Letters from Home

It's Time to Rediscover America.

Our nation is deteriorating. Slowly but surely the virtues and
values we once celebrated--responsibility, resilience,
dignity, respect--have been abandoned. Our work ethic has been
replaced by an entitlement ethic. And as we lose the cultural
traits that brought us to our leadership position, America's
standing in the world will surely fall as well.

But there is good news, say David and Andrea R. Reiser.
By rediscovering the qualities that made America great, we can
start to turn things around. We can teach our young
people--not to mention ourselves, our employees, and our
fellow Americans of all ages--what truly leads to
success, prosperity, and fulfillment.

That's what Letters from Home is about. Written in the
form of letters to the authors' four sons, it explores fifteen
basic American virtues that built our country and that foster
individual success. Each chapter includes profiles of exceptional
"real people"--the authors' wealth management clients,
friends, and neighbors--who truly walk the talk. A few
examples of what the book teaches:

• Work hard. Go above and beyond in all that you do.

• Be resilient and learn from adversity.

• Seize opportunity when it comes (and it comes every day).

• Follow your moral compass faithfully and consistently.

• When you fall, take responsibility for getting back up.

• Save prudently and spend thoughtfully.

• Practice gratitude. Know that you're blessed.

Part cultural treatise and part kick-in-the-pants, Letters
from Home is a moving reminder that we live in a land of
freedom and opportunity. It should inspire us all--parents,
influential leaders, and ordinary citizens alike--to do
everything in our power to honor and perpetuate that legacy.

The authors are proud to contribute 100% of royalties from
the publication of this book to three personally meaningful
organizations: Share Our Strength (www.strength.org), Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org), and FORCE
(www.facingourrisk.org).

Auteur

David Reiser (Westport, CT) is a vp at Citi Smith Barney with some $200 million assets under his management. Prior to joining this firm in 2008, Reiser was Senior Vice Presidents-Investments at PaineWebber Inc.?in Providence, Rhode Island. Andrea R. Reiser?(Westport, CT) has developed and implemented award-winning marketing communications programs for clients in a variety of industries. She is founder and President of Image Communications, a copywriting and graphic design firm and an active blogger at domesticbloggess.com and arefootcontessaproject.com.

Résumé
It's Time to Rediscover America. Our nation is deteriorating. Slowly but surely the virtues and values we once celebratedresponsibility, resilience, dignity, respecthave been abandoned. Our work ethic has been replaced by an entitlement ethic. And as we lose the cultural traits that brought us to our leadership position, America's standing in the world will surely fall as well.

But there is good news, say David and Andrea R. Reiser. By rediscovering the qualities that made America great, we can start to turn things around. We can teach our young peoplenot to mention ourselves, our employees, and our fellow Americans of all ageswhat truly leads to success, prosperity, and fulfillment.

That's what Letters from Home is about. Written in the form of letters to the authors' four sons, it explores fifteen basic American virtues that built our country and that foster individual success. Each chapter includes profiles of exceptional "real people"the authors' wealth management clients, friends, and neighborswho truly walk the talk. A few examples of what the book teaches:

• Work hard. Go above and beyond in all that you do.
• Be resilient and learn from adversity.
• Seize opportunity when it comes (and it comes every day).
• Follow your moral compass faithfully and consistently.
• When you fall, take responsibility for getting back up.
• Save prudently and spend thoughtfully.
• Practice gratitude. Know that you're blessed.
  Part cultural treatise and part kick-in-the-pants, Letters from Home is a moving reminder that we live in a land of freedom and opportunity. It should inspire us allparents, influential leaders, and ordinary citizens aliketo do everything in our power to honor and perpetuate that legacy.

The authors are proud to contribute 100% of royalties from the publication of this book to three personally meaningful organizations: Share Our Strength (www.strength.org), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org), and FORCE (www.facingourrisk.org).

Contenu

Introduction xi

1 Education 1
John Dodig: Maverick Educator

2 Hard Work 17
Eli Zabar: Hard Work Reaps Rewards

3 Recognizing Opportunity 35
David Cohen: Navigating the Sea of Success
**Tim Brabham: Opportunity Maker

4 Realistic Vision 59
Kate & Matt Jennings: Delicious Visionaries

5 Integrity & Positive Attitude 79
Ellis Waldman: Leading With Integrity
**Marucha Andrzejewski: Looking Forward, Moving Forward

6 Resilience & Accountability 105
Patrick Ciriello: Keeping Things in Perspective
**Mike Nardone: Head Down, Chin Up

7 Self-Discipline & Patience 135
Amy & Howie Blustein: Prudent Savers, Thoughtful Spenders
**Mary & Alberto Lobo: Epitome of the American Dream

8 Harmonious Balance 161
Stefani Phipps: Living a Yin-Yang Life

9 Kindness & Gratitude 183
Linda & Dan Kortick: Giving Back to Community
**Meredith Fried: A Friend Indeed

10 Courage & Living Without Regrets 215
Alysa Mendelson Graf: The Courage to Follow Your Heart
**Ina Garten: Jumping Off Cliffs

Epilogue 239

Acknowledgments 243

About the Authors 246