Farm Boy in the Fast Lane

About this book

Growing up on a small farm in Central Pennsylvania, John H. Gilliland came from humble beginnings, where he learned to work hard and work smart. John's father and grandfather, both dreamers and entrepreneurs, taught young John how to treat people, negotiate deals, and build multiple streams of income. By the time John graduated from high school, the foundation for his success was laid.When John's plans to work alongside his father as a dairy farmer were dashed by outside forces, he entered the world of commercial real estate brokerage. Eighteen months later, John earned his first commission. John persevered through the ups and downs of the markets until he discovered the self storage industry. The business appeal was so great that John quit his job and "bet the farm," opening his own business focused solely on self storage. That decision put John on a steady, meteoric rise until the Great Recession upended everything. Only through sheer determination did John escape bankruptcy.Using the spirit and tools John learned from his father and grandfather, John excelled in self storage, becoming a visionary and national leader. Today, John has the financial means and the space to pursue his dreams. These include traveling the world, hunting and fishing, engaging in conservation, collecting and racing Porsches, and spending time with family.John's story is one of business grit and acumen, but it's more than that. The Gillilands are a family of storytellers, and this book is full of ordinary people, homespun values, and shenanigans that will make you laugh.All proceeds from this book will support Pink Power and the Self Storage Association Foundation Scholarship Program, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.