Discover the Secrets to Personal and Business Success
Many people enter the corporate world, hate it, but never leave. Steve isn’t one of them: He chose entrepreneurship, and he shares the stories of his success in these pages. Perhaps his journey will bring courage to strike out on your own for you or someone you know.
- David Meerman Scott, Bestselling author of 12 books including The New Rules of Marketing & PR, now available in 29 languages from Albanian to Vietnamese.
I have worked with Steve since 1977, when we first met. His services are extremely valuable. As valuable as the publicity is (and it is remarkable in volume and quality), his insights and advice on positioning products and companies is even more valuable. Take him to lunch and pick his brains!! I did - and it resulted in the very best sales call ever.”
-George Berbeco, President, Devon Group
An Inspirational Business Memoir
In "Success and Self-Discovery," Steve Stroum shares his inspiring 46-year entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable lessons and practical advice for personal and professional growth. Through candid storytelling, Stroum guides readers through his triumphs, struggles, and the principles that drive success. Discover how to overcome obstacles, build key relationships, learn from mistakes, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Let this memoir inspire and empower you to pursue your dreams and achieve success on your own terms.
Get Your Copy of Success and Self Discovery
Meet the Author
Steven M. Stroum grew up in a working-class family in Auburndale, a village of Newton, MA. After briefly attending Northeastern University in 1966, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. In March 1968 he received a medical discharge, became a Disabled Veteran, and in September returned to Northeastern University. The youngest of three boys, he was married to Peggy Lawrence in 1970 and received a BS in Business Administration in 1973.
Steve started his business from a spare room at his parents’ home in Newton, MA with only $300 and within a few short months moved to nearby Wellesley. By the end of his first year in business his firm had ten full-time employees and hundreds of clients. In recognition of his company’s contribution to the success and growth of numerous small companies, Steve was selected to serve on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Small Business Task Force and was later appointed one of 18 Small Business Advisors to the Governor of Massachusetts. Steve was also selected by the International Rotary Foundation to tour South Korea for six weeks as an ambassador. He was later appointed to The. Norbert Weiner Forum at Tufts University to study the impact of technology on society and served as publicity advisor on the Smaller Business Association of New England Board of Directors.
Steve Stroum, a seasoned product publicist, marketer, and entrepreneur has been featured in INC Magazine, Sales and Marketing Management Magazine, Marketing Magazine, OMNI Magazine, USA Today, Business Week Exchange, The Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Middlesex News, San Francisco Chronicle WHDH-TV, WJAR-TV, WKOX radio and others. He has also been a guest lecturer at The American Marketing Association, Babson College, Boston College, Northeastern University, and numerous business and civic groups.
What Readers Are Saying
“Should be required reading for those in any business! It is truly a privilege to hear Steven Stroum’s life story as seen through his own eyes! Having taken detailed notes, and reflecting on his journey throughout life, Steven is in the unique position of having total recall. He generously shares his methods of creating a new business, teaching employees to be productive, and how to develop mutually beneficial relationships with clients. His methods apply to any career; employees must learn to successfully communicate with their administrators and peers while performing their jobs; employers must create a positive work environment while growing and maintaining their businesses. Steven Stroum shares with you the fascinating story of both his private and public lives. There is much to be learned from him!”
—Phyl Tee
“Just finished the book and it is the best memoir I have ever read! Love how you came up with the name Venmark. Also I agree, never mix business with relatives or friends! Love how you treated Marc. Wonderful father and son relationship! Charlie Fox was an enemy. Thru it all, you came out on top!! I couldn’t put this book down so it kept me from doing my usual things.”
—RuQ
“I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a path to becoming successful. Most of us walking the entrepreneurial path know that behind every lesson we pick up, there’s a great story. Steve’s tales, from humble beginnings just outside of Boston, to Viet Nam, to San Francisco and back to Boston, are filled with tidbits of wisdom, surrounded by good story telling.”
