Bootlegger's Son: One Man's Journey from His Earthly Father to His Heavenly Father - Tapa dura

Leo Koury was at the proverbial crossroads in life. He was in his early 50s and realized that everything he had worked for-including a burgeoning law practice, influence in regional and national politics, and a strong reputation as a man who could get things done-no longer held the same significance it once did. Everything changed when Leo was compelled to attend the 1994 Billy Graham Crusade in Cleveland. With salvation came clarity. Leo's life suddenly had perspective. He embarked on a new journey-from success to significance-and realized the root of his dissatisfaction traced back to the relationship with his father, Fred Koury. In Bootlegger's Son: One man's journey from his earthly father to his heavenly father, Leo shares stories about his amazing journey. He chronicles the often-tenuous relationship with his father, his tumultuous youth, the challenges overcome in building a successful law practice, and his roller-coaster ride in politics that culminated with delivering Lorain County, Ohio, for Jimmy Carter's presidency. More important, Leo pulls back the curtain and explores his personal struggles with coming to Christianity and accepting salvation. He talks about humility and the decades he spent fighting against the pull of his old, survival-of-the-fittest ways that were a result of his domineering father-a one-time bootlegger and tavern owner. Though Leo's story is one man's personal testimonial, it is a tale that others can relate with as Leo's life lessons provide enlightenment to how one's relationship with the Heavenly Father can help create a greater appreciation and understanding of his or her earthly father.

E.G. \"Leo\" Koury grew up in inner-city Lorain, Ohio, where his Lebanese immigrant family sold bootleg liquor during Prohibition to make ends meet. Shortly afterward, his father operated a tavern with an iron fist, catering to laborers from a nearby steel mill. While not even being of age, Leo was put to work at the Mill Tavern, absorbing a life full of strict discipline, arguments, fighting and anger, both at the bar and in the home. He was able to rise above his circumstances and become a successful attorney and political activist who eventually helped Jimmy Carter reach the White House. But along the way, Leo's journey toward success led to disillusionment as he felt a pull to get right with his father's memory-and his Heaven Father. His defining moment at a 1994 Billy Graham Crusade led his salvation. He learned how to be humble and give back to others-something that has been his focus for the past few decades. Leo and his wife of 57 years, Lila, are the parents of four children. They live near Cleveland, Ohio.Dennis Seeds is editor-at-large for Smart Business Network, publishers of Smart Business, a national chain of regional business publications. He has written for more than 12 publications and websites and co-wrote An American Journey with Mal Mixon, former CEO of Invacare Corp. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Seeds lives in Lakewood, Ohio, with his wife Sue.Dustin Scott Klein is an award-winning business journalist, bestselling author and the publisher and COO of Smart Business magazine, a national chain of management journals, live events and digital properties designed for senior executives. Dustin is a former investigative news reporter who cut his teeth as a business section editor and digital media entrepreneur in the 1990s. Over the past 25 years he has interviewed thousands of business and civic leaders, and helped nearly 30 CEOs and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into books. Dustin has edited or co-written six Amazon bestselling books: The Unexpected, Manufacturing with Heart, 5 Fundamentals to Unleash Millennial Talent, Limping on Water, and the two Amazon #1 bestsellers Undaunted and The Benevolent Dictator. A rabid baseball fan and active volunteer on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, he lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with his wife, Laura, and children, Sam, Cole and Mollie.John Ettorre is a Cleveland, Ohio-based writer, editor and writing coach, with more than 25 years of experience, including stints in Chicago and Washington, D.C. His work has appeared in more than 100 print and online publications, from the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor to local and regional publications.