Augie's Quest: One Man's Journey from Success to Significance - Hardcover

Nieto, Augie; Pearson, T. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1596914688 ISBN 13: 9781596914681

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA, 2007

Synopsis

The inspiring story of a fitness pioneer whose ALS diagnosis leads him to create a new and revolutionary model for private medical research and development.

What happens to "orphan" diseases that aren't big enough profit centers for the pharmaceutical industry or get caught in the web of government funding and academic research? Augie Nieto found out in the spring of 2005: At forty-seven years old he was diagnosed with ALS. Devastated, Augie struggled with depression and attempted suicide. When he awoke from a coma, with friends and family surrounding him, his sense of faith and mission were renewed.

Fast-forward one year: Augie and his wife, Lynne, were profiled as "Real Heroes" on the Today show. Their determination to beat the disease had already led to major overhauls in the way ALS research was conducted. In partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Augie had set up a foundation and lab to coordinate and oversee ALS research and testing across the globe. By centralizing operations and championing an entrepreneurial approach to medical research, Augie and his team accomplished remarkable results in less than two years. Part inspiration, part business innovation, Augie's Quest illustrates how one person can make a meaningful difference.

About this title

About the Author

Augie Nieto popularized the Lifecycle and has been a leader in the fitness industry for nearly three decades. He was cofounder and former president of Life Fitness and is now chairman of Octane Fitness. Augie is cochair, with his wife, Lynne, of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's ALS Division. He's the father of four children, and he and Lynne live in Corona del Mar, California.

T. R. Pearson has written ten novels, one work of nonfiction, and six screenplays. He lives in Greenwood, Virginia.

Review

Praise for Augie Nieto: George H. W. Bush, former U.S. president: “Your contributions to the fitness industry are well known, and your dedication an inspiration.”
 
 Lance Armstrong, seven-time “Le Tour de France” champion: "I think it says a lot about Augie, the fact that everybody came together regardless of whether or not it's for competing gyms or competing companies that make equipment. They all say, this is one of our own; this is a guy who's committed his life to our industry and has been dealt a serious blow. We're going to be there for him, we're going to say, we're here for you and we're part of the Quest."
 
Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California: "Your success has been incredible.  But you are so much more than just a successful businessman.  You are the greatest husband, a great father, and a terrific friend.  So, I also want you to know that the strength and courage that you are showing as you face the greatest challenge of your life, the battle with ALS, is an inspiration to all of us."
 
Bob Saget, comedian: "People don't know how much they can do, and when someone is stricken with something that is incredibly difficult or impossible to fight and they do something, that is like moving mountains."
 
Joe Moore, president, International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association: "I remember a time when there were no cardiovascular areas in fitness centers.  With Augie's LifeCycle, a new era was born, computerized, entertaining, cardio equipment.  He started a revolution that led to companies building step machines, treadmills, elliptical equipment and much more.  Many owe their health to Augie."
 
Mark Mastrov, chairman, 24 Hour Fitness: "Augie Nieto is the Thomas Edison of the fitness industry. He is a father, brother, leader, innovator and mentor to us all. Our industry would not be without Augie." Jerry Lewis: "Augie is an invaluable partner with MDA in the war against ALS because of his amazing inner strength—he refuses to give in and he'll never give up. 'Surrender' is not in his vocabulary."

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1596914688
• ISBN 13: 9781596914681
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224