Rachmanides, author of The Potato Peeler, chronicled his story where he overcame obstacles and worked job after job. The result was a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and a master's degree from Thunderbird, the School of Global Management in Glendale, Ariz.

Success soon followed with an international career then his own business ventures.

He's known in the Kingwood community for State Inspection of Kingwood, which he opened in 2001. His tenacity produced a business that became profitable after four months in business.

The secret to his triumphs, he said, is perseverance.

"What you have at this moment is what you become," Rachmanides said. "You have the potential inside and have to unlock it. You'll be faced with challenges, but you'll have to draw on your reserves. You have to think big and be willing to suffer."

Longtime area customers who know Rachmanides have found his book inspirational and enlightening.

Kingwood resident Neil Wesche is one of Rachmanides' first customers. He said the book "sparked his interest."

"I thought it was pretty good," he said. "He had very little in his pocket and made real well for himself. I found it very interesting just to learn about Paul and what he had to go through. I couldn't put it down."

Tom Carter, a Humble resident, has known Rachmanides for more than 10 years.

Carter said this "amazing" story is why Rachmanides is such a "hardworking, nice" man.

"It's unbelievable, and his military background is so impressive. He knew what he wanted to do when he came to the U.S. I understand how he made it. He's succeeded and did so well. He deserves anything he gets. I'm awful proud of him," Carter said.

Rachmanides, the son of Dimitrios and Vasiliki Rahmanidis, first dreamed of coming to the U.S. when he was 13 and working on the family farm.

In 1967, Rachmanides graduated from high school and proceeded to join the Greek military shortly thereafter. His determination in this field produced a special forces officer with paratrooper experience and graduation from ranger and jump schools.

After his military service, the desire to come to America continued. In 1971, he made the trip to Kansas with his student visa not knowing English or anyone at all.

By 1977, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a political science degree by supporting himself through odd jobs — one a potato peeler - and learning English along the way.

His master's degree soon followed in 1979.

With his education under his belt, Rachmanides became an executive trainee with CBS Records and traveled throughout Europe and Greece.

In 1982, Houston became his home when he found his former college roommate.

Rachmanides tried various careers during a 20-year period from real estate, nightclubs, gas stations and small businesses before opening State Inspection of Kingwood.

He hopes his book will offer guidance to those in pursuit of their own dreams.

"Today my station is one of the top in the state. It's very successful. The past is the past. You always have to move forward. That's the only direction to go," he said.

In his free time, Rachmanides, an avid Discover Magazine subscriber, enjoys researching theoretical physics and cutting edge world issues.

Copies of The Potato Peeler are available at his shop, 2630 Chestnut Ridge in Kingwood, or via www.amazon.com.