Fire in the Hole!: The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success

5 5 out of 5 stars | 216 ratings

Price: 17.5

Last update: 01-03-2025


About this item

In Fire in the Hole!, Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, shares his story of extraordinary success as a self-made serial entrepreneur.

Born in the tough town of East Baltimore to parents who were inveterate gamblers, billionaire philanthropist Bob Parsons’ early years were marked by hardship and financial struggle. While he vowed his own children would never lack for anything, never did he imagine the wealth he would one day amass as the founder of Parsons Technology, GoDaddy, PXG Golf, and YAM Worldwide.

In his literary debut, Fire in the Hole!, this extraordinary entrepreneur recounts the exploits of his youth, his hellish days at the mercy of Catholic school nuns, his harrowing tour of combat duty in Vietnam as a US Marine, his pioneering contributions to the software and internet industries, and his latest ventures in power sports, golf, real estate, and marketing.

Along the way, we witness his remarkable resilience as he copes with his mother’s mental illness and his father’s struggles, battles PTSD resulting from both his childhood and war traumas, and mounts a quest to find new and effective treatments for himself and others who suffer from this affliction. He strongly supports veterans organizations, and believing in the concept of paying it forward, has awarded grants to more than ninety-six charities and organizations worldwide through the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Perhaps the only thing that has come easy to Parsons is his gift for storytelling. His reflections are at turns heartbreaking, heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring. If ever there were a story about a self-made man whose wealth can be measured as much by the contents of his heart as by the contents of his bank account, this is it.

More than anything, Fire in the Hole! is a “can’t pause,” damn good listen!


Top reviews from the United States

  • Michael Olmsted
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really good story and book even if written in Crayon
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
    I’ve always credited the Army for my success. I thinks Bob’s acknowledgement of the same for the Marines is something more younger Veterans need to understand that their service was more about real growth than they realize
    Again great story and great success. Now if I can find some PXG clubs to try.
  • LB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible combination of hope and humor delivered in spades.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024
    If you haven't read "Fire in the Hole" by Bob Parsons, you're missing out on something truly remarkable! It's a must-read book that's authentic, compelling, and entertaining while also offering real-world lessons for life and business. There is something in it for absolutely everyone. Trust me; it's an easy read and totally worth your time.
  • Timothy Murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Very interesting and informative book.Parsons
    writes from the heart adding humor with know-
    ledge.An American success story.Great patriot,
    entrepreneur and story teller.An all around fun
    read.Semper Fidelis.Welcome home brother.
  • Joe Fucci
    4.0 out of 5 stars well done, a good example of never quitting
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
    A great look at how the military experience and near death situations will result in beneficial character building. From the trials and tribulations and dealing with life and death and still be resilient enough to learn, benefit, mature and make a tremendous contribution to society.
    Night stalkers Don’t quit. NSDQ
  • The Weekend Golfer
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have read in a long time. Period!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    The book brought back a lot of memories, growing up, school, military experience, GoDaddy and the Internet, and my love for golf. Recommended highly!
  • Brian Storme
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kaboom Baby!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2024
    I've made more Amazon purchases than I'll ever be able to count and this is the first time I've ever been compelled to leave a review about anything! Bob Parsons is the real deal..raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest with the reader and himself. This book has something for everyone: whether you're a veteran, leader, entrepreneur, CEO, trauma survivor.. you name it. This book hit me harder than I could've expected, with so many relatable stories and amazing lessons and advice that apply to both personal and professional life. Thank you for sharing your story Mr Parsons.
  • Greg Lehne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Parables of a life well lived
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
    I hate the title but loved the book. Bob Parsons is a magnificent storyteller. This memoir consists of 33 brief chapters in chronological order, each telling a story from his life, which like parables mostly have a message. He had an interesting life – from a traumatic childhood to being a Marine, and then tremendous success in technology and business. I don’t know if reading this book will make you as happy as Bob Parsons (“We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time”) or as wealthy (“Passion is a wonderful driver for success.”) but it can’t hurt and you will enjoy every minute of it.
  • Sue Pierce
    5.0 out of 5 stars Looove this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
    This book is outstanding! I enjoyed it from beginning to end while laughing, crying and everything in between. I appreciate how raw and genuine Bob is as he takes the reader through his journey. I’ve never highlighted so many quotes in a kindle book - soooo many insights and life lessons that we can all learn from. I feel very fortunate that I worked for GoDaddy during the last couple of years Bob was there. I still work there to this day and appreciate the amazing and unique company culture he built from the ground up.

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