Dragon Books' Press

“What’s in a Name?”

          Dennis Archer and Mike Ilitch.   Two individuals whose names alone evoke a certain enviable connotation.  What with their customs suits, distinguished resumes and impressive social circles, such an inference is almost unavoidable.  Yes, it would be easy to assume that the bearers of such polished appellations were born with silver spoons in their mouths – that they did not have to truly work hard to get where they are.

            But the fact remains that Archer – who climbed the ranks from successful attorney to State Supreme Court Justice to Michigan State Bar President to two-term Detroit City Mayor to the first person of color to hold the office of President of the American Bar Association – reached success as someone who grew up in a rural neighborhood where he would boil his own bath water in a metal tub and was working by the age of 10.  Likewise, Ilitch – who today is one of the most successful entrepreneurs to emerge form Metro Detroit – began his illustrious career by going door to door selling pots and pans to support his own family, all the while living in his parents’ flat on Chalfonte and Monica.

            Indeed, a name is not just a name.  It is an everyday reminder, a perennial symbol of who our fathers are and what they strived to achieve.  Every day that we walk out of our doors, we not only have a responsibility to create a name for ourselves and future generations, but we also have a chance to pay homage to our families and their legacies.

            The following four people – Cynthia Ford, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Patrick Kennedy, and Jay Penske – all face the same challenge of having a surname that carries such international notoriety that it demands a tremendous amount of responsibility.  All of these individuals have chosen to embrace their family name while charting their own path and creating their own successes.  For this, we ask our readers to ponder, “What’s in a name?” 

            Have you ever imagined what life would be like if something as simple as your own last name held national (and international) power and prestige?  Do you think life might be easier?  Would it be more of a challenge?  Ambassador asked four of today’s most famous names about the perks and perils of living with a legendary surname…..

Cars.  Not only are they a pivotal part of our lives in the Metro Detroit area, but they are also a vital force around the world.  So imagine the significance for Jay Penske, son of automotive royalty whose surname is synonymous with driving.

            “My brothers were already doing tremendous jobs running various businesses at Penske Corp., and I was never comfortable with the idea of their shaking things up just so they could squeeze in another desk at the office, “ says Penske, who is founder, chairman, CEO, and director of his own IT company, Velocity Services, Inc. “I love cars, but my own strengths lie more in technology, the web, wireless….and old books.  And so while I’m always happy to assist the family business in any way I can, ultimately I’m happier pursuing my own entrepreneurial interests.”

            Though Penske’s pursuits have taken him decidedly off the automotive track, his choices have nonetheless been a credit to the family name.  “I’m presently and primarily involved in three businesses and I am just realizing a lifelong dream, which is the opening of Dragon Books, an antiquarian bookstore in Los Angeles.  Developing different kinds of businesses, from the drawing board to the marketplace, is what excites me every day.”

            As he continues, “My dad has set a solid example for my siblings and me by constantly emphasizing the idea that ‘effort equals results.’  The pressure is in living up to his standards of hard work and integrity.  But I consider that more of a daily challenge, and the basis of my own work ethic.”

            Based in California, for Penske, Detroit is in his heart and is a place he’d like to see flourish.  “I did spend of few of my most memorable years in Detroit, especially my time playing hockey.  My advice is to develop and expand new and existing industries and jobs in Detroit, especially those in information technology, educational services, biotech and healthcare.  I think the city must be constantly thinking of lessening its reliance on the automotive sector.  “Now who would have thought they’d hear that from a Penske?”

viagra soft tabs

s