Foreword
Long overdue.
Those two words reflect our collective need for the lessons and prompts from Patrick Carr’s book, “A Gentleman’s Guide for Winning in Business & Life.” In our world, that at times is in such desperate need for men to show genuine examples of civility, kindness, and humility, Patrick’s guidance, and self-reflecting prompts offer more than just a glimmer of hope, but a path to restore us back to who we were meant to be – true gentlemen.
Patrick not only articulates many of the key attributes of a gentleman in this book, but he has lived the lessons on these pages. The product of following these lessons is the successful man, in business and in life, that Patrick has become and a helpful guide for the rest of us.
Having known Patrick for over 40 years, I feel uniquely qualified to attest that the content on these pages is part of the fabric of who Patrick Carr is day in and day out – a gentleman. Even growing up as a young teenager, Patrick was so thoughtfully aware of how a gentleman should conduct himself – he humbly slid a portion of his hardworking ‘yard-mowing’ money to me under the dinner table so that I, his 13-year-old buddy, could pay for a modest meal for a needy friend, as a good-will gesture. I didn’t ask for the money, didn’t know to, but Patrick, even then, knew the power of kindness, humility, thoughtfulness and most importantly, action. Patrick has always been a man of action. That action has propelled him to successfully lead several companies, author multiple books, and most importantly, lead a life of inspiration.
Those character traits of self-reflection, kindness, humility and action aren’t anecdotal – they are evident and at the core of how Patrick has become a successful businessman, leader, and most importantly beloved husband, father, and friend. We could all stand to have more of a ‘Patrick’ in our lives and this book offers any of its readers the same blessing and benefit that those in Patrick’s path continue to receive daily.
Selfishly, as a father of two college-age daughters and one teenage son – there’s no responsibility more important than that of raising children who will be honorable, noble, action-oriented, adult contributors to our society who can also recognize and appreciate the distinction between the qualities and traits that a gentleman represent and those that don’t. “A Gentleman’s Guide for Winning in Business & Life” represents an effective resource to augment my parenting toolbox. It also provides meaningful introspective opportunities to ensure that as a parent – I am ‘walking the talk.”
Patrick has brought to light the sobering truth that without reflection, intentionality and ultimately, action, the path towards being a gentleman is not only elusive, but also improbable. Finally, “A Gentleman’s Guide for Winning in Business & Life” offers anyone who absorbs his insights a cure in the form of an easy-to-follow guide of lessons to what ails so many men in our society. Again, long overdue, but it’s here at last. Enjoy.
Michael A. Cruz
President & CEO – BSA Health System