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Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from Forty-Two Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business
Anyone can make it in business.
Contrary to what you might have heard, you don’t need a degree from a prestigious university. The market and economy don’t control your bottom line. And taking a few hits doesn’t mean you can’t find success.
Phillip Cantrell knows this firsthand. With a 4-4-2 win-loss-tie record, he has founded and/or led ten separate businesses that span the spectrum of success. He understands growth is directly related to your willingness to cultivate the right mindset and put in the effort. Unvarnished and raw, Failing My Way to Success illuminates the pathways Cantrell traveled to build a business that generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue. His personal story illustrates the importance of hard work, tenacity, and honest self-reflection.
Learn how to scale and streamline processes for maximum gains. Examine the importance of character development when you’re the boss. Let Failing My Way to Success encourage you and inspire you to greatness.
Contrary to what you might have heard, you don’t need a degree from a prestigious university. The market and economy don’t control your bottom line. And taking a few hits doesn’t mean you can’t find success.
Phillip Cantrell knows this firsthand. With a 4-4-2 win-loss-tie record, he has founded and/or led ten separate businesses that span the spectrum of success. He understands growth is directly related to your willingness to cultivate the right mindset and put in the effort. Unvarnished and raw, Failing My Way to Success illuminates the pathways Cantrell traveled to build a business that generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue. His personal story illustrates the importance of hard work, tenacity, and honest self-reflection.
Learn how to scale and streamline processes for maximum gains. Examine the importance of character development when you’re the boss. Let Failing My Way to Success encourage you and inspire you to greatness.
248 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 11, 2026
Failing My Way to Success by Phillip Cantrell is a powerful and practical guide for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business leadership. What makes this book truly compelling is its honesty, rather than presenting success as a straight path, Cantrell shows how setbacks, mistakes, and difficult decisions can become the very foundation for long-term achievement.
Drawing from more than forty years of real-world experience, the author shares valuable insights into building companies from the ground up, managing growth, and navigating complex processes like mergers, acquisitions, and business sales. The advice on maintaining strong financial discipline, especially understanding cash flow and operating with clarity around accounts receivable, is both simple and incredibly impactful.
Beyond the business strategies, the book also highlights the human side of leadership. Cantrell emphasizes the importance of thoughtful delegation, careful observation, working smarter, and leading with compassion, principles that help create sustainable and resilient organizations.
This isn’t just another business book filled with theory; it’s a collection of real lessons from someone who has truly lived the entrepreneurial journey. A highly motivating and insightful read for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities.
Drawing from more than forty years of real-world experience, the author shares valuable insights into building companies from the ground up, managing growth, and navigating complex processes like mergers, acquisitions, and business sales. The advice on maintaining strong financial discipline, especially understanding cash flow and operating with clarity around accounts receivable, is both simple and incredibly impactful.
Beyond the business strategies, the book also highlights the human side of leadership. Cantrell emphasizes the importance of thoughtful delegation, careful observation, working smarter, and leading with compassion, principles that help create sustainable and resilient organizations.
This isn’t just another business book filled with theory; it’s a collection of real lessons from someone who has truly lived the entrepreneurial journey. A highly motivating and insightful read for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities.
August 18, 2025
Failing My Way to Success was a very informative, and eye-opening read. I typically am not one for anything other than fiction, however this book was recommended and I am glad that I read it. It is not a difficult read, and was fairly quick to absorb, cover to cover. I do plan to read this again because it is so packed with information and tips that I know that I have missed some things.
Mr. Cantrell took his real world experience in many industries, real estate being heavily referenced, and put it all out there as a way to show that if you have the right attitude, you can accomplish anything. He discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly in regards to entrepreneurship while still putting out the message that if you dream of being a business owner, then you should go for it.
His book tells of how he became the man he is today, and truly gives others the tools and the push in the right direction that many need to be successful. I enjoyed reading the stories that Phillip put into his book to back up the information and tools he was providing. Overall, this is a five star read and well worth the time and money (to buy the book).
Mr. Cantrell took his real world experience in many industries, real estate being heavily referenced, and put it all out there as a way to show that if you have the right attitude, you can accomplish anything. He discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly in regards to entrepreneurship while still putting out the message that if you dream of being a business owner, then you should go for it.
His book tells of how he became the man he is today, and truly gives others the tools and the push in the right direction that many need to be successful. I enjoyed reading the stories that Phillip put into his book to back up the information and tools he was providing. Overall, this is a five star read and well worth the time and money (to buy the book).
April 18, 2026
There’s something refreshing about a business book that doesn’t pretend success comes easy, and that’s exactly what Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from Forty Two Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business delivers. Phillip Cantrell shares a career filled with both achievements and hard lessons, giving readers a realistic view of what it takes to succeed.
The book does an excellent job of breaking down key business principles, especially around financial discipline and operational structure. The emphasis on knowing your numbers and maintaining control over cash flow is particularly relevant. Cantrell also provides valuable insights into scaling businesses responsibly and preparing for major transitions like selling a company.
Another strong point is the discussion of purpose beyond financial gain. It adds depth and highlights the importance of long term thinking in both business and life.
Overall, this book combines practical advice with honest reflection. It’s a meaningful and informative read for anyone who wants to approach entrepreneurship with clarity, discipline, and a long, term mindset.
The book does an excellent job of breaking down key business principles, especially around financial discipline and operational structure. The emphasis on knowing your numbers and maintaining control over cash flow is particularly relevant. Cantrell also provides valuable insights into scaling businesses responsibly and preparing for major transitions like selling a company.
Another strong point is the discussion of purpose beyond financial gain. It adds depth and highlights the importance of long term thinking in both business and life.
Overall, this book combines practical advice with honest reflection. It’s a meaningful and informative read for anyone who wants to approach entrepreneurship with clarity, discipline, and a long, term mindset.
April 18, 2026
If you’re looking for a business book grounded in real experience, Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from Forty Two Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business is a strong choice. Phillip Cantrell brings decades of hands on knowledge into a clear and engaging narrative. What makes this book different is its focus on both progress and setbacks, offering a balanced perspective on entrepreneurship.
The insights into financial management and deal-making are especially valuable. Cantrell explains complex topics like acquisitions and scaling in a way that feels accessible and practical. I also appreciated the emphasis on leadership habits, including observation and effective delegation.
Beyond strategy, the book explores what it takes to sustain success over time. It doesn’t just focus on growth but also on maintaining stability and direction. This makes it useful for both new entrepreneurs and experienced business owners looking to refine their approach.
The insights into financial management and deal-making are especially valuable. Cantrell explains complex topics like acquisitions and scaling in a way that feels accessible and practical. I also appreciated the emphasis on leadership habits, including observation and effective delegation.
Beyond strategy, the book explores what it takes to sustain success over time. It doesn’t just focus on growth but also on maintaining stability and direction. This makes it useful for both new entrepreneurs and experienced business owners looking to refine their approach.
April 18, 2026
Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from Forty Two Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business by Phillip Cantrell is a refreshingly honest and practical business read. Instead of offering vague inspiration, the author shares real experiences from decades of building and leading companies. The lessons on financial discipline, especially understanding cash flow daily, are incredibly valuable. I also appreciated the transparency around failures and how they shaped better decisions over time. This book doesn’t sugarcoat entrepreneurship, it equips you with the mindset and tools needed to navigate it. A highly recommended guide for anyone serious about growing or sustaining a business.
April 18, 2026
What immediately stands out in Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from Forty-Two Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business is its practical tone. Phillip Cantrell focuses on real experiences, highlighting both wins and setbacks. The insights on managing finances, scaling effectively, and staying disciplined are especially useful. It’s an engaging and informative read that provides clear, actionable lessons for anyone building or leading a business.
April 18, 2026
Right from the start, Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from Forty-Two Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business stands out for its honesty. Phillip Cantrell shares practical lessons on resilience, decision making, and financial awareness. It’s a straightforward and insightful read that offers real value for entrepreneurs at any stage.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews