Running with My Head Down is the inspirational story of one man’s search for purpose and meaning, a quest without limitation that ultimately leads to unique business success and personal fulfillment.
A native of Queens, New York, Frank was born into a working-class family, surrounded by the unified love of his parents. But in the mid-1970s, the nine-year-old was deeply impacted by his parents’ divorce. Emotional and financial turmoil follow, fueling Frank’s burning passion to discover his direction in life, and with it, certainty and security.
During his difficult school years when Frank was underestimated by teachers, he discovered his love of baseball—not just playing it, but becoming a fanatical student of the game. It became an all-out obsession that he would later turn into a multi-million-dollar franchise sports business by creating his own leagues.
Follow Frank’s journey from his early days after college unhappily working in medical sales to the brilliant stroke of starting an adult softball league—and then to strategically expanding his dream by creating i9 Sports, which becomes the nation’s largest youth sports franchise. After much inner struggle about defining his true purpose in life, Frank ultimately sell his company, having had a startling epiphany.
Through it all, we see how Frank’s purpose finds him again and again. A series of unique people come into his life, including peak performance coach Tony Robbins, who has a profound effect on Frank’s personal development. No matter what obstacles arise, Frank remains laser-focused, always purposely running with his head down.
This guide to personal and professional growth is filled with valuable strategies relevant to entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to lead a happier life. Transformative lessons and business insights include—
•The Passion Priority: How to transform the needs of your soul into reality, channeling the power of your vision.
•The Live Your Life With No Regrets Motto: Learn when to take a risk and go all in—banking on passion, not on security.
•The Entrepreneur Identity Crisis: How to overcome the self-limiting belief that your identity is your business.
•The Lonely at the Top Syndrome: How to build a solid relationship with your employees without losing your authority and the secret to overcoming CEO isolation.
•The Executive Burnout Phase: Identifying the signs of mental and physical overload and utilizing powerful techniques for restoring life balance.
•The Affluenza Affair: How to recreate the spark in your business in order to feel the same ambition and hunger as you once did.
•The Critics and Crises: How to handle internal company crises and external criticism.
•The Influence of Family and Friends: How to deal with a skeptical support network—and what to do when their advice, values, and judgments don’t match yours.
•The Spiritual Awakening: How to expand your self-awareness through a passionate commitment to personal growth and self-care.
•And More!
Frank graduated from St. John’s University and began a career as a medical equipment sales rep, though he was determined to pursue his life’s true purpose. So in l995, he created his own adult men’s softball league, ABA Sports. The start-up company quickly grew to over 900 teams in just six years, making it the largest adult sports organization on Long Island.
In 2003, Frank sold ABA Sports in order to create i9 Sports, a business that catapulted him to national recognition and that Entrepreneur magazine ranked as the #1 children’s fitness franchise. Frank has been featured on Fox Business News, HBO Real Sports, and in dozens of publications and national news media outlets, including USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and The Wall Street Journal. Frank sold i9 Sports in 2017 to a private equity firm, but remains a minority shareholder and member of the board of directors.
Reviews (45)
A Raw Account of an Entrepreneur's Journey To the Top (From the Entrepreneur Himself)!
A lot of books related to entrepreneurship you'll read about the success stories of individuals. You'll read fantastical stories about one entrepreneur's rise to fame, perhaps even exaggerated, sugar coating the failures they had to focus on the happily-ever-after ending. But what you won't as often read about are the many failures it took for these entrepreneurs to reach the very successes they did. This book does, a raw account from the entrepreneur himself, and it's why I wanted to write this review. I rarely write reviews, but for this book I'm more than happy to do so! Author Frank Fiume II has written a book every entrepreneur should read! What struck me the most while reading was how honest Frank was with his journey. He easily could've saved face at all the mistakes he made along the way, but he never does. He shares them all as well as the many stresses that came along with it. He illustrates that no matter how much success you have there's always a new set of challenges, even when you've "at the top". Frank has put a real human face to the entrepreneurial journey, and it's one that's needed more than ever! Thanks for writing this Frank! Highly recommendded!
Great book about an entrepreneurs hunger and drive to succeed at his passion "A Life of No Regrets"
So many pearls of wisdom came out of this book for me. I loved the raw authenticity of Frank's story and writing. "All businesses ride the rapids!" he says and his was no exception! It was a motivating read for me being a business owner myself. It helped me put things in better perspective and know that things could turn around at any moment and you have to have that hunger to never give up. I read it in 2 days! :) I highly recommend it to others.
Highly Recommend!
Frank’s book and story hits close to home and is very inspirational. Whether you’re considering your own business or feeing alone at the top, this is a great read!
Compellingly honest and inspirational!
I wrote a lengthier review on Goodreads, but suffice it to say that this is a special book for anyone who has a dream. Compelling, honest and hard to put down.
OUTSTANDING!
Refreshing to read a raw account of an entrepreneur's journey...all of the ups, downs, successes, and failures. Great book for any business owner or anyone looking to start a business.
Great read!
A great book showcasing the struggles and triumphs of a start up founder and his journey. Probably one of the best books I’ve read in a while!
Great read!
Excellent insight to the business world. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Great Read!
Excellent book on the journey of a fellow entrepreneur. Good lessons to grind out to achieve your dreams. i9 Sports is amazing!
Constant reinvention and introspection - leads to massive business success
What a roller coaster ride in this book! The highs, the lows, the wins, the dark places. There is no doubt Fiume had enormous success with his business. What I loved about this entrepreneurial story was what it WASN'T - it wasn't "I can do it, you can too". It was a human story of a man seeking to find satisfaction in his work. It could be full of hubris. I found it was not. It was a story of triumph and raw self questioning. The summary business advice at the end of each chapter was a little trite. Frank's story was the better part of the book. It left me with a few unanswered questions: what happened to his relationship with his Dad? (a big focus for the first part of the book) What will he do next? Why the book? Overall a good read that gives a great humble story in the hero's journey tradition with insight into big business franchising.
An Inspiring Memoir
I am usually not a fan of the typical self-help book. I find the majority of them shallow and formulaic. Frank V. Fiume III has penned a memoir and self-help book that breaks the mold. I was captivated and inspired by his story. I think part of what made me like his style of writing is his transparency and self-deprecating sense of sharing the mistakes he has made along the road to success in the business world. Fiume defied the odds by starting a new softball league in a part of Long Island that appeared to already be saturated with similar leagues. Most people told him he was crazy to try to compete - there were no fields available, the competition was already well established. But taking inspiration from the teachings of Tony Robbins, he took the plunge. While paying the bills by working as a medical device salesman, he launched a league that eventually grew into i9 Sports - "the nation's first and leading franchisor of youth leagues and camps." Frank provides just enough detail to give a clear picture of the risks that he had to take, the bumps along the road, the moments of terror and discouragement, and the lessons learned through trail and error. The primary lesson for any discerning reader is that it is worth whatever price you have to pay to pursue your dream as long as you have the right support - from your spouse and from one or more mentors, and have a clear sense of your purpose. This entrepreneur's story of "passion, perseverance, and purpose" is in a league of its own. Enjoy!
A Raw Account of an Entrepreneur's Journey To the Top (From the Entrepreneur Himself)!
A lot of books related to entrepreneurship you'll read about the success stories of individuals. You'll read fantastical stories about one entrepreneur's rise to fame, perhaps even exaggerated, sugar coating the failures they had to focus on the happily-ever-after ending. But what you won't as often read about are the many failures it took for these entrepreneurs to reach the very successes they did. This book does, a raw account from the entrepreneur himself, and it's why I wanted to write this review. I rarely write reviews, but for this book I'm more than happy to do so! Author Frank Fiume II has written a book every entrepreneur should read! What struck me the most while reading was how honest Frank was with his journey. He easily could've saved face at all the mistakes he made along the way, but he never does. He shares them all as well as the many stresses that came along with it. He illustrates that no matter how much success you have there's always a new set of challenges, even when you've "at the top". Frank has put a real human face to the entrepreneurial journey, and it's one that's needed more than ever! Thanks for writing this Frank! Highly recommendded!
Great book about an entrepreneurs hunger and drive to succeed at his passion "A Life of No Regrets"
So many pearls of wisdom came out of this book for me. I loved the raw authenticity of Frank's story and writing. "All businesses ride the rapids!" he says and his was no exception! It was a motivating read for me being a business owner myself. It helped me put things in better perspective and know that things could turn around at any moment and you have to have that hunger to never give up. I read it in 2 days! :) I highly recommend it to others.
Highly Recommend!
Frank’s book and story hits close to home and is very inspirational. Whether you’re considering your own business or feeing alone at the top, this is a great read!
Compellingly honest and inspirational!
I wrote a lengthier review on Goodreads, but suffice it to say that this is a special book for anyone who has a dream. Compelling, honest and hard to put down.
OUTSTANDING!
Refreshing to read a raw account of an entrepreneur's journey...all of the ups, downs, successes, and failures. Great book for any business owner or anyone looking to start a business.
Great read!
A great book showcasing the struggles and triumphs of a start up founder and his journey. Probably one of the best books I’ve read in a while!
Great read!
Excellent insight to the business world. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Great Read!
Excellent book on the journey of a fellow entrepreneur. Good lessons to grind out to achieve your dreams. i9 Sports is amazing!
Constant reinvention and introspection - leads to massive business success
What a roller coaster ride in this book! The highs, the lows, the wins, the dark places. There is no doubt Fiume had enormous success with his business. What I loved about this entrepreneurial story was what it WASN'T - it wasn't "I can do it, you can too". It was a human story of a man seeking to find satisfaction in his work. It could be full of hubris. I found it was not. It was a story of triumph and raw self questioning. The summary business advice at the end of each chapter was a little trite. Frank's story was the better part of the book. It left me with a few unanswered questions: what happened to his relationship with his Dad? (a big focus for the first part of the book) What will he do next? Why the book? Overall a good read that gives a great humble story in the hero's journey tradition with insight into big business franchising.
An Inspiring Memoir
I am usually not a fan of the typical self-help book. I find the majority of them shallow and formulaic. Frank V. Fiume III has penned a memoir and self-help book that breaks the mold. I was captivated and inspired by his story. I think part of what made me like his style of writing is his transparency and self-deprecating sense of sharing the mistakes he has made along the road to success in the business world. Fiume defied the odds by starting a new softball league in a part of Long Island that appeared to already be saturated with similar leagues. Most people told him he was crazy to try to compete - there were no fields available, the competition was already well established. But taking inspiration from the teachings of Tony Robbins, he took the plunge. While paying the bills by working as a medical device salesman, he launched a league that eventually grew into i9 Sports - "the nation's first and leading franchisor of youth leagues and camps." Frank provides just enough detail to give a clear picture of the risks that he had to take, the bumps along the road, the moments of terror and discouragement, and the lessons learned through trail and error. The primary lesson for any discerning reader is that it is worth whatever price you have to pay to pursue your dream as long as you have the right support - from your spouse and from one or more mentors, and have a clear sense of your purpose. This entrepreneur's story of "passion, perseverance, and purpose" is in a league of its own. Enjoy!
Great Story but!
Yes it is a great story! I bought this book from Logan Airport in Boston and read it in airplane in my way to Amsterdam. Most of books about start-ups talk in an academic or process methodology and trying be objectives by removing all emotions and how in real life entrepreneurs suffer until they make it or break it. This book talks from the site, from the field, from the heart of the process ups and downs. The author managed successfully to make it close to the reality 100%, maybe more! If you are an entrepreneur reading lots of guiding books, make sure you blend it with this unique book to see a simulation near perfection. Why I gave it 3 stars although it is a wonderful and inspiring story? When he approach 49 years old I would love to see his inputs on things that he should avoid or do better as he evolved with time he should figured out some areas in the whole process that it can be done much better. The reason for his true success is only one person, his WIFE. Only his wife, and without the support of his wife and her vision and her belief in him he will not make it in the first step. What comes after are merely doors opened one after another because of her faith in him. Substantial amount of the book must be devoted to such inspiring woman, reading about her and learning from her.
Highly relatable, incredibly honest account of personal success and franchise leadership.
I have never read through an entire book in one sitting... Never! Until this book; I just couldn't put it down. Running with My Head Down is an open, honest account of what it takes to build a business from scratch. It is about finding your "why" and should be mandatory reading for potential entrepreneurs and seasoned executives (especially those in a franchise modeled business) alike. Mr. Fiume shares everything, not just the success stories. Operating a franchise concept requires different skills and approaches at different times in the lifecycle. With brutal honesty, Frank describes examples when he and his team got it right and when they were very wrong. Any franchisor (or business owner for that matter) will learn from and relate to these challenges. Mr. Fiume goes into great detail on how he built a franchise concept from the ground up (creating an entirely new business model - Privatized Youth Sports Leagues) and eventually sold it to private equity. He takes you along this journey in a humble way that many founders just simply cannot. Frank must be incredibly self-actualized. His story will help you understand how to be the best version of yourself.
Wisdom, Advice, Success and Failures
Running with My Head Down: An Entrepreneur’s Story of Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose by Frank V. Fiume II is more of an autobiography. there is advice at the end of almost evry chapter. I liked that he recounted his failures as well as his success. It has wisdom and reminds you that success can come after a failure. It was inspirational.
Running With My Head Down is not to be missed.
Reading Running With My Head Down is like having a conversation with the author, Frank V. Fiume II as you together in a coffee shop discussing life. The author merges personal and professional stories with ease dropping advice and guidance along the way. While it is clear to see how this book applies to past, present and future entrepreneurs, what can not be overlooked is how the lessons that can be learned apply to everyone. By finding your passion, committing 100%, getting back up when you get knocked down and loving what you do happiness and fulfillment are obtainable to all.
A Must Read for Sure
There are some books you cannot put down once you start reading them. This is one of them. It oozes with transparency and relates to others on so many levels. Looking forward to reading again to pull something new from it and anticipating the author’s next book.
Intriguing book - and a great story
What I like best about this book is how authentic it is. Frank tells his story and he doesn't just talk about the "good stuff" and his successes, he talks about the low points. That's important to me because reading about how one overcomes obstacles helps me in my own business - and I think that's true for others. I think people will relate to his story of searching for satisfaction in his work. Very well written.
Inspirational story, a must read!
This is a great success story in business and the search for a purposeful life. Frank shares several life lessons experienced during his journey from early entrepreneur and sports fan to becoming a successful business owner. The book offers valuable lessons to anyone that has the entrepreneurial spirit and is looking for proof that they can be successful if they have the resilience and put in the work.
Life lessons galore
I won this book as part of a a Goodreads giveaway. There were many life lessons inside but was uncomfortable with all the Tony Robbins references
A Wild Ride
I loved the story because it drew me in with the simple honesty of the real ride entrepreneurs take. The author's candid view into each stage of his company's growth has both somehow reassured me of where I am on my journey and gives me hope about the future excitement that is in store for me ahead. Thank you for this great intimate look at building a business and and an outstanding nod to highly effective tools for growth!
Read this book
Wonderful Book. Easy to read and makes some great points on how to work with more focus and passion. It is not always easy to be an Entrepreneur but this book gives you real tools to help you regardless if you are just starting or have been running your business for years.
Inspiring!
I picked up this book and couldn't put it down! Very inspiring; a story with practical lessons on overcoming setbacks and naysayers and living your dream.
Reignite your life passion and goals!
This engaging book offers encouragement while offering a realistic look at the difficult path an entrepreneur often encounters. His inspiring journey provides an inside look at the determination needed to succeed. A great gift for college students and adults. Whether one is writing career goals or struggling to stay focused on their dream, this book will reignite passion and purpose.
Astounding
I absolutely loved this book! Reading the trials and tribulations that Frank went through in order to create his company was nothing short of extraordinary. This is a true story of entrepreneurship and the good ol’ American spirit! Every young entrepreneur and seasoned entrepreneur should add this book to their repertoire!
A Must read!
You will not be disappointed with this read. Frank is such an inspirational person that you don’t want to put his book down.
We have a Winner folks!!
Frank does an amazing job detailing his story of success and having a children of my own in high school and 1st year in college tying to figure there direction in life. We are all reading this. I can truly say our lives with be better knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you Frank!
For once, a book based on real life!!!
As someone who has built three different multi-million dollar companies I've read so many of these "experts" that promote the standard generic ideas, generally rehashed from another "expert". Frank tells it like it is in this amazingly candid and honest story of his success. Highly recommended.
Pursue your passion!
I loved the authenticity of Frank Fiume’s story. I could sense the drive to push through the toughest moments with no plan B. Great read for young adults just trying to find a path and a great reminder to keep your head down and keep plowing forward. A great recovery from bankruptcy to millionaire. An American success story! Great Read!
Advice from experience “Try this at home”
So many people quit when the going gets tough, it’s great to get actual advice from someone who didn’t. It’s also in an easy to read format that helpful when you need to go back and reread that “perfect advice”.
Inspiring and a page turner-what a great story
Very well written and so hard to put down! What a great story of inspiration and chasing after your goals. Anyone absolutely can benefit from this book!!
This is a Must read.
Fantastic read filled with lessons for growth, from resilience, perseverance, discipline and dedication. Turn your passion purpose into a business.
great read!
Great book about a really inspirational entrepreneurial story. Helpful for anyone considering a career change to pursue their dreams
Never Give Up!
Enjoyed reading this inspirational book on discovering your purpose and having the perseverance to follow your dreams!
Great purchase
Great read
Great read!
Inspiring book and Frank's passion is electric. Great read for any business owner.
A Must Read!
A truly inspirational read on never giving up on your dreams. Go pick up a copy!
