About Putze Ink

It was a cold, dreary evening in November 2014 when Aaron Putze asked Iowa Hawkeyes’ great Chuck Long a simple question at a downtown Des Moines restaurant.

“Where’s your book?”

The question was on point. After all, here was a man who held every Iowa passing record, played in five college bowl games, finished runner-up to Bo Jackson for the 1985 Heisman Trophy and was the 12th overall pick in the ‘86 NFL Draft. All this, despite playing for a running team at Wheaton North HS, being recruited by just three colleges (Northern Illinois and Northwestern the others) and getting blown out in his first start for the Hawkeyes (42-7 vs. a loaded Nebraska Cornhuskers squad).

Now that’s a story of overcoming and persevering if there ever was one.

Yet no book.

Two-and-a-half years and 885 hours later, Destined for Greatness: The Story of Chuck Long & Resurgence of Iowa Hawkeyes’ Football was published (on Nov. 6, 2017 to be exact!).

Nearly 200 book signings later, the story continues to resonate.

The ride has been an unbelievable one — a journey no one could have expected. It’s been filled with highlights… of people met, relationships started or deepened, places traveled (seriously… a book signing in the middle of the Caribbean in February 2019 with Hawkeyes fans aboard a cruise ship?!!) and meeting football fans who light up and relive the memories of games attended and wins celebrated!

Even better, Destined for Greatness features numerous leadership themes and stories. And these testimonials spawned additional conversations with dozens of overachievers in all sorts of places... business, academia, philanthropic, elected office, agriculture, retail, media and sports... insights that were too good not to share!

You Are Destined for Greatness was published in May 2019!

And with it, a new journey that’s helping build better people — and leaders — through keynotes and workshops held throughout Iowa, the Midwest and beyond!

Putze Ink is dedicated to bringing these inspirational stories to life — and many others gleaned from connections and conversations with amazing people and personalities all across the country. In fact, some new works are… well… in the works!

There’s no doubt that combining Passion, Attitude and Effort will take you places!

Where are you going?

Drop us a note or follow us on Facebook (@PutzeInk) and let’s take the journey together as we live more, give more and achieve more!