At age eleven, Dave Powers balks at the escalating cost of fireworks in New York’s Chinatown. He opts instead to buy them wholesale and sell them, albeit illegally to his classmates. He concludes the marginally profitable but error-ridden venture leaving him brimming with confidence and captivated by the promise of entrepreneurship.

Over the next few years, a series of tragic events shatters his world. Dave must learn to navigate life’s challenges, including basic survival, business, and a love relationship. Upon entering the advertising world during the Mad Men era, he struggles to find his way amid the socially accepted excesses of nepotism, alcohol consumption, and the exploitation of women. Can Dave find the maturity to achieve his dreams? Or are his scars too deep to overcome?

Based on true events, On the Brink is a novel for young readers beginning their own journey, nurturing adults trying to soften their failures, as well as seasoned entrepreneurs and business executives.