While conducting a brief interview for a client with lively Carlsbad octogenarian Knox Williams I marveled at his resilience after losing his developmentally disabled adult son to cancer. Knox confided that he’d learned perseverance when he was knee-high to a cactus as a dust-bowl Oakie. His incredible work ethic, can-do spirit and abundant sense of humor propelled him to success as the decades-long owner of the Rayne Water Conditioning franchise in Vista.

A consummate salesman who began his career at six years old gathering and selling scrap metal, Knox literally knocked on thousands of doors to build his business. Now retired and an active fundraiser for many charitable organizations, this prominent philanthropist has opened doors for many others.

Returning to my office to write the profile, I became intrigued with Knox’s wit and wisdom, his unwavering positivity and the magnitude of his accomplishments. His is a story that needs to be told, I thought to myself.

I emailed Knox, saying, “Whenever you spotted a glimmer of an opportunity, you seized it with vigor. You left no stone unturned; no door unknocked. You should write the story of your life. In fact, I have the title: Opportunity Knox!”

Within minutes, I received a reply that surprised and delighted me. “Let’s do it together!”

Opportunity Knox has just been published. You won’t find it on Amazon, because we created this memoir for his family.

If you contact me, I’ll share the book with you. I feel honored to have been chosen to write it with and for this August man.