Synopses & Reviews
Bill Porter, a Watkins salesman with cerebal palsy, has been featured in a Portland Oregonian story that was reprinted in Readers Digest and an episode of 20/20 in 1995 that is still one of their highest rated segments with the most viewer response. In March of 2002, TNT aired the made-for-television movie starring William H. Macy, Helen Mirren, and Kyra Sedgewick based on Bills life. This book will be the only book available about Bill Porter.
The book is written by a woman who first worked for Bill as a typist and driver to deliver his orders and who later became a friend and co-speaker with him. Through simple yet moving life lessons, Shelly Brady tells the story of Bills life and how she came to know him. The "ten things" include "Mothers Know Best," "Teamwork," "Persistence Pays Off," "Dont Take No for an Answer," and "Know Your Limits But Reach Beyond Them." Included in the book are photos of Bill growing up and a few samples of the letters and emails he receives from those who have heard his story.
Synopsis
Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Bill Porter grew up to take the physically demanding job of a door-to-door salesman in the worst neighborhood in Portland, Oregon (without pay, only commissions). Eventually he became the company's top salesman in the city, the region, and finally the country. Along the way he learned powerful life lessons that he imparted to those around him. One of those people was Shelly Brady, first hired by Porter as a typist and driver, later a great friend. In this inspiring book, she brings together those lessons. These seemingly simple ideas "Mothers Know Best," "Persistence Pays Off," "Know Your Limits but Reach Beyond Them" resonate powerfully when seen through the lens of a life lived to the fullest against what would be impossible odds for many. Whether finding cooperative bellmen to button his cuffs or beaming a video to his speaking engagements because of ill health, Porter, whose life story became a cause célèbre in the 1990s, gets the job done with a smile and shows readers how to do the same.