The Bill Cook Story

Bill Cook epitomizes the American success story. His business ventures in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, genetics, real estate, retail management, and travel services have made him a billionaire. Yet, Cook continues to lead a modest life, involving himself in a variety of philanthropic activities that have included historic preservation and even a marching band. This riveting story is the first-ever biography of the entrepreneur who, working from the spare bedroom of his Bloomington, Indiana, apartment in 1963 with a $1,500 investment, began to construct the wire guides, needles, and catheters that would become the foundation of the global multi-billion-dollar Cook Group. Biographer Bob Hammel, with extraordinary access to Cook, his files, and his associates, has created a vivid portrait of this modern, multidimensional Horatio Alger—quirky humor, widely varied interests, and all. Informative and inspiring, this book celebrates an exceptional self-made individual.

Contents
Preface

A Day in a Life
Kidnapping

The Life
1. Playing in Peoria
2. The Canton High Years
3. A Wide Gold Band
4. Road to Bloomington
5. Bedroom Beginning
Ain't but One Bill Cook
6. Moving Up
An Ow, a Bow-Wow, a Hoosegow
7. Team Taking Shape
Taking Flight
8. Foothold in Europe
9. Doctors
10. Stents and Suits
11. Health
12. The Guidant Fiasco
The Band Director
13. Philosophy
14. Religion
15. Politics
16. Cook Clinic
The Bill Cook Plan for America

The Day Revisited
Kidnapping Redux

17. The Future

Wealth
18. Power and Opportunity
19. Restorations
20. A Good Time in Our Lives

Acknowledgments
Sources and Notes
Index