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Walking a Mile in the Shoes of Success . a True Story

Table of Contents

The Napoleon Hill Story

1. ONE ROOM, ONE WINDOW
2. COMMISSIONED BY STEEL -- KING
3. AMERICA'S MOST SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATED
4. PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR
5. TO WHITE HOUSE AGAIN
6. WORLD - WIDE BEST SELLER
7. NAPOLEON HILL FOUNDATION

Your Why to's...a gentle insight and strength into understanding your self worth.

The James E. Tolleson Story

1. WINNERS NEVER QUIT!
2. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
3. TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

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The story that follows tells about Mr. Tolleson
and his private Coach the late great Napoleon Hill.

"Success is a Journey...Not a destination" Dr. Napoleon Hill

"The Napoleon Hill Story"

ONE ROOM, ONE WINDOW

Dr. Napoleon Hill was born October 26, 1883 in a one room log cabin on Pound River in the mountains of Wise County in southwest Virginia, near the spot made famous by John Fox in his "Trial of the Lonesome Pine." He was born in poverty and never saw a railroad train until he was past twelve years of age. His mother died when he was nine years old. A year later his father remarried and his guiding light of inspiration, his stepmother, came into his life.

Through the influence of his stepmother, he became a newspaper reporter while still in his teens, supplying "local" news items to some dozen or more papers throughout the State. The originality of his style brought him to the attention of Robert L. Taylor, former Governor of Tennessee and owner of Bob Taylor's Magazine, who employed Hill to write "success stories" about famous men.

By this means Hill had planned to pay his way through Georgetown University Law School. He had matriculated as a student in 1908 when he received his first assignment from Governor Taylor to interview Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men in the world.
 

COMMISSIONED BY STEEL -- KING

Arrangements were made for a three hour interview, but Carnegie strung it out to three days and nights, during which Hill was entertained at the Carnegie home. During this time Carnegie sold Hill on the idea of organizing the world's first philosophy of personal achievement, based on the seventeen principles of success which he had used in accumulating his vast fortune of over 500 million dollars. As a final test of Hill's staying qualities, Carnegie put the question to him squarely, asking him if he were given an opportunity to organize the philosophy with Carnegie's help whether or not he would complete the task which probably would require twenty years.

Unknown to Hill, Carnegie gave him sixty seconds in which to make up his mind. In twenty-nine seconds Hill said that he would begin the job and complete it. Later he learned that Carnegie was sitting with a stop-watch in his hand, timing the answer. If it had gone beyond the sixty seconds, Hill would have lost his chance, as Carnegie had learned from his observation of men that those who are slow to make up their minds are also slow in carrying out their decisions.

Carnegie provided Hill with no subsidy for the job except to pay his expenses while he was interviewing Henry Ford, Thomas A. Edison, John Wanamaker and some 500 others of their caliber, explaining that he wished to make sure that Hill learned to apply the philosophy he was to organize -- thus proving its soundness by his own achievements.

When Hill reported back to his family the arrangements he had made with Mr. Carnegie and explained that the job would require twenty years of research before it would begin to pay off, they questioned his reasoning. But Hill went on with the work.
 
 

AMERICA'S MOST SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATED

Carnegie introduced Hill to one after another of the distinguished Leaders in other fields of business whose cooperation he enlisted in contributing their own experiences to be included in the philosophy. Besides Henry Ford, Thomas A. Edison and John Wanamaker, some of the 500 best-known and most successful men this country has ever known who contributed to this philosophy included Dr, Alexander Graham Bell, Woodrow Wilson, Luther Burbank, William Howard Taft, Cyrus H. K. Curtis, Edward Bok, Dr. Elmer R. Gates, William Wrigley Jr., Col. Robert A. Dollar, Frances I. Du Pont, Charles M. Schwab, J. Pierpont Morgan, Sr., E. M. Statler, George S. Parker, Harvey S. Firestone, F. W. Woolworth, Judge Elbert H. Oary, Edwin C. Barnes, Charles P. Steinmetz, Elbert Hubbard, George Eastman, James J. Hill, J. Ogden Armour, Dr. David Starr Jordan, J. G. Chapline, John Burroughs, Frank A. Vanderlip, General R. A. Ayres, and many others.

