Preview
  • Fire in the Hole!

  • The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success
  • By: Bob Parsons
  • Narrated by: Bob Parsons
  • Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (43 ratings)

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Fire in the Hole!

By: Bob Parsons
Narrated by: Bob Parsons
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Publisher's summary

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 Books
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What listeners say about Fire in the Hole!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

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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authentic

held my interest from start to finish. it was worth it. I would recommend it to anyone.

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american dream

very moving story about a true american hero that overcame a rough upbringing & combat in Vietnam and the resultng ptsd to build several amazing companies all while giving back!

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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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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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Kaboom!

An inspirational story. He is a good story teller, believable, tells of the things that would hold most back but reveals the things that motivated him and how he succeeded. Admits to many of the human foibles and offers the insight that might help others. Highly recommend to young people. The language is “salty”, that is often how life is. Read this one.

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Solid. Enjoyable. Not perfect. Who is?

A couple of chapters that didn’t float my boat - but overall a very enjoyable listen for me. Narration was a mess, but completely tolerable. I preferred hearing it in his voice despite the clumsiness. Bob had some good wisdom to pass along.

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A great real life entertaining listen !

Bob is real. What a life story. His ambition, success and some luck has lead to a choice of serious generosity.

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God Bless all Veterans

Great story about a great man and overcoming tragedies to success
Semper Fortis
Bravo Zulu

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Excellent

Bob Parsons is an admirable human being. Great book. An amazing life. A true inspiration.

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