful people, also a key to his success. His words inspire hard work, sacrifice, and saving, the real ingredients for success. This book is a must read for all entrepreneurs

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Texas legend in entrepreneurship with real-life lessons, November 13, 2000

By 

Andy Orrock (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Self-Made in America: Plain Talk for Plain People about the Meaning of Success (Paperback)

I've read biographies of folks like Richard Branson, Phil Knight and Michael Bloomberg. Enormous successes, yes...but to such a degree that it seems on a scale of Everest proportions. In contrast, the magic of John McCormack's story is that success seems so approachable after reading his 'plain talk for plain people.'

Folks, this guy is the real deal. Along with his wife Maryanne, this Texas legend has totally transformed the seemingly prosaic field of hairstyling into a cauldron of entrepreneurship. The best part of the book is witnessing the impact that his business, Visible Changes, has made on his employees. In many parts of the country, hairstyling is a dead-end job for washouts from the educational system. McCormack has totally turned conventional wisdom on its head and shown just how powerful that workforce can be when they are treated with respect.

And the personal saga of John McCormack himself is a real page-turner to boot. For that reason alone - in addition to the simple lessons he passes along - these are 220 pages that you won't soon forget.