Don Martin epitomizes the rags-to-riches entrepreneur success story.  Raised in poverty in a small town in the Ohio Valley, over the next four decades he founded and built the largest privately held insurance brokerage in California.  Cal-Surance ranked in the top fifty of insurance brokerages in the United States and generated over $200 million in annual revenue. He wrote The Risk Takers because of his belief that we have always been a nation of entrepreneurs and if we are to rebuild our economy again, we must reinvigorate the culture and mindset that’s built that tradition.  To provide inspiration and motivation to potential entrepreneurs, he sought out and interviewed the 16 extraordinary men and women who overcame many obstacles to build the successful businesses most Americans will recognize.

After a successful career as a real estate broker, Renee Martin switched careers to make a difference in her community.  She became a rape counselor, a court-appointed special advocate for The Children’s Court (CASA), a director of community relations of a child abuse crisis center, and a public relations spokesperson for many community organizations. After publication of the book she and Don co-authored, The Survival Guide for Women, she became a frequent and popular speaker at women’s seminars across the country.  As co-author of The Risk Takers, she shares Don’s passion about the need to encourage entrepreneurs to regain hope and reclaim a future of optimism.

The Martins also collaborated on TeamThink: Using the Sports Connection to Develop, Motivate, and Manage a Winning Business Team.  They live in Palos Verdes, California.

Huffington Post: Three Secret Weapons for Entrepreneurs

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