In 1921 Dr. Hill applied the philosophy personally for the first time on a large scale. As a recent groom he visited his bride's family in Lumberport, West Virginia and decided to do something about the poor transportation into town. By applying the philosophy he got the B. & O. Railroad, the Electric Interurban Railroad and the County Commissioners of Harrison County to build a bridge over the Monongahela River and bring streetcars to Lumberport. The incident brought Dr. Hill much favorable publicity and opened the way for him to extend application of the philosophy into many fields.

It came to the attention of the management of the LaSalle Extension University in Chicago and Napoleon Hill. became the first advertising manager of that school, and was largely responsible for getting LaSalle operating on a sound financial basis. While at LaSalle he wrote a course in advertising and salesmanship and later taught this course in classes at Bryant and Stratton Business College in Chicago and through their correspondence facilities.
 
 

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR

He entered the service during World War I and was assigned to President Woodrow Wilson's staff as public relations expert. In 1919-20 he edited and published the "Golden Rule" magazine. By applying the philosophy he so managed it that it earned a substantial profit the first year -- an achievement rarely experienced in the publishing field. Dr. Napoleon Hill compiled the first interpretation of the philosophy of individual achievement in the Fall of 1923. The eight volume manuscript, "The Law of Success," was published in 1928, -- exactly twenty years after the famous Carnegie interview.

It had taken as long to compile it as Carnegie had said it would. This work was distributed throughout the nation and Senor Manuel L. Quezon had it adopted for the public schools of the Philippines.
 
 

TO WHITE HOUSE AGAIN

In 1933 Dr. Hill again became a presidential advisor and it was he who gave F. D. R. the idea for his famed speech, -- "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" -- which helped halt financial hysteria at the pit of the depression. While on the Staff of F. D. R. he devoted his spare time to writing and completing six books among them the famous "Think and Grow Rich". Dr. Hill helped to inaugurate F. D. R.'s famous Fireside Chats and wrote much of the contents of same.

When Honorable Daniel C. Roper was a member of the President's Cabinet, during the year 1934, he gave a luncheon in honor of Dr. Hill. When he introduced his guest he astonished his visitor by saying, "Gentlemen, I have the honor of presenting a man who has made what is in my opinion the greatest contribution to the generation in which we live, and one that will insure his name a place among the names of the other great men who have given us the American way of life."
 
 

WORLD - WIDE BEST SELLER

"Think and Grow Rich" was published in 1937 and immediately captivated the public's Interest. It became a "best seller" throughout the world and still remains high in public acclaim, interest and demand today. Results of a poll on the books that most influenced the lives of successful men in the country were published in the February, 1948 issue of CORONET Magazine. "Think and Grow Rich" rated fourth. The book has been published and distributed throughout the British Empire, Brazil, Canada, and withMahatma Gandhi's endorsement in India. "Think and Grow Rich" is also now published as a Crest Book in paperback by Fawcett Publications, Inc.

Although being printed at the rate of 100,000 per printing, news stands across the nation experience sell-outs with this book so often that it is difficult to keep sufficient copies on hand for sale. The total combined hardback and paperback copies sold exceed TEN's of MILLION's.

In 1942 Dr. Hill was invited by R. G. LeTourneau, head of the LeTourneau Company of Toccoa, Georgia to teach the seventeen principles of his philosophy to the LeTourneau executives, foremen, and members of the supervisory staff. It went over so well that Dr. Hill was then employed to teach the philosophy to all of the 2,000 LeTourneau employees. Dr. Hill conducted a half-hour radio program over station KFWB, Los Angeles, Sunday afternoons from 1947 through 1950.

The program rated exceptionally high for listening interest. He advertised classes running in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Monica with enrollments of 200 to 700 students in each class. In 1952 Napoleon Hill Associates was organized by W. Clement Stone, President of Combined Insurance Company of America, who attributes much of his success in the attainment of a 100 million dollar personal fortune to Dr. Napoleon Hill's philosophy. Mr. Stone persuaded Dr. Hill to come out of retirement and devote five years to spreading the success Philosophy. This fruitful association went on for ten years instead of the originally planned five.

