Description
Book SynopsisA biography of the entrepreneur who, working from the spare bedroom of his Bloomington, Indiana, apartment in 1963 with a $1,500 investment, began to construct the wire guides, needles, and catheters that would become the foundation of the global multi-billion-dollar Cook Group.
Trade ReviewThe subject of this biography, Bill Cook, is said to 'epitomize the American success story'. From the early days of conducting business from the spare bedroom in his apartment, Cook built up a global multi-billion dollar business. So far, so American Pie. But the twist in the tale is that Cook continued to live a modest life and spends his money on a wide array of philanthropic causes, from historic preservation to marching bands. Whilst it seems a bit of an exaggeration to suggest this is typical (most super-wealthy givers seem comfortable being simultaneously conspicuous consumers and philanthropic), it is always fascinating to gain insights into the life and thoughts of notable donors. Given unlimited access to the subject and his wife, the author is able to paint a particularly intimate portrait, albeit one that is written in a style that never lets the reader forget his day job as a sports journalist. Readers will either like or loathe Hammel's writing style – breathlessly short sections, bullet-pointed paragraphs and a plot-driven account full of narrative tricks – but those who stick with the text will emerge with many insights into the mind of a generous, though probably atypical, American businessman.
-- Beth Breeze * Philanthropy UK Newsletter *
Hammel's engaging book is a tribute to a remarkable man.
* Bloomington Herald Times *
. . . Given unlimited access to the subject and his wife, the author is able to paint a particularly intimate portrait. . . [Readers] will emerge with many insights into the mind of a generous, though probably atypical, American businessman.September 2008
-- Beth Breeze * Publications Editor *
The Bill Cook Story is as exciting as any championship series. Told by a master storyteller, the narrative sweeps the reader through the personal and private lives of Bill and Gayle Cook.Vol. 106, no. 4, December 2010
* Indiana Magazine of History *
Table of ContentsContents
Preface
A Day in a Life
Kidnapping
The Life
1. Playing in Peoria
2. The Canton High Years
3. A Wide Gold Band
4. Road to Bloomington
5. Bedroom Beginning
Ain't but One Bill Cook
6. Moving Up
An Ow, a Bow-Wow, a Hoosegow
7. Team Taking Shape
Taking Flight
8. Foothold in Europe
9. Doctors
10. Stents and Suits
11. Health
12. The Guidant Fiasco
The Band Director
13. Philosophy
14. Religion
15. Politics
16. Cook Clinic
The Bill Cook Plan for America
The Day Revisited
Kidnapping Redux
17. The Future
Wealth
18. Power and Opportunity
19. Restorations
20. A Good Time in Our Lives
Acknowledgments
Sources and Notes
Index
