Winners Make it Happen: Reflections of a Self-Made Man

is a self-described "marketing person, salesman, business manager, and straight-shooter." He is the founding president, CEO, and chairman of Alberto-Culver Corporation, manufacturer of VO5 hair products, Mrs. Dash, Static Guard, Molly McButter, and a host of other well-known household products. Alberto-Culver Corporation set the industry standard for enhancing brand awareness via television.

Lavin is also a World War II veteran (he participated in nine invasions in the Pacific theater), a noted philanthropist, and a celebrated breeder, trainer, and racer of thoroughbred horses. His Ocala, Florida–based Glen Hill Farms was recently named Florida Breeder of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Daniel Paisner

has co-authored 26 books, including: "America is My Neighborhood," with Willard Scott; "One Man Tango," with Anthony Quinn; "Pataki: An Autobiography," with George E. Pataki; and the "New York Times" best-sellers, "Mountain, Get Out of My Way," with Montel Williams, and "Last Man Down: A New York City Fire Chief and the Collapse of the World Trade Center," with FDNY battalion commander Richard Picciotto.