Bipolar Life

The former Brookstone marketing guru gives “proof of the fact that even in the face of this illness, a person can lead a rewarding and fulfilling life” (Howard Lester, former Williams-Sonoma CEO).   For more than forty-five years, Steve Millard has struggled with bipolar disorder. At his lowest, he was on the absolute brink of suicide, looking down into the abyss. Through his own methods of dealing with this disease, arrived at by trial and error, and the generous help of friends, and the teachings of a wonderful support group called Recovery Inc., he not only survived, he prospered, founding one of the most successful and profitable businesses in the direct marketing industry. A Bipolar Life is the story of his struggle.   “I have witnessed many of [Steve’s] struggles with bipolar disorder and can only imagine how difficult they are for him. I have also witnessed his high, his incredible zest for life and the ability to live life to its fullest. But equally important, I have witnessed his marketing skills and how he helped pioneer the catalog and direct marketing industry. Those skills were a major part of the dynamic growth of the Brookstone Company.” —Doug Anderson, former President, Brookstone   “Steve Millard was a good friend of L.L. Bean and a catalog marketing consultant instrumental to our success. He was upbeat and outgoing in his public life but quietly and courageously dealt with his emotional illness.” —Leon Gorman, former CEO L.L. Bean