Product Details:

In this, his passionate and panoramic memoir, one of cable TV’s most respected pioneers shares the saga of his extraordinary life and career. Beginning in 19th century Europe, as the Ackerman family emigrates to America in search of economic opportunity and religious freedom, we are transported through the author’s boyhood memories of the fabled Indiana community of Ligonier. Emerging into manhood as an Army air reconnaissance pilot during WWII, Jim soon begins to develop a knack for being in just the right place at just the right time. From his life-long love affair with Purdue University through a labyrinthine business career that straddled the crossroads of technology and finance, Jim Ackerman succeeded in earning an industry reputation for sterling integrity and unmatched achievement. Starting out as a junior collection agent for a midwest loan company, Jim’s amazing odyssey took him to the heights of Wall Street as his financial innovations helped fuel the most incredibly accelerated explosion in American business history.

Finally, you will discover Jim’s over-arching devotion to his family — past, present, and future — and how such values contributed mightily to this true American success story. While some of Jim’s story of good fortune and good timing may appear unbelievable, you’ll soon understand why Jim Ackerman has opened the pages of his life by stating simply: "That’s My Story!"

About The Author:

Jim Ackerman was born in Lima, Ohio, in 1924. After serving as an Army pilot during WWII and in Germany during the Korean War, Jim began his career at Indianapolis Morris Plan, one of America’s few "Industrial Banks." In his capacity as chief financial officer, Jim came into contact with the emerging cable TV industry. Applying his unique insights, he began developing new methods of financing the nationwide expansion of cable TV. In the 1970s, Jim struck out on his own as a broker, a multi-system cable operator, and an investment banker, founding a series of cable TV-related ventures such as Communications Advisors, Becker Communications, and Cardinal Communications and piloting them to unparalleled success.

Having sold his cable holdings in 1993, Jim today serves as chairman of Cardinal Ventures, a successful Indiana venture capital firm. He is also devoted to his twin passions of golf and Purdue University athletics. Jim lives with his wife, Lois, in Indianapolis and Palm Harbor, Florida. They are the parents of three adult children and the proud grandparents of four.