Notes for the Children by Patrick Priestner is more than just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt guide to navigating the complexities of business and life. Originally conceived as a gift to his five children and four grandchildren, the book offers valuable insights that transcend family boundaries, appealing to anyone seeking a kinder, more thoughtful approach to success, especially in a world that often celebrates cut-throat tactics.
Priestner, a celebrated Canadian entrepreneur, built one of the country’s successful automotive businesses, but the heart of his story goes beyond business accolades. He writes candidly about his journey through life, reflecting on his roles as a son, brother, car salesman, award-winning entrepreneur, and, most importantly, husband and father.
Born into challenging circumstances, Priestner recounts his early life with an alcoholic father who passed away young and a mother who struggled with her addictions. Through evocative storytelling, he invites readers to walk through the streets of his childhood and witness his growth, from his first car sale to becoming an influential leader in the automotive industry. Along the way, he shares the personal joys and challenges he faced with family, highlighting how music and Buddhist philosophy helped him find balance and compassion in difficult times.
Priestner’s reflections extend beyond business strategies to emphasize teamwork, family, philanthropy, and personal growth. His generosity is evident in his decision to donate all proceeds from the book to Well-Being Canada, a mental health organization he founded. The book’s core is shaped by notes Priestner collected during decades of business meetings, where he often pondered the emotions that shape personal and professional lives—resilience, fear, gratitude, anger, and more. “That’s forty-eight years of contemplating and sharing my thoughts on attitude, resilience, anger, forgiveness, fear, gratitude, anxiety, and every other emotion that comes our way in the sales world, and I suspect in everyone’s world,” he writes.
These notes helped form the book’s backbone and served as a roadmap for Priestner’s personal evolution. His reflections on mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion make the memoir relatable and authentic, a rare quality in the writings of someone who has achieved such notable business success. Priestner’s message is clear: personal growth is an ongoing process, and the aim isn’t to outshine others but to continuously improve upon who you were yesterday.
Priestner’s optimism and accountability are refreshing. He admits that maintaining a positive attitude requires conscious effort: “I still need to give myself little attitude checks. If I forget, even for a day or two, this attitude veers a little over the wrong side, and it takes some self-awareness to check in and improve my thoughts, feelings, and actions.” This commitment to self-reflection may be the key to his success in business and life.
At its core, Notes for the Children is a memoir about personal triumphs, love, loss, and lessons learned. It’s a testament to how small, intentional changes can foster healing, inspire growth, and strengthen connections. For readers tired of the notion that ruthlessness is required for success, Priestner offers a refreshing alternative: success rooted in compassion, authenticity, and continuous self-improvement.
Available on Amazon, Indigo, and Apple Books, Notes for the Children provides readers with a treasure trove of teachable moments applicable to business and life.
Published by: Annie P.
