
Fire in the Hole!
The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success
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Narrated by:
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Bob Parsons
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By:
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Bob Parsons
About this listen
In Fire in the Hole!, Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, shares his story of extraordinary success as a self-made serial entrepreneur.
Born in the tough town of East Baltimore to parents who were inveterate gamblers, billionaire philanthropist Bob Parsons’ early years were marked by hardship and financial struggle. While he vowed his own children would never lack for anything, never did he imagine the wealth he would one day amass as the founder of Parsons Technology, GoDaddy, PXG Golf, and YAM Worldwide.
In his literary debut, Fire in the Hole!, this extraordinary entrepreneur recounts the exploits of his youth, his hellish days at the mercy of Catholic school nuns, his harrowing tour of combat duty in Vietnam as a US Marine, his pioneering contributions to the software and internet industries, and his latest ventures in power sports, golf, real estate, and marketing.
Along the way, we witness his remarkable resilience as he copes with his mother’s mental illness and his father’s struggles, battles PTSD resulting from both his childhood and war traumas, and mounts a quest to find new and effective treatments for himself and others who suffer from this affliction. He strongly supports veterans organizations, and believing in the concept of paying it forward, has awarded grants to more than ninety-six charities and organizations worldwide through the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.
Perhaps the only thing that has come easy to Parsons is his gift for storytelling. His reflections are at turns heartbreaking, heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring. If ever there were a story about a self-made man whose wealth can be measured as much by the contents of his heart as by the contents of his bank account, this is it.
More than anything, Fire in the Hole! is a “can’t pause,” damn good listen!
©2024 Robert Parsons (P)2024 Forefront BooksListeners also enjoyed...
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What listeners say about Fire in the Hole!
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- sean
- 06-02-24
Unbelievable story
I bought a set of PXG clubs prior to listening to this. Not knowing anything other I liked how the clubs felt. After learning all about Bob Parsons from his childhood thru his military career to business ventures I have even more respect for the brand PXG and Bob. I love how the book is read by him. Would recommend this book to anyone who who enjoys a very well written auto biography not just for the golfers out there.
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- Edward J. Wrobel
- 02-28-25
Friend
He sounds like a good friend. Was a little hard to listen to during the PTSD really brought back memories. But thanks.
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- ted firestone
- 12-04-24
Great audiobook period.
A wise man once told me “life is all about the stories”. Parson’s stories are epic and the author tells them with passion and a style that’s distinctive to say the least! Funny, sad, with some self help weaved in. Loved Fire in this audible format.
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- Mike Sime
- 05-21-24
Wow, so glad I read this
Bob has an amazing story that he shared so openly about. The lessons he learned and brought out will help me live a life that’s more intentional and generous. My wife and I play PXG, they are the best and we both in our 60’s reducing our handicaps
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- John Paxton "haltse";
- 09-24-24
This book is not here for a long time, but it is a good time.
One of those books that I wished was longer.
I worked for Bob during the Godaddy days. I’ve heard many corporate leaders rally the troops for want of a better phrase Bob is the only one that I’ve actually seen have an effect on others and me particularly. When the company owner gives up his office so others could work and he sits on a substandard bit of furniture next to a laser printer that sends a message. It was great hearing the early story. I didn’t appreciate how technical Bob was and the past lead from him growing parsons technology to the point of his sold and then creating Godaddy a couple years later which led to one of the better jobs I’ve ever had.
Just on the basis of a successful businessman, Bob, knocks it out the park. He probably bought the park and then stuck a golf course and motorcycle dealership on top of it.
It’s laugh out loud funny probably contains more references to genitalia and grenades than most any other business book. I’ve read and it’s not the worst for it. Narrated by the author who did a better job than my reconstruction of his voice in my head since I already bought the book. No this is a very interesting life from humble beginnings to being in a position to make real changes for those that are suffering and usually focused on what many would consider to be unpopular or sexy causes. It’s also incredibly human with regards to his struggle with PTSD and his advocacy for effective treatment for those in a similar position.
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- Robert
- 05-17-24
What an Example!
Bob does a fantastic job showing a rags to riches story. Growing up less than four to becoming a huge philanthropist for many organizations. His support to military and first responder charities comes as a direct result as his service in Vietnam. Fantastic story. Highly recommend.
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- Lori Gruenberg
- 08-18-24
Amazing life story of Successor and resilience!
Terrific Book, loved hearing Bob Parson tell his life story. I laughed out loud at many of his stories, and she'd some tears as well!
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- Tlc
- 10-15-24
Great Book
Loved it! The narration was very authentic being read by the author. Much better than being read by the same old pros. One of the best biography's I've ever read. So honest and introspective.
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- HANNAY ELECTRIC
- 06-07-24
God Bless all Veterans
Great story about a great man and overcoming tragedies to success
Semper Fortis
Bravo Zulu
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- FRANKIE KEITH
- 07-12-24
Excellent
Bob Parsons is an admirable human being. Great book. An amazing life. A true inspiration.
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