During these 10 years the lives of countless thousands of persons of all ages and stations of life, in many parts of the world, were affected for the better through books -- hardbound and paperback newspaper and magazine articles, lectures, home study courses, class instruction, radio and TV appearances, movies, tapes and last, but not least, advisory and financial help to worthwhile individuals and causes.

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve," is the core of Dr. Hill's philosophy. You can, he says, "be anything you want to be, if only you believe with sufficient conviction --and act in accordance with your faith." The philosophy coincides with all religions and remains politically unbranded. As a public speaker and teacher, Dr. Napoleon Hill is as dynamic as a buzz saw in action. His mind is keenly alert and his speeches are always punctuated with sharp, good humor. He understands and is understood by people of all classes.
 
 

NAPOLEON HILL FOUNDATION

On August 21, 1962, a dream for many years of Dr. Napoleon Hill came into being. He founded the NAPOLEON HILL FOUNDATION and received an eleemosynary corporate charter from the State of South Carolina. The Foundation. was established to teach and otherwise disseminate throughout the world by publication and instruction, and to perpetuate, the lifetime research, writing and teaching of Philosopher and Author of Personal Success Philosophies of Personal Achievement -- Dr. Napoleon Hill, as sponsored by Andrew Carnegie.

Thus began a charitable institution destined to influence our civilization for centuries to come. Already the Foundation has commenced a World-wide Mission to train and develop people in the underdeveloped countries of the free world. "The Science of Personal Achievement" success course Is being taught as a major part of their rehabilitation program in prisons throughout the United States.

This free contribution to society on the part of the Foundation will be extended to prison programs through the free world. All of this is a part of the Hill program destined to make this world a better place in which to live. E. Harold Keown, was elected President of the Foundation and is co-author with Dr. Napoleon Hill on "Philosophy of Success," "Blacks are Growing Rich," and his latest book, "Succeed and Grow Rich Through Persuasion."

In December, 1969, Dr. Hill and Mr. E. Harold Keown selected Charles H. Cranford, who holds the honors of achieving the Presidents Club and International Sales Leader with SMI, W. Clement Stone, and Earl Nightingale, to head a new company to handle all of the Foundation's commercial functions. Mr. Cranford is also co-author with Dr. Hill on his latest course called "Science of Professional Selling." Dr. Hill has since passed away, leaving the world a legacy that will grow as many students of the philosophy inspire others to accomplishment.
 
 

"Only when a person wants, needs, will accept and sincerely appreciate your help, and above all else, will help themselves, can you truly help them"
- James E. Tolleson  

  The James E. Tolleson Story

WINNERS NEVER QUIT

Born in Alabama on a farm outside of Boaz, James E. Tolleson spent many hours following a mule with a plow. To a bright and energetic young boy it seemed logical that at least a dumb old mule should be following him. It didn't take long for him to realize that there were-better things in life. James E. Tolleson wanted success, he wanted to be a part of the great American Dream: The millionaire.

He was going to enter college, The University of Alabama, but when he found out that it was going to take 2 years to decide what to major in, he decided that wasn't for him. He already knew that! "Getting rich in his own business".

He married Brenda, his childhood sweetheart. He was 17, Brenda 16. With all the cards stacked against them, they headed for Detroit, Michigan. Detroit held a lure for the Tollesons, the stories of how wealthy the people were there, the huge factories and buildings, They could envision great things. As they approached the city their enthusiasm began to diminish at the sight of the slums, conditions they had never seen. He tried factory work, but soon realized that all he had done was to replace the mule with machines.

He had a gift though, of mechanical ability, and he began to think of how he could put it to work for him. Then the idea came! Used cars in Detroit were slow on the market. Why not buy some of the old cars, fix and clean them up, then carry them back down south and resell them at a profit.

That's it!! Ou-ee, he'd be a millionaire in no time! He couldn't wait to get started. What he hadn't thought about was how many sales he'd have to make - Selling people on him as a business man - Selling the dealers on taking a post dated check till he sold the cars, selling the stations on waiting for their money, selling the parts people, selling his employees, By the time it came to selling the cars, he had no choice but to sell them, and fast! Here he was, only 17, and not even legally responsible. and the people who did business with him all knew it.

James Tolleson's Father impressed on him early in life how to live when he taught him that "lying is a sign of weakness" His Dad was a farmer turned factory worker who, while he loved the land, found it hard to make enough money to support his family. Brenda's understanding and belief in him was a great asset, and to this day she realizes the importance of his being with his people.

The Tolleson caravans rolled, day and night, sell, sell, sell. The setbacks came, when cars were wrecked after having been rebuilt, getting stuck with "dogs" that he could only sell by "lyin", and he wasn't going to be "weak". Through Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, problems with auto auctions, garages, dealers, employees who would get lost "on the town", and he'd always have to bail them out. Mr. Tolleson didn't sleep in a bed 2 nights a week for 4 years. Few people could have continued under the many frustrations, but James E. Tolleson knew that strength didn't come with successes, but failures.

The Tollesons were in a treadmill, and that million dollars seemed further away the more he did. The people around you reflect your attitude, or you reflect theirs, and Mr. Tolleson's ability to keep his attitude positive affected everyone he met. He jumped at every chance he had to get around successful people. He'd watch them, and listen, and ask their advice. He realized that when he wanted to find out how to be successful that he should only consult someone who was.

What in the world could a person teach them about success, who wasn't successful? James E. Tolleson was admired by these people. Most successful people like to help others who were trying. He became famous through the states, for his big smile, and strings of smokey junks. One day at a truck stop he saw a car carrier. Man, he thought, that's it. I'll get some of them and make a fortune. He asked the driver, who advised him on all the reasons he couldn't get one- high insurance, too expensive, he wasn't even old enough to finance one! This inspired him, as he remembered the advice of a successful friend;

"When everybody else says you can't, you're on the right track"' James E. Tolleson listened to the right advice, and bought his car carrier. Boy, this was IT!

He had made it! Brenda got her nice home on the hill, with the white picket fence, rose garden and all the expensive furnishings. They were sitting pretty! In all the advice Mr. ToIleson ever got, no one told him that sometimes you fall all the way back down (at least he never heard that part). After a flood in Mississippi, new cars were being wholesaled at less than half their price, so Mr. Tolleson borrowed, mortgaged their home, business, and bought all the cars he could. At last he would be a millionaire!

Risk is always in direct proportion to gain, and Mr. Tolleson felt the crushing blow of circumstances. The government made the sale of these type cars controlled and illegal. James E. Tolleson could have done what everyone else did, he had the shops and top notch mechanics. and he could have sold the cars, but, he wasn't going to be "weak" Now it was all gone, and he just couldn't bring himself to tell Brenda, "she loved that home so". After figuring out his losses he owned nothing, and was forced to swallow his pride and ask his father to mortgage his home and pay back some of the money.

Still in debt many thousands of dollars, he left home with Brenda with only $8.00 and a credit card in his pocket. They drove over 1000 miles to Cleveland. He remembered something he read in a book that a successful friend gave him, "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill, "every adversity carries with it the seed of equal or greater benefit". He had to find that seed, and he did. In his many dealings with people he had built a good reputation because of his dependability. One friend asked him to help in his business, the largest dealership in Cleveland. At the age 24, he then became one of a 3 man management team.

Having set all sales records with that dealer, he was approached about a former truck driver friend's financing him in his own business, purchasing and reconditioning cars. Mr. Tolleson spent five more years in many different types of businesses where he gained much valuable experience. James E. Tolleson, former Chairman of the Board of Think and Grow Rich Inc., combined his experience with the Napoleon Hill Philosophy to be Advisor and Coach to several corporations, has developed many leaders and has helped to transform thousands of average people into success stories of their own.

YOU could be One ... who takes the steps necessary to become a "STAR"...

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

"Only when a person wants, needs, will accept and sincerely appreciate your help, and above all else, will help themselves, can you truly help them"
  Mr. James E. Tolleson