Thomas Derale, a mild-mannered businessman from Chicago, embodies leadership's greatest secret: his companies make fortunes, his people love him, and his customers are willing to wait weeks just to do business with him.At age 55, though, Derale is dying, and through a series of final encounters with key people in his life - primarily his wife, Maggie, and Joe, who regards Thomas as his mentor - we learn about his life, his unique business insights, and the true impact the man and his work has had on the people around him. A business parable with a difference, THE BIG FIVE FOR LIFE is a story of great leadership, savvy decision-making and is a powerful reminder that successful leaders are not just in the business of business - they are in the business of life.