Former Instructor Mike Cassidy Publishes New Book: The Profitable Entrepreneur

Success is rarely a straight path—and for Mike Cassidy, that path has been shaped by a lifetime of business experience, entrepreneurial leadership, and a passion for teaching.

Mike’s entrepreneurial journey began early. As a Management major at Purdue University, he gained firsthand experience through his father’s leadership in food processing. Around the same time, Mike was working in a shoe store and unexpectedly found himself promoted to manager. That early leadership role made a lasting impression, teaching him that great business is driven by people, not just numbers.

His entrepreneurial path continued as the founder of Package Right Corporation, a private label manufacturer of jigsaw puzzles and board games. Under Mike’s leadership, the company grew to employ more than 100 people and became a key supplier to major national toy brands. His time in the toy industry taught him how to turn around underperforming departments, navigate financial uncertainty, and build teams that drive results—lessons that would later shape his teaching philosophy.

For over 15 years, Mike served as an award-winning instructor in Purdue’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, where he inspired thousands of students with real-world lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from both corporate and startup environments, Mike emphasized that core business principles—like strategic thinking, adaptability, and people-first leadership—transcend industries.

Now, he brings these insights to a wider audience in his new book, The Profitable Entrepreneur, released on Amazon on April 22. The book offers an experiential guide to entrepreneurship, packed with practical advice and real-life stories. It’s designed to go beyond theory, helping readers navigate the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship with clarity and confidence.

“I wanted to create something that would help entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes I made—and maximize the things that worked,” Mike shared. Whether you’re a current student, recent graduate, or seasoned professional looking to make your next big move, The Profitable Entrepreneur offers timeless strategies for building a business that works for your customers, your team, and yourself.