Ebook: Talkin' Big: How an Iowa Farm Boy Beat the Odds to Found and Lead One of the World's Largest Brokerage Firms

"A very personal journey into a great man's family and life, and a fascinating ride from the corn fields of Iowa to the boardrooms of business." —Rick Kaplan, president, Kaplan Media Partners; winner of forty-seven Emmy Awards
In Talkin' Big, Tom Dittmer—former CEO of Refco, the United States' first world-renowned futures firm—recalls how with hard work, determination, optimism, and some good old-fashioned luck, he was able to able to achieve his greatness.
Growing up as a farm boy in small-town Iowa, Dittmer first made a name for himself as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His industry and potential were quickly noticed, and Dittmer rapidly rose to become a White House aide under Lyndon B. Johnson. After an honorable discharge, Dittmer moved to Chicago with his new wife, Frannie, where he, from the Chicago Union Stockyards, first learned of the wealth of potential that the Chicago Stock Exchange held.
In 1969, he got into the business world himself, forming Ray E. Friedman & Co., (Refco) with this father. And from there, Dittmer's fortunes only rose. Making millions, taking Refco to the international stage, and hobnobbing with celebrities, Dittmer became a legend in his own right, all while staying true to himself and his Midwest roots.
Brimming with fascinating business insights and incredible inside stories, Talkin' Big is a true rag-to-riches story of one of America's greatest businessmen.
"Read it first for the rollicking ride. Read it again for the wisdom. You've never met anyone like Tom Dittmer. This book is big and brave and authentic—the rarest qualities in the world today." —Charlotte Beers, former CEO, Ogilvy Worldwide Advertising; former Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs