The Extraordinary Personal Story of a Penniless, Cuban Immigrant
Turned Self-Made Business Mogul, Healthcare Industry Leader and Philanthropist
Book Proceeds Go To The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation
Miguel “Mike” Benito Fernandez
with Martin Merzer
Praise for Mike Fernandez and HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY
“If I were asked to start a dream team of entrepreneurs, my first selection would be Mike Fernandez.”
--Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Fernandez’s Business Partner and NBA Legend
“This book is the self-portrait of a larger-than-life fellow who never acts like a big shot. His is a story – told poignantly, accompanied by pain, humility and wisdom – of two journeys. One took weeks. The other is lifelong.”
--David Lawrence, Jr., former publisher of the Miami Herald, leading national advocate for children
“He’s the very best example I’ve ever known of the self-educated man. He’s deeply curious about so much – a new business, a relationship, philanthropy and friends.”
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In HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY: Life Lessons For My Family…And Yours (January 2015), from which the proceeds will go to The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation, Miguel "Mike" Benito Fernandez takes readers on parallel journeys: A 508-mile pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago from France through Spain – and from a dirt road Cuban town to the pinnacles of U.S. business success. The book shines a light on the lessons Mike has learned over a lifetime of working tirelessly, overcoming obstacles and “showing up.” The most important lesson: “You have to take care of those who come after you.”
In 2013, Mike hiked along El Camino -- an ancient, spiritual trail that attracts "pilgrims" from around the world -- with a pledge for each mile that led to more than $5 million for a children's hospital. The experience was challenging and rigorous and provided Mike with a unique opportunity to embrace his life in a deep, meaningful way. In fact, he has done this trip three times. HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY is part self-portrait, part adventure story, and shuttles readers back and forth between Mike’s path on El Camino and his journey through life. El Camino becomes a metaphorical backdrop as Mike narrates the details of his 62 years of living.
In 1964, in the midst of revolutionary activity in Cuba, Mike’s family was expelled from their rural hometown without any warning or money and soon after made New York City home. Suddenly, they all were on a new trajectory of unforeseen challenges, opportunities and lessons. Mike lumbered through school, while working as a floor cleaner and delivery boy to help pay for tuition. During these years, Mike learned about values and principles from those around him, including his father and an extraordinary Jesuit priest. After a stint in the Army, Mike worked as a door-to door salesman, selling health insurance, and subsequently found his stride in business and success, against great odds.
Since then, Mike has given more than $125 million to causes focused on health care, education and those most in need. He requires only this: Recipients must want to help themselves, be willing to sacrifice to gain a better future, and promise to pay it forward when they can.
Filled with engaging stories and beautiful photographs, HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY is more than a rags-to-riches tale; it is a celebration of family, an appreciation of the brief encounters, fleeting moments and memorable events that irrevocably changed a man’s life. Withhumor, compassion and optimism, Mike inspires and reminds readers, that by giving to and connecting with others, they will gain for themselves the ultimate prize: a rewarding and “rich” life.
About The Author:
Mike Fernandez is the founder of MBF Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm that invests in healthcare service companies nationwide. Mike has been honored frequently for his business achievements, named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, from St. Thomas University, a degree that acknowledges and celebrates his outstanding achievements as a humanitarian, leader and philanthropist. A gifted storyteller with a terrific sense of humor, he lives in Miami with his wife Constance and their family. HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY is his first book.
About the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation:
All proceeds from HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY go to The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) focused on early childhood education, development initiative and "universal readiness" -- that is, making available and affordable high quality health, education and nurturing for all children between birth and age 5 in Miami-Dade County, population 2.6 million, Florida's largest county, with more people than 16 states. In doing so, the initiative works toward the social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of all children so that they are ready and eager to be successful in the first grade and, indeed, in life. For more information visit: http://www.teachmorelovemore.org/ECIF.asp.
HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY: Life Lessons For My Family…And Yours
Miguel "Mike" Benito Fernandez with Martin Merzer
Publication date: January 2015
Hardcover; $29.95
ISBN 978-0-9905205-2-8
My Review:
This was a book that reminded me of The American Dream! This is truly a story for anybody that likes entrepreneurs that came from a poor background and through hard work and perseverance made a huge positive impact the other people around him. This is also a really interesting book about Miguel's family, past and future. What I liked the most was all the pictures of his travels. This man definitely has a thirst for knowledge and he wants to make sure the future is a better place for his descendants. There is also some religion in this book, but it is only to help me understand Miguel and how his heart believes in faith. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. Plus the proceeds are donated to a good cause!!
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