The Value Equation - by Christopher H Volk (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Corporate wealth creation stands at the center of our national economic prosperity. Most of us work for businesses. And it turns out that the richest among us did more than simply control spending, avoid debt, and accumulate investment assets. The very wealthiest Americans either made their money by owning a business or by inheriting money from family members that did. The investment assets they accumulated were centered in their own business endeavors. This book is designed to walk the reader through the simple financial drivers behind business wealth creation using an award-winning formula Chris Volk devised in 1999 and which he has applied to many articles he has written since. It is his hope that this book serves to inspire readers to harness the wealth creation potential of business as they contribute to, create, and run businesses that benefit us all"--

Book Synopsis

Discover one of the surest means to create personal wealth by building a profitable business

Every now and then, a business book comes along that offers original insights and a fresh perspective. In The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Creating Wealth for Entrepreneurs and Investors, veteran executive, entrepreneur, and investor Chris Volk delivers an engaging, straightforward explanation about how businesses work and provide wealth for entrepreneurs and investors. The author's signature approach is centered on his award-winning wealth creation formula in a book designed to simplify complex subjects with math no more complicated than what you learned in middle school.

Readers will become acquainted with the characteristics of successful business models, together with insights into how leaders can improve their own models in ways that generate personal and collective wealth. The author's framework presented in The Value Equation is the foundation upon which most of the largest personal fortunes were built.

Chris Volk also provides supplemental materials including interactive Excel spreadsheets, illustrations, and sample corporate financial models on a companion website. There is even a link to an award-winning video series created by Volk that served as his inspiration for the book. Full of illustrative case studies that highlight crucial business and finance concepts The Value Equation includes:

• Explorations of the true value of using OPM (Other People's Money) and capital stack variations to build and grow your company.
• Advice on business assembly, growth, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reengineering, including discussions of valuation multiples, common risks, and capital options.
• Guidance on how to valuate business models, delivered with help from a variety of stories and case studies. Uniquely, the author also draws on his own background, including the introduction of three successful companies to the public markets, two of which he was instrumental in founding.

The Value Equation is an indispensable addition to the libraries of anyone interested in growing wealth and capital through business, whether as a business leader, entrepreneur or investor.

From the Back Cover

Praise for THE VALUE EQUATION

"Chris Volk is a walking, talking Capital Asset Pricing Model -- only better. He's a rare combination of successful entrepreneur and talented teacher. This book is a gift for anyone interested in business, from start-up dreamer to seasoned executive."

--R. Ted Weschler Investment Manager, Berkshire Hathaway

"The Value Equation is a natural extension of Chris' successful career-long exploration of his business formula for creating wealth. A must-read for every business leader, MBA student, entrepreneur or investor."

--Amy Hillman, PhD Arizona State University, Rusty Lyon Chair of Strategy and Professor, Department of Management & Entrepreneurship

"In The Value Equation, Christopher Volk presents a time-tested business model that teaches readers the financial dynamics of how great fortunes are built and how they can do it too. I highly recommend it!"

--Daniel Burrus Serial entrepreneur, and author of seven books including The New York Times bestseller Flash Foresight and The Anticipatory Organization

"When someone who has helped found and build companies that have created business and corporate wealth writes a thoughtful book about how to create business and corporate wealth you should read it! Chris has written a detailed and informative book which many can benefit from."

--Larry Pitkowsky Managing Partner, GoodHaven Capital Management

About the Author

Christopher H. Volk

Veteran Executive, Entrepreneur, Business Leader & Investor

A recognized business model expert, Chris has introduced and led three successful public companies, two of which he co-founded. Those companies provided more than $20 billion in growth capital to thousands of businesses, helping them succeed. Chris resides with his wife in Arizona and Alabama.