In Memory of E. Joseph Cossman

I recently learned (from an email from Jim Straw, which many of you probably received too) the very sad news that E. Joseph Cossman recently passed away....

While I never met him in person, Joe Cossman is one of my entrepreneurial heroes. The very first book about business which I bought was "Making It!" by E. Joseph Cossman and William A. Cohen. Since then, I ravenously got whatever of his I could lay my hands on, like his book on starting a mail order business, and his big set of audio tapes (which came in a brief case - which I bought from a wonderful person who also posts here on Sowpub).

To me, he was a guiding light on how to do business. He was honest, fulfilled his promises, and had a great sense of humor. I hope that through his works, Joe Cossman will continue to be a guiding light for many would-be entrepreneurs for many generations to come....

- Dien Rice

Yes....Joe Cossman was my "hero".

I was extremely fortunate to attend one of his seminars in Chicago many yars ago. I also signed up for his "personal 2 day session" where 19 other people and myself watched and learned as this man changed our lives forever.

He was a master marketer...a genius at promotion.

Each of us in that room had a product at that time and we signed up for the extra session so we could learn how to make money with our products AND...at the same time learn from each other.

It was an awesome experience as Joe went to each person....looked at their product and instantly came up with marketing plans for them.

I learned more in those 2 days than I ever imagined. I am STILL...to this day...remembering things Joe said that weekend.

I learned about Contracts and Legal stuff and all kinds of ways of promotion and getting a product to market. His WISDOM was overwhelming AND...what a wonderful CHARACTER he had.

At the time he had already earned millions with his "Ant Farm", "Shrunken Heads", "Potato Spud Gun", "Bag Full of 100 Soldiers", "Velvet Paintings"...etc.

He was also a beautiful specimen of a man. Perfectly manicured head and hands....beautiful body attired in beautiful, tasteful cloths.

What a joy it was to get to know this icon of American ingenuity. He was a gentleman thru and thru.

He inspired me to be "independent" and to "think entrepreneurially"....to look at a subject from "all angles"....to ask, "What If....?"

I remember one time where some ducks landed in his swimming pool and decided to set up house and raise some babies.

When the ducklings hatched Joe called the local newspaper and a reporter and photographer came out and they ran an article about how this wild duck had decided to set up house keeping in Joe's pool. (Must've been a slow news day)

And....in each and every photo...in the background was a Box with a photo and description of Joe's latest product. Terrific free publicity.

Yep...the world has lost a "one-of-a-kind".

Rest In Peace Joe.....the "fruits" of your life will continue to influence others and feed our society for many years.

Don Alm

Jim gave me permission to post his email here.... Thanks Jim. - Dien

Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 11:23:59 -0500
From: "J.F. (Jim) Straw"
Subject: With great sadness ...

It is with a heavy heart that I have just learned of the passing
of my dear friend ...

E. Joseph Cossman , 84 (the "Millionaire Maker") ... died
December 7, 2002, in Palm Springs, California.

Memorial services will be at 12 noon - sunday Dec 15th at Palm
Springs Mortuary , 69855 Ramon Road , Cathedral City , CA - (760)
321 - 0994

My heart is heavy at our great loss.

Joe & I shared a wonderful friendship for well over 30 years ...
by letter & telephone. Thankfully, I had an opportunity 3 years
ago to spend a day with him and his wife; Pearl, in Palm Springs
... the first & only time we met eyeball to eyeball.

Though he is gone, he will be with me always.

In pain,

Jim