Mark Haertzen's 'Stay Thirsty' Achieves Amazon Best Seller Status and Releases Audiobook

The Kindle version of "Stay Thirsty" recently attained Best Seller Status on Amazon in the Biographies of Business Professionals category. Additionally, the book earned the Independent Press Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association in New York City and is set to receive the 2027 NYC Big Book Award as a Distinguished Favorite in the Business-Entrepreneurship & Small Business category.

Readers and critics have praised Haertzen's candid account of the risks and challenges he faced as a serial entrepreneur. Printed Word Reviews commended the memoir, stating, "Stay Thirsty is an inspiring and instructive read that replaces corporate jargon with honest storytelling."

John Clark, Owner and Founder of Old Stone Press, noted the overwhelming requests for an audiobook adaptation, highlighting that many busy individuals wanted to listen while exercising or commuting. The audiobook is available on platforms such as Amazon/Audible, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and YouTube, where a preview of the introduction and a trailer can also be found.

The memoir details Haertzen's 60-year journey as an entrepreneur, focusing on his significant venture, Rocket Man. This case study covers the company's 31-year evolution, from a garage startup to a global manufacturer of beverage dispensing equipment with sales in 65 countries. Haertzen also details Rocket Man's strategic pivot into stadium food services, providing drinks at 75 venues across the U.S., including major sporting events like the Kentucky Derby and the Super Bowl.

"Stay Thirsty" offers a raw glimpse into the entrepreneurial journey, discussing both successes and failures. Haertzen shares his transformation from an impulsive entrepreneur into a more data-driven business leader, distilling his experiences into practical advice called "Rocket Wisdom" axioms, such as "Nothing Sprouts From the Ground Fully Grown."

He emphasizes the importance of mentors, partners, and community in entrepreneurship, framing the journey as a team effort. Haertzen’s work celebrates entrepreneurial ambition and urges readers to embrace risks in crafting their own narratives.

Mark Haertzen, originally from Lexington, Kentucky, is a University of Kentucky graduate. Over his career, he has launched over fifty ventures, some successful and others not, including various businesses like a drive-thru coffee shop and a chain of self-storage facilities. When not writing or pursuing new business opportunities, he enjoys poker, boating, and relaxing at the beach. Haertzen resides in LaGrange, Kentucky, with his wife, Debbie, and has two grown sons and a granddaughter.

Old Stone Press specializes in publishing single-author books and intricate, highly illustrated works and is based in Louisville, Kentucky.