Reviews

“Conquering Your Adversities is the spellbinding story of how Dr. Ken Polke, who grew up in the Mafia-controlled neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, succeeded in becoming an NFL quarterback and, ultimately, a doctor. If you love reading about the Mafia, and following the life of an accomplished athlete and doctor through his life, then this is the book for you. With Ken’s ‘how to’ process, you will get guidance on how you too can succeed.”

— Leo Higley, Founder & Past President of Higley & Company, Founder & Past Vice-President of Infoworld, Inc., aka Advizex Technologies


“This powerful and dynamic book provides a ‘how to’ on converting the realities of adversity into a source of personal and professional leadership and success. It’s an amazing ‘must read’ story of resilience and strength that helps you to understand what opportunities exist despite life’s trials and tribulations.”

— Susan Friedmann, CSP, International Best-Selling Author of Riches in Niches: How to Make it BIG in a small Market


“Crime or sports? It’s a hard choice many of our young people face today. Dr. Kenneth Polke shows how he made the better choice, and in the process, he encourages youths to do the same. Conquering Your Adversities, will inspire countless members of the younger generation.”

— Lyssa Danehy deHart, MSW, LICSW, PCC Transformational Coach and Author of StoryJacking: Change Your Inner Dialogue, Transform Your Life


“Dr. Kenneth Polke does not hold back in Conquering your Adversities. This inspirational, autobiographical tale tells the story of a true underdog rising up and claiming the American Dream despite formidable odds. Dr. Polke’s writing style is fun and laid back and will make you laugh while imparting his heartfelt wisdom. If you’ve ever felt like the weight of the world was bearing down on you, then this book is for you. Thank you, Dr. Polke, for reminding me that the good guys can indeed win! Parents: Read this book now, and then pass it along to your children. You can thank me later.”

— Julio A. Rodriguez, DDS, FICOI, Dental Arts of Sunset, Miami, Florida


“Conquering Your Adversities is delightful. Ken Polke writes in the manner and style in which I have encountered him—engaging, smart, and reflective. Not only does he give readers insight into the Boomer generation, but his reflective questions at the end of each chapter give readers an opportunity to go deeper into their lives to make clearer choices for their futures. These questions come out of the author’s faith background and are both self-help and spiritually-oriented. As a Catholic priest who lived through the years Ken writes about, I recommend this book for enjoyment and for the spiritual and historical journey you will encounter in its pages.”

— Father Raymond Thomas, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ashtabula, Ohio


“In today’s world full of glorified crime and declining values, Dr. Polke reminds us of an America that was better than that and can be again. He reveals his personal choices, including the occasional bad one, that led him to a lifetime of success, and now he’s ready to give back by offering this book to others in need.”

— Jimmy Hanlin, Host of The Swing Clinic and Co-Host of 18 Holes with Natalie Gulbis and Jimmy Hanlin, Fox Sports


“As a fellow student, colleague, and friend of Ken Polke for over thirty-five years, I can emphatically say that when I find a roadblock, I ultimately head back to Dr. Polke’s “blueprint” for ways to bounce and improve any situation. Conquering Your Adversities is a must read from the normal, work hard side of the tracks.”

— Robert Adornetto, DDS


“Conquering Your Adversities is a must-read book. It’s a slice of Americana. It’s a tale of an underdog achieving success. It’s a story of following one’s passion. It’s a tale of dealing with disappointments. It’s a great book for helping you make changes in your life and begin to create your own destiny!”

— Patrick Snow, Best-Selling Author of Creating Your Own Destiny and Boy Entrepreneur


“Ken Polke’s story makes Rudy look like a fairy tale. Conquering Your Adversities tells it like it is—showing how a hardworking middle class American can succeed against all odds and do so honestly when he pursues his dreams. Ken, you are a true warrior. You are my kind of guy.”

— Dr. Steven Rasner, DMD, MAGD, RealizingtheDream.com


“Through personal stories and penetrating questions, Dr. Kenneth Polke provides the reader with a roadmap for finding your inner truth amid chaos. We can all rise above our problems, and Conquering Your Adversities shows us how.”

— Nicole Gabriel, Author of Finding Your Inner Truth


“If you want to achieve your dreams, just make a change, or in any way get more out of your life, then read this book. It’ll help you become the champion of your life. It’s a masterpiece!”

— Duane Martinz, Author of Becoming Your Own Champion


“If you love tales of the Mafia, football, or stories of overcoming obstacles, then Conquering Your Adversities will knock your socks off, but best of all, it will inspire you to get out of your own way and go after your dreams. Ken Polke is the real deal when it comes to inspiration.”

— Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D. and award-winning author of Iron Pioneers and The Best Place


“Conquering Your Adversities tells the dynamic story of one man who, through hard work and good decisions, avoided a life of crime to become a success. Dr. Kenneth Polke’s story draws upon a nostalgic America of values, and it challenges us all to rise above our personal obstacles and strive for excellence.”

— Deanna Becket, Author of Cultivating Your Character


“Kenneth Polke’s life story stands as a true American success. A gritty tale that reflects on the true meaning of how one can overcome the most devastating adversity. Written with a challenge for all of us to look inside and face our own interpersonal reflections.”

— Darin Watkins, author of Chance for Glory: The Innovation and Triumph of the Washington State 1916 Rose Bowl Team


“In today’s world full of glorified crime and declining values, Dr. Polke reminds us of an America that was better than that and can be again. He reveals his personal choices, including the occasional bad one, that led him to a lifetime of success, and now he’s ready to give back by offering this book to others in need.”

— John Eberhard, President, Real Web Marketing Inc.