Our nation is deteriorating. Slowly but surely the virtues and values we once celebratedresponsibility, resilience, dignity, respecthave been abandoned. Our work ethic has been replaced by an entitlement ethic. And as we lose the cultural traits that brought us to our leadership position, America's standing in the world will surely fall as well.

But thereis good news, say David and Andrea R. Reiser. By rediscovering the qualities that made America great, we can start to turn things around. We can teach our young peoplenot to mention ourselves, our employees, and our fellow Americans of all ageswhattruly leads to success, prosperity, and fulfillment.

That's whatLetters from Home is about. Written in the form of letters to the authors' four sons, it explores fifteen basic American virtues that built our country and that foster individual success. Each chapter includes profiles of exceptional "real people"the authors' wealth management clients, friends, and neighborswho truly walk the talk. A few examples of what the book teaches:

Part cultural treatise and part kick-in-the-pants,Letters from Home is a moving reminder that we live in a land of freedom and opportunity. It should inspire us allparents, influential leaders, and ordinary citizens aliketo do everything in our power to honor and perpetuate that legacy.

The authors are proud to contribute 100% of royalties from the publication of this book to three personally meaningful organizations: Share Our Strength (www.strength.org), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org), and FORCE (www.facingourrisk.org).

David Reiser (Westport, CT) is a vp at Citi Smith Barney with some $200 million assets under his management. Prior to joining this firm in 2008, Reiser was Senior Vice Presidents-Investments at PaineWebber Inc.?in Providence, Rhode Island.

Andrea R. Reiser?(Westport, CT) has developed and implemented award-winning marketing communications programs for clients in a variety of industries. She is founder and President of Image Communications, a copywriting and graphic design firm and an active blogger at domesticbloggess.com and arefootcontessaproject.com.

Introduction xi

1 Education 1John Dodig: Maverick Educator

2 Hard Work 17Eli Zabar: Hard Work Reaps Rewards

3 Recognizing Opportunity 35David Cohen: Navigating the Sea of SuccessTim Brabham: Opportunity Maker

4 Realistic Vision 59Kate& Matt Jennings: Delicious Visionaries

5 Integrity& Positive Attitude 79Ellis Waldman: Leading With IntegrityMarucha Andrzejewski: Looking Forward, Moving Forward

6 Resilience& Accountability 105Patrick Ciriello: Keeping Things in PerspectiveMike Nardone: Head Down, Chin Up

7 Self-Discipline& Patience 135Amy& Howie Blustein: Prudent Savers, Thoughtful SpendersMary& Alberto Lobo: Epitome of the American Dream

8 Harmonious Balance 161Stefani Phipps: Living a Yin-Yang Life

9 Kindness& Gratitude 183Linda& Dan Kortick: Giving Back to CommunityMeredith Fried: A Friend Indeed

10 Courage& Living Without Regrets 215Alysa Mendelson Graf: The Courage to Follow Your HeartIna Garten: Jumping Off Cliffs

Epilogue 239

Acknowledgments 243

About the Authors 246