Thomas Derale, a mild-mannered businessman from Chicago, embodies leadership's greatest secret: his companies make fortunes, and his people and customers love him. At age 55, though, Derale is dying, and through a series of final encounters with key people in his life, we learn about the true impact the man and his work have had on the people around him. A business parable with a difference, THE BIG FIVE FOR LIFE is a story of great leadership and a powerful reminder that successful leaders are not just in the business of business - they are in the business of life.

Following a life changing event when he was thirty-three years old, John was inspired to sit down and tell the story of The Cafe on the Edge of the World. Within a year after its release, word of mouth support from readers had spread the book across the globe, inspiring people on every continent. It has been translated into forty-two languages. All of which continues to humble and amaze him.
John's books have sold more than 6 million copies and include Return to the Café on the Edge of the World, Reconnection: A Third Visit to the Café on the Edge of the World, Life Safari, The Big Five for Life, The Big Five for Life Continued, Ahas!: Moments of Inspired Thought, Ahas! Volume II: More Moments of Inspired Thought, Follow Where Your Heart Guides and What I've Learned: Reflections on Living a Fulfilled Life.
When he's not writing, John is often out traveling. His family's longest adventure was a year-long backpacking trip around the world.