Testimonials

The “Cajun Rambo” shows true leadership grit in business and in life. Marvin LeBlanc has put together a compelling collection of stories, anecdotes, lessons learned, and inspiring guidelines for overcoming adversity in both business and in life. Not only is Marvin the head of a very successful financial services practice in New Orleans but he is also a professional speaker who helps small business owners lead smarter, sell more, and rediscover the joy of business.

"We are filled with admiration at your strength in dealing with yet another weather-related disaster.  You are the heart and soul of what our industry is all about.  Thank you for giving our company the face of caring, concern, ingenuity and an indomitable spirit.  We love you all.   We send our prayers and best wishes to you and to all in the City of New Orleans." Nancy Pipinich LUTCF

“It was good to visit with you at the national convention in New Orleans..  It was also very good to hear the reaction of those who were at the meeting about your presentation.  They were not only impressed with all you went through and where you are now, but they all thought they learned some good things to take back to their office”. C.M. Winderl

“I was at the Small Business Seminar for the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce this pass Wednesday. Your presentation was on Customer Service was splendid!” -E.J. Scott

I mention this because... when Marvin writes about going from Katrina to Chairman's Circle in two years - it's not theory, it's not motivation, it's not fluff - it is what he has DONE and what he helps other small business owners and entrepreneurs DO on a daily basis. The photos in this book are also striking in how they portray incredible devastation (and incredible resilience) in the people of New Orleans.

Whether you're after professional inspiration, personal motivation, or in-the-trenches business lessons on sales, leadership, and managing a team of significance - this is the book you need to read. Buy three copies - one for yourself, one for your boss - and one for your significant other because these lessons are just as valuable at home as they are at work! – David Newman (Do It! Marketing)

Marvin LeBlanc is a friend of mine who is an agent in Jefferson, LA. His story is a unique one. Katrina wiped out his entire agency and it became necessary for him to move and literally start all over again. Marvin went through a difficult period in his life, but as the winner he is, took on this monumental change with a positive, can-do attitude. He has not only rebuilt his agency into a very successful one, but has shared his inspirational story in both print and in personal appearances all over the country. He is truly the epitome of, “When life hands you a lemon, squeeze it, add some sugar and water and make yourself a lemonade.” - Steve Borklund (Steve Borklund Insurance Agency)

“Thank you for writing, “Come Hell or High Water”. The stories are very heart wrenching, but full of so much life and hope as well. Love how it all comes together in the “Marvelous Moments”. Truly great questions to ponder.” – Kathie Fitzgerald, (Agency Training Specialist)

Much more than mere motivation! This book is more than just a story of persistence and determination, although it is all of that too. The book gives readers solid tools to use to find a path to the next level. While there are many lessons from Katrina, some of the keys of this book include setting the right goals, focusing on the right things and working toward the right end. Terrific book! - Dr. Mary C. Kelly (CDR U.S. Navy Retired)

Marv, just finished your book (slow reader). I thoroughly enjoyed it! You did a great job of helping the reader not only visualize and feel the pain of this catastrophic event, but also how to positively react to such a crisis, offering solutions to help him overcome the obstacles and move on with his life! I strongly recommend it to anyone who is suffering from "stinking thinking" or the "why me" syndrome or for that matter, anyone who wants to learn how to overcome any of life's many challenges! Thanks,Cliff Ourso – (Clifton Ourso Insurance Agency)

I just read your "Stop Focusing on the Bad" piece for Life Insurance Selling's e-newsletter. I have NEVER written an email/note in regards to the stories I have read in this journal. Yours is the first. It really hit home. Many people tell me that they don't think I have ever had bad day. I am the son of a man who has never had a bad day. Maybe it's hereditary? 

Your phrase, "bad moments, but not bad days" will stick with me forever! Nothing frustrates me more than seeing someone become overwhelmed by the "bad" and take on a "woe is me" attitude. If everyone took heed of your article, we would live in a much better and happier place. Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough! Ben Cairns – (Crain Communications)

A Guide to a Better Business Life! 
After getting laid off the week before Christmas my wife gave me this book as a gift, and the week leading up to New Years I sat down and dived into the book and what I read changed my perspective on how I viewed my layoff and how I was going to proceed into 2012. Right after the layoff I was depressed about our situation and the prospects of finding a job in this tough economy, however after reading through the book I realized if the author survived Katrina and rebounded to new heights in its wake, a layoff wasn't going to keep me down. The book helped me to identify my personal Katrina's and chart my goals into 2012 through the thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter.

It's a great short read that will inspire you & help you to plan. After reading the book I mapped my goals, gave myself a reality check, and I have landed one big consulting contract while I work on others and I am starting a service business in conjunction with my consulting work. Great read and thankful for my wife who gave me this gift, and the author (not bad for a guy from the bayou). – Brad Heutmaker (Director of National Accounts – Moss Affiliate Marketing) Rochester, New York

The simpicity is refreshing.  Much of what Marvin touches on we once learned but have forgotten. Kevin Taylor, NAIFA Birmingham Chapter 

Thank you so much for your time, your smile, your enthusiasm and being exactly what this 20 year Insurance Agent needed at a turning point in my life. - Carrie Kuhel (Carrie Kuhel Insurance Agency) Tacoma, Washington

I am 60 and trying to decide where I can be of significance in the remainder of my living years. Marvin shared many ideas that I will take back home that will play a major role in making this decision. David Wilson, NAIFA Birmingham Chapter 

The title of the book says it all. Marvin LeBlanc has been through hell or high water literally. This is the first hand account of the trials of a small business owner who lived through Katrina and not only just a small business owner but an insurance agent to boot! Not only does Marvin share the story, he shares the wisdom and helps us create our own plan for the trials and catastrophe's that WILL come in our lives. Marvin’s folksy, Cajun way of sharing is refreshing and straightforward, two traits sadly missing in today's world. C'est bon Marvin! – W.K. McElhaney (W.K. McElhaney Insurance Agency) Mobile, Alabama

A must-read for anyone who’s had setbacks in life. Marvin LeBlanc has written a great book about overcoming obstacles and gaining clarity moving forward. The stories are very good and make the book interesting and easy to read. By the way, he's a great public-speaker as well. The man has a heart as big as Louisiana! – Yvonne Kendall (Yvonne Kendall Insurance Agency) Campbell, California

I enjoyed this book so much I have read it twice. With everything Marvin LeBlanc went through with hurricane Katrina, losing his office, home and business, and still maintain his sanity and a very positive attitude is truly inspirational. The lessons included in the book to improve our personal and business lives are invaluable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a well laid out plan for self-improvement, both personally and professionally. - Mike Stoiber (Michael J. Stoiber Insurance Agency) Pittsburg, California

Hurricane Katrina did not create the positive mental and emotional habits, which are the essence of Marvin LeBlanc. It merely shined the spotlight on his belief in the ultimate good of his fellow humans and his own heartfelt desire to be a good citizen.

Word spread of the influence of his uplifting spirit in the direst of circumstances, first locally, (where he is now a legend), then regionally, and now nationally. His book is one of the most condensed healing and inspiring antidotes for self-pity that one can ingest. Even if you are feeling good, reading this book will make you feel better. An hour spent between the covers of "Come Hell or High Water," has the power to change your life. – Brooks Tish (Brooks Tish Insurance Agency) Kirkland, Washington

Marvin's book, “Come Hell or High Water” is written straight from the heart. It is about being a Hero in business, as an employer and most importantly in life. Touching first-hand account of overcoming the challenges faced in a life and death crisis. – Dianne Newman Pippin (Dianne Pippin Insurance Agency) Portland, Maine

Marvin has written a very compelling book. It is always important to be reminded that no matter what challenges we face in life or in our business somebody else has had to climb a higher mountain than you have had to climb and endure more than you have had to endure. Marvin's attitude carried him through his Katrina "hell" and he has sound advice for anyone who wants to embrace it on how to boldly succeed in the midst of a crisis. Pretty darn amazing! – Rachel Alexander (Rachel Alexander Insurance Agency) Shoreline, Washington

This is a very good, quick read that illustrates the passion he has for his business. His “32 Commandments of Teamwork” make the book well worth the read. You will also find the compassion and generosity that makes America the greatest country in the world to live in. Thanks Marvin for your generosity! – Ron Niederhaus (Ron Niederhaus Insurance Agency) Omaha, Nebraska

Inspirational! I purchased the Kindle version of this book and it is one of the few that I have kept even after reading. I am working on my second read through it so I can apply the principles and really use the worksheets. The book really brought to life the struggles and challenges of the people of New Orleans. Definitely worth adding to your reading list! - Alise Greene (ALISE GREENE INSURANCE AGENCY) SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA 

What a great book! I have read the book twice. The first time I read it was before a meeting with Marvin in St. Louis and then after that I re-read the book and was able to really understand the meaning of the book and how you have to tug on your boots, adjust your sails, which is your attitude and make changes in your life. Marvin is an amazing man and his story is an amazing story of making the most of your life when a Hurricane has changed everything in your life. Take the time to give it a read. - Jack Wallace (Jack Wallace Insurance Agency) Houston, Texas

Marvin LeBlanc knows adversity. As the owner of an insurance agency in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck, he lost his agency, home and team. "Come Hell or High Water" is the story of his mental transformation as he rebuilds his agency and life. What a blessing for him to share the lessons and techniques he learned. – Pauline Pesek (Pauline Pesek Insurance Agency) Omaha, Nebraska

Marvin's book reminds us we all have our Katrina's and we can learn from this book on how to handle it. This book is no more a book about Katrina as Shaw Shank Redemptions is a prison movie. It is so much more, however yes you will learn about Katrina from a person who lived it and took action to help a community recover. It is rare for a book to have work sheets for you to work through your Katrina. I would recommend this book to anyone young or old. Thank you Marvin for helping me with my Katrina, my business! – Don Clements (Don Clements Insurance Agency) Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Marvin LeBlanc is an inspiring Individual. He has done an incredible job of weaving, not only his important life lessons, but also lessons learned during Katrina, into the most inspiring book I've read lately. The pictures in the book along with the personal stories will provide a source of motivation for everyone who reads this book. Get it, read it, and be ready to be moved emotionally. – Stephen J. Suggs (SalesManage.com) Chattanooga, Tennessee

“Marvin—Thank you so much for coming to visit with us on Saturday.  You were great and gave all of us, including me, some things to think about.” – Christine J. Bailey