Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter: The Inspiring True Story of the Door-to-Door Salesman Who Changed Lives [Paperback]

Shelly Brady (Author), William H. Macy (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2004

Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Bill Porter grew up to take the physically demanding job of a door-to-door salesman in the worst neighborhood in Portland, Oregon (without pay, only commissions). Eventually he became the company's top salesman in the city, the region, and finally the country. Along the way he learned powerful life lessons that he imparted to those around him. One of those people was Shelly Brady, first hired by Porter as a typist and driver, later a great friend. In this inspiring book, she brings together those lessons. These seemingly simple ideas — "Mothers Know Best," "Persistence Pays Off," "Know Your Limits but Reach Beyond Them" — resonate powerfully when seen through the lens of a life lived to the fullest against what would be impossible odds for many. Whether finding cooperative bellmen to button his cuffs or beaming a video to his speaking engagements because of ill health, Porter, whose life story became a cause célèbre in the 1990s, gets the job done with a smile — and shows readers how to do the same.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'We love TEN THINGS I LEARNED FROM BILL PORTER... a testament to courage, love, the power of relationships and optimism of spirit. An amazing gift.' -- Top Sante 20031201 Incredible inspiration about the power of the spirit on every page. Uplifting.' -- Health & Fitness 20030901 'Bill Porter is a sterling example that each of us can overcome any adversity, setback or handicap. Bill is inspirational to everyone.' -- Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator, NYT bestselling CH 20030901 'Oftentimes, a disability or a disease will drain the life out of a person -- in Bill Porter's case, it seems to have done the opposite. He is an example and inspiration to us all.' -- Dr Stephen R. Covey, author of THE 7 HABITS OF HIG 20030901 ' ... Shelly's thoughtful storytelling of how Bill has lived his life will inspire you and prove that anything is possible. A wonderful story and a wonderful book!' -- Cynthia Kersey, author of UNSTOPPABLE 20030901 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Shelly Brady first worked for Bill Porter as a teenager, and again as an adult. She and Bill now travel the US as motivational speakers, using the lessons of Bill's remarkable story as inspiration for all. Shelly lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and six children. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (June 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157731459X
• ISBN-13: 978-1577314592
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I HAVE LEARNED!, May 18, 2002

By 

Rosanna L. (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter (Hardcover)

When I heard from Barbara Walters that Bill Porters story which was featured on ABCs 20/20 generated the most viewer response in television history, I was inclined to know more about this modern day hero. In Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter, this courageous man, despite his physical setback- recognizes there are no obstacles. And in his optimism he will not allow his limitations to interfere with his daily course of living and ultimately succeeding. In the book, Bill mentioned his special friend (and author of this book) Shelly Brady as his angel. Beyond doubt, Shelly and the Brady family epitomizes how human beings should aspire to be. This book is an absolute inspiration to read and makes excellent gifts. I am going to read it again and again!...

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Loads of inspiration; quick and easy read, May 15, 2002

By 

J. Lizzi (Costa Mesa, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter (Hardcover)

This is a story about Bill Porter, a man with cerebral palsy who became a successful door-to-door salesman through persistence, sincerity, hard work, and just plain good business practice. Author and professional keynote speaker Shelly Brady does a good job of recounting the character of this incredible man through her interaction with Mr. Porter as both friend and business associate. Though the book is small, its impact is wide-ranging. Aside from being drawn in by an inspirational story, I also found myself thinking often of how the "ten things" could apply to my life.

I'm not knowledgeable about cerebral palsy, and I don't even know anyone who has CP. Nonetheless, it sounds to me like a major handicap. The biggest impact that Bill Porter's story had on me was that everything the typical person would consider to be a handicap, an obstacle, a disability, or a setback, would not only be written off by Mr. Porter as unimportant, but instead considered to be a springboard to something better or more positive. There's a lesson here for everyone.

The engaging story covers 132 pages, followed by another 30-plus pages of letters received mainly in response to a 20/20 television feature on Mr. Porter that aired in December of 1997. I didn't see the show, but I'm convinced it had a profound effect on a multitude of viewers. There's also a brief afterword by Mr. Porter himself, so heartfelt that I wondered whether or not a first-person account might have made the book even better. There may not be philosophical "words to live by" on every page, but Ms. Brady just might prove to you that your life is better than you think.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to just about anyone.

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profoundly Inspirational: BUY THIS BOOK!, July 7, 2002

By 

David N. Weinstein (New York, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter (Hardcover)

The story of Bill Porter is presented with great love by his friend and associate Shelly Brady. You can not read this book without gaining a small sense of the pride and perseverance of a truly great man who, along with his loving parents, refused to accept the limits that others would impose upon him. Bill Porter is just another version of John Wayne in one of his great western movies. He is heroic in his determination, his work ethic and his optimism and decency. The story of Bill Porter is plainly also a story of his Mother, Irene, whose greatness is evident in the life her son has lived. So buy this book to read about a truly great and good man. But, also, buy this book as a gift to give to your Mother, and buy this book to give to your kids or to a recent graduate so they can learn about setting goals and refusing to give up on those goals. And, by the way, anyone in sales, from Wall Street (where they obviously have much to learn!) to main street should own and read this book!

Shelly Brady has written a wonderful book that belongs in every library. She and her family have been deeply blessed by their relationship with Bill Porter, and it shows in every plain-spoken word of this book.

Bill Porter is a great man, a great American and a symbol of achievement. READ THIS BOOK ABOUT THE AMAZING BILL PORTER!!!!