“I believe in sweat equity.”

From Chip Gaines’ No Pain, No Gaines.

Inspired by the development of their television network, Chip Gaines writes to highlight the networking from his life that has allowed for the success of his business with wife, Joanna. While many in young Chip’s life saw the accumulation of wealth, position, and stuff as the mark of a successful life, he sought to find a life with purpose. So, from childhood, Chip worked hard to connect with people, creating the kind of relationships, business and personal, that were genuine and solid. Taking his search for connection too far through middle school, high school, and the beginning of his college career, Chip learned the hard way the benefit of developing his genuine self by deciding what attributes and attitudes were nonnegotiable for his personal life. To highlight the special network of people that helped mold him into the man he has become, Chip opens up several chapters for readers to hear directly from some of Chip’s family. Above all else, Chip highlights the importance of being kind and seeking the best in people to create a solid network of people.

The reality television star’s heart and humor are easy for the reader to recognize in the word-on-page format. Gaines does well to share insight without coming off as better-than the reader, especially since his most repeated idea is the value of working hard at what one loves. With stories of the sometimes-painful life lessons and honest wisdom in each chapter, No Pain, No Gaines is a quick and easy read that offers readers a chance to stop and evaluate life with humor and engaging side stories.