Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life?
I grew up all over. Mostly I recall my youth in Florida, it was my coming of age time living in the south. I always read and the main focus of my readings were self improvement books as well as books on spirituality. Writing did not become as big a part of my life until my later years.

Who were your earliest influences and why?
I would credit much of my influence on the Bible, Dale Carnegie, the Tao (Chinese philosophy), Zig Ziglar and most any book that I would read that would give me the tools to change my life.

Why did you write "Mastering the Art of Success"? How do you define Success? Do you believe people are born to be successful (genetic) or is success from hard work or a combination of both?
I wrote Mastering the Art of Success as the result of my seminars. People would always ask me afterwards if I had a book. It seemed like a good idea, so I sat down and started writing. Mastering the Art of Success focuses on simple lessons that can spark a persons mind to become "Success Oriented". I always explain in my seminars as well as my book that success is not definable. You can't say "He's successful because he has a nice house and lots of money." Because to do this you would then say the person who does not have these things is not successful. Success is a state of mind, a state in which you can achieve anything. People are born with the ability to succeed, each and every person. If they do not, or are not able to, harness that ability they may miss the boat this time around. Once you tap into this part of yourself, you will succeed in everything or anything you choose. The problem is that most people give up just short of achieving their success. This is often caused by the nay-sayers. People who try to hold others back from achieving their goals and dreams.
  
In "Mastering the Art of Success" you talk about how success "takes a great deal of practice" You also say "Practice isn't enough". Please explain.
In order to be successful you will have to overcome obstacles. True success can only be achieved after some soft of a failure. The greatest inventions are as a result of a need. Success is no different, if you do not "Need to Succeed" you probably won't. You need to figure out what it is that will make you successful and start from there. In saying practice is not enough, remember the second part of that saying, perfect practice is what's necessary. When people talk about practice, they generally refer to "going through the motions", this is not enough. If you want to play piano, its better to sit down to a focused 20 minute practice session, than 3 hours of just fiddling around. 4. Talk a little about your experiences as a bodyguard and businessman and how your experiences helped you write "Mastering the Art of Success"
Every experience in life leads us to greater abilities. I was blessed in my life to have such interesting careers. I always saw everything I did as a step to changing the world, one person at a time. If I read something interesting, I would share it. Likewise I would also always ask people questions about their lives and lessons they've learned. You can gain an immense amount of knowledge by listening. I consider myself a good listener. Its all those things I've heard / learned over my years that have I've developed into my speeches and book. 5. What is your personal the message/philosophy in "Mastering the Art of Success"  if you were asked to sum the entire book into one sentence.
Do onto others as you wish done onto you. You will succeed in anything if your goal is to be a good person and help others.

You talk about a very interesting concept of "Adding Time to Your Day" - Please explain.
Most of us waste more than 4 hours per day, thinking about what we want to do, watching TV, reading nonsense and other things. During those times schedule your Success Time. Make your goals and focus on how to achieve them. Do NOT spend time dwelling on the "what if's". Each and every moment you have available should be spent thinking and harnessing. Those people who have a full day can benefit from getting up 30 minutes earlier and using that time to plan their success strategy. There is always time, always.
 
What do you hope to achieve with your book?
Whether my book, seminars or anything else I do, it is my life goal to affect people in a positive way. If I can improve the quality of a persons life or their outlook on their life, my work will have been done. I know that they will in turn pass this good deed on. This way it won't end with just the goodness that I've been blessed enough to enjoy. 8. What has been your feedback from readers?
Exactly what I would have wished, everyone has gotten "something" out of the book. Interestingly enough most people have such various comments that I've seen that the book has a very broad appeal. People form such varying walks of life relate to the simple stories and are able to apply them to their own lives. Some have careers I've never heard of and comment on how I tapped into their mind-set. I think that's interesting, because it was only my goal to open my mind and heart to readers in this book.