—Matt M
A Compelling Business Memoir from a Seasoned Entrepreneur. “Success and Self-Discovery” is part autobiography and part book on entrepreneurship. Steve Stroum crafts a compelling narrative with outstanding amounts of detail. The book starts with stories of his early days in the military and at Northeastern University and takes you through his first jobs to the start of his business. He showcases the challenges he faced and then how he overcame them.
The book beautifully highlights the principles of a successful entrepreneur while weaving in personal stories to bring them to life. The author has a knack for explaining business concepts in a practical and relatable manner, making the book an invaluable resource for budding and experienced entrepreneurs.
There are too many stories to highlight, but it is clear that relationships are the key to Steve’s success. His willingness to be vulnerable and open about his business and personal struggles is a refreshing change from many business memoirs.
Steve is an excellent storyteller who has shared his knowledge and imparted wisdom, making this book a must-read for entrepreneurs.
—John W
“One of the best books I’ve read in a long-time. Seldom do you find a book with valuable real-life business theorems but coupled together with a sincere and genuine human interest story of how this successful business owner battled through business up’s and down’s and dealt with serious personal issues along the way. The book was so down-to-earth and intimate that you could easily feel like you were riding along with the author through life. Once you start reading it was hard to put down and certainly a book almost anyone could enjoy. I applaud the author for its authenticity and candor.”
—Les B
“I was so impressed with the detail of this book! I can't remember what I did yesterday, but Steve Stroum somehow documented to the date things from decades ago. I found myself remembering what I was doing at that time in my career. It made me wish that MY father had written a book about his career. I found the book a very easy read, and was impressed at how much the author opened up about his relationships with employees and relatives. The love he has for his wife and son are evident. And....he likes cigars!”
—Barry O
“Eminently readable and very engaging. This book takes you through fifty years of an entrepreneur's experience in running the emotional gamut associated with "being" a small business. It's much more a "How to survive, persevere and prosper" than a "How-To.". The image it creates will stay with you.”
—Arthur S
“Great read; extremely entertaining; and informative as all Hell...anyone tempted to take the plunge into the cold waters of entrepeneurship will find Stroum's insights and lessons absolutely priceless! Like no other book on the market!”
—Amber Hillman
“Looking to be become an entrepreneur then this book is for you. This was a very motivating book for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur. It was a quick read and held my interest throughout the book. It is fascinating to follow Steve from a youngster fresh out of college to the successful businessman he become. A must read for anyone looking to become successful.”
—MJ
“Hi Steve. I received your book today and cannot thank you enough! I immediately began flipping through it and couldn’t put it down. I’m not sure I have words to express how much the book means to me – I admire you greatly and now realize that one of the reasons if because of your honesty. The book is honest. Thank you!”
—Abby
“A primer for seekers in all walks of life. This book is a page turner and not just for entrepreneurs. It is a deep dive into honest self reflection and the raw courage called for to take risks and be willing to ride the roller coaster of change. Steve's journey is the journey of every soul aching for purpose, fulfillment and the discovery and actualization of innate talent and gifts that are the building blocks for a meaningful and satisfied life. Read it. Then read it again. His story has something waiting just for you.”
—Dr. Michael Adler
“I’m 200 pages in and can’t put it down. This book is truly a fascinating and fun read. I’m learning about business but learning more about life. I can’t wait to finish it!”
—IM
“Steve touches every emotion with this book while teaching valuable life and business lessons. I only wish
I had this book 35 years ago!”
—Craig Schweriner
Key Details to Develop a Successful Career. This reader believes Steven Stroum’s clear goal in his book is to provide valuable information to improve the skill set of aspiring entrepreneurs or experienced business people.
The book is not a one-and-done discourse… reading the book over again will clear your mind and you’ll realize, “this is important stuff”. His honest emotional revelations engage and captivate.
Steven Stroum is a leader in business and shares his knowledge and expertise on every page.
Mr. Stroum advanced the business football… 1st down after 1st down; and tackle after tackle, until he reached the goal and scored.
—Esther Dan
Learn how you can become self-employed
Learn how to optimize your work-life balance
Learn how to transform your life and relationships
Learn how to get free publicity for your business
One book can change your life!