Robert Renteria had a story to tell. Raised by his hard-working mother after being abandoned by a drug-addicted father when he was three, Robert grew up in the crime-infested barrio of East L.A. where he was stabbed, shot at, and both used and dealt drugs. But unlike many Latinos, Robert found the strength to make the right choices and avoid the sad destiny that would cripple other Latinos. Today, he is a successful business owner with a powerful desire to help others overcome their obstacles and achieve the American Dream.

After listening to Robert's story, we recognized the importance of sharing his inspiring message of hope with at-risk youth, underprivileged people who see no possibilities, and those trapped in corporate America who feel that their fate is already sealed. Together with Robert, we determined that a book, supported by marketing and publicity, would deliver the results that Robert sought and send his life and purpose in a new direction.

In 2006, Robert teamed with our company's founder, Corey Blake, to put his life into words. Corey and our support staff spent more than a year developing the manuscript for this powerful story. We implemented two focus group studies and hired multiple independent editors within his demographic to gauge his impact and fine-tune his words. Writers of the Round Table also managed and implemented the design of his website (www.fromthebarrio.com), his business cards, advertorials, book launch, marketing and public relations strategy. His well-crafted memoir, From the Barrio to the Board Room, was published by Writers of the Round Table Press in March 2008 and is now available on Amazon.com and www.writersoftheroundtable.com.

But the story doesn't end there. We are continuing to partner with this dynamic, inspiring man to ensure that his message spreads as far as possible. We are working with Robert to continue to develop the complete brand for this important message to ensure that at-risk youth, educators, and parents can benefit from this message of hope and love.

Prior to the release of his book, Robert invested in a pre-sale marketing and publicity campaign. As a result, he has been invited to speak to a variety of high schools and middle schools, universities, and community groups. So committed to sharing his story, Robert has waived speaking fees and instead asked that groups purchase copies of From the Barrio to the Board Room and distribute them gratis to the youth and other members of their communities. One member of the earlier focus groups was so impressed with Robert's message that she has become an ardent supporter, publicizing his story to various groups and media. After one event that she had organized, where Robert was ?Principal for a Day? at an inner-city school, numerous speaking invitations streamed in, as well as requests for interviews.

Within the same month, Robert was profiled in The Beacon of Aurora and La Raza, a prominent Hispanic newspaper in the Chicago area. He is being featured in the upcoming issue of Hispanic Executive Quarterly and has appeared on local television networks. Robert has also been asked to narrate a documentary for a local prison where he will interview life-term inmates for the benefit of at-risk children. Lastly, Robert was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and spotlighted by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a member to watch. All of this notoriety occurred before the book's release, fueled by the power of the word-of-mouth marketing that Robert and Writers of the Round Table have triggered!

On April 25, 2008, Robert will host a Red Carpet event in his hometown of Aurora, Illinois, to celebrate the publication of his book. The Barrio Book Launch, however, will reflect Robert's steadfast commitment to serving his community and will act as a benefit to Hesed House. This local, nonprofit organization is working diligently to end homelessness in the area, one person and one family at a time. Robert and Writers of the Round Table have teamed up to produce an event that will bring together caring people of the community who can celebrate the Latino culture while also participating in a food drive and silent auction whose proceeds will go toward supporting Hesed House.

Robert Renteria's story — and his passion — continues to spread a positive message and bring new opportunities. We are honored to be a partner in his efforts to make a difference in the world around him.

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