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Guardians of the Dream: The Enduring Legacy of America's Immigrants
Entrepreneurial Immigrant Spirit is the Heart of the American Dream
Is opportunity still available for those who work hard and play by the rules? Guardians of the Dream offers an inspiring view of our nation's promise, which for the past two centuries, has been championed by the legion of America's immigrants.
Paul Hsu, a business leader and entrepreneur who has built several successful companies, counters the negative narratives by recalling his own journey, and those of others, who have found the path to opportunity in a country that is like no other.
Born in Taiwan, Paul Hsu came to the United States as a young man and found a land where anything was possible. He writes inspiringly of his family's experience. "Our lives were often hard, but we didn't feel put upon," says author Paul Hsu. "We didn't think our struggle was unfair because my wife and I knew that it was only one step along the road. It took some time, but we succeeded. We had a belief that America had great opportunities, and that if we made sacrifices and stayed motivated, we wouldn't be held back because of class, race, or because we weren't born here. That is a unique aspect of America's character."
Guardians of the Dream makes the case that immigrants are an integral part of the American texture, and as such, are guardians of a lasting legacy. At its heart, America has always been-and continues to be-an immigrant nation. Hsu, a business owner, engineer, presidential appointee, and above all-proud American-tells stories of those who have fostered the entrepreneurial spirit and achieved great success, thus, enriching the economy and improving our ability to compete in the world. From a newly arrived immigrant with $500 to his name to building a $60 million company, Hsu is an inspiring example of that entrepreneurial immigrant spirit. The book attributes American immigrant dreamers with having the dedication and passion needed to be successful business entrepreneurs, and in turn, they offer a roadmap to success for others.
Hsu advises young people to adhere to the simple but profound values of hard work and self-discipline that have stood the test of time. The uplifting examples of individuals who have overcome great barriers to fulfill their dreams, further provides inspiration for Americans weary of economic or social challenges. "Challenges always existed," says Hsu. "Yet, we remain a global leader."
Guardians of the Dream challenges those who fear that America's greatness is fading by telling an optimistic and insightful story about the remarkable entrepreneurial immigrant spirit of those who make this country great.
Is opportunity still available for those who work hard and play by the rules? Guardians of the Dream offers an inspiring view of our nation's promise, which for the past two centuries, has been championed by the legion of America's immigrants.
Paul Hsu, a business leader and entrepreneur who has built several successful companies, counters the negative narratives by recalling his own journey, and those of others, who have found the path to opportunity in a country that is like no other.
Born in Taiwan, Paul Hsu came to the United States as a young man and found a land where anything was possible. He writes inspiringly of his family's experience. "Our lives were often hard, but we didn't feel put upon," says author Paul Hsu. "We didn't think our struggle was unfair because my wife and I knew that it was only one step along the road. It took some time, but we succeeded. We had a belief that America had great opportunities, and that if we made sacrifices and stayed motivated, we wouldn't be held back because of class, race, or because we weren't born here. That is a unique aspect of America's character."
Guardians of the Dream makes the case that immigrants are an integral part of the American texture, and as such, are guardians of a lasting legacy. At its heart, America has always been-and continues to be-an immigrant nation. Hsu, a business owner, engineer, presidential appointee, and above all-proud American-tells stories of those who have fostered the entrepreneurial spirit and achieved great success, thus, enriching the economy and improving our ability to compete in the world. From a newly arrived immigrant with $500 to his name to building a $60 million company, Hsu is an inspiring example of that entrepreneurial immigrant spirit. The book attributes American immigrant dreamers with having the dedication and passion needed to be successful business entrepreneurs, and in turn, they offer a roadmap to success for others.
Hsu advises young people to adhere to the simple but profound values of hard work and self-discipline that have stood the test of time. The uplifting examples of individuals who have overcome great barriers to fulfill their dreams, further provides inspiration for Americans weary of economic or social challenges. "Challenges always existed," says Hsu. "Yet, we remain a global leader."
Guardians of the Dream challenges those who fear that America's greatness is fading by telling an optimistic and insightful story about the remarkable entrepreneurial immigrant spirit of those who make this country great.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2014
About the author
Paul Hsu
1 book1 followerBorn in Taiwan, Paul came to the U.S. in 1976 as a first generation immigrant. After completing his M.S. in Industrial Management and Systems Engineering from the University of Central Missouri, he worked as an industrial engineer for Chesebrough-Ponds, then joined defense contractor Harris Corporation as a production engineer until he started his own company, Manufacturing Technology Incorporated (MTI) in 1984.
Dr. Paul Hsu is chairman of Hsu Enterprise Group, an energy management consulting company with offices in New York, Florida and Shanghai.
As chairman and chief executive, Paul grew MTI into a 450-employee military electronics company with annual revenues of $60 million. In addition to MTI, Paul has founded Total Parts Plus, an Internet-based data content provider, and ActiGraph, a medical device manufacturer.
A dedicated public servant, Paul was appointed associate administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Government Contracting and Business Development under President George W. Bush in 2007. In 2010, Paul was named to the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise. He has also been a member of the Civic Leaders Advisory Group to the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, as well as member of the President's Export Council.
In 2006, Paul served as National Chairman of the International Leadership Foundation in Washington, D.C., and established the Dr. Paul and Majes-Maggie Hsu Endowed Engineering Scholarship. Currently, he is a Senior Research Fellow on Energy Efficiency with the Harvard University Asia Center.
Paul obtained his Ph.D. in engineering management from LaSalle University and completed a three-year Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School
Paul and his wife live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They have three children.
Dr. Paul Hsu is chairman of Hsu Enterprise Group, an energy management consulting company with offices in New York, Florida and Shanghai.
As chairman and chief executive, Paul grew MTI into a 450-employee military electronics company with annual revenues of $60 million. In addition to MTI, Paul has founded Total Parts Plus, an Internet-based data content provider, and ActiGraph, a medical device manufacturer.
A dedicated public servant, Paul was appointed associate administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Government Contracting and Business Development under President George W. Bush in 2007. In 2010, Paul was named to the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise. He has also been a member of the Civic Leaders Advisory Group to the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, as well as member of the President's Export Council.
In 2006, Paul served as National Chairman of the International Leadership Foundation in Washington, D.C., and established the Dr. Paul and Majes-Maggie Hsu Endowed Engineering Scholarship. Currently, he is a Senior Research Fellow on Energy Efficiency with the Harvard University Asia Center.
Paul obtained his Ph.D. in engineering management from LaSalle University and completed a three-year Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School
Paul and his wife live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 9, 2014
This book is perfect for passionate entrepreneurs seeking inspiration or to generate worthy discussion among community book clubs and students alike. As a mother, it was a great match for my need to understand the state of the American dream - to know whether the land of opportunity will continue to hold promise for the future of my children. As an inspiring account of one man's American dream, it instills a sense of awe that only in America can an immigrant achieve so much with hard work, passion and commitment. A how-to guide to entrepreneurship in America, Guardians of the Dream reveals the lessons that can be gleaned from successful immigrants. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting and found it to be a most motivating book with a positive message for all Americans. To read this book is to understand why so many immigrants are willing to journey so far just to live in the place we all so easily take for granted.
May 7, 2014
As a second-generation immigrant (my mother came to the US from The Philippines when she was in her early 20s), this book holds a lot of significance to me. It is incredibly inspirational to read about Dr. Paul Hsu's amazing success story. He is truly a man to look up to. Guardians of the Dream isn't just Dr. Hsu's story, however; it is our story as Americans. Dr. Hsu's words are so important during these controversial times, and his business acumen lends to wonderful advice for any businessperson.
July 30, 2016
Guardians of the Dream is a great story about an immigrant coming to America to live the American Dream and succeeding. Paul Hsu, the author, says he came to America from Taiwan with no more than $500 and created a large company that profited millions of dollars a year. The book doesn't just focus on Paul's entrepreneur story but his family life and the people that helped him along the way. It is a very inspirational and motivational story that I recommend for anyone to read.
June 4, 2014
Great book! In all honesty this is one the most inspiring stories I've read in a long time. How someone can just pick up and leave everything they have ever known to start a new life in a foreign country is amazing by itself. But to build several successful businesses and secure the financial future of their whole family for a generation to come is amazing. That's the American Dream